Well Being
Struggling with Burnout? Here’s one simple question to ask yourself…
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about burnout. It’s part of how I market myself, it speaks strongly to the demographic of coaching client I try to reach. And it’s an epidemic. One that many organizations struggle to address. One of the organizations I currently work with reports a burnout rate close to 90% for its staff. There’s loads of guidance out there on building resiliency, tips on self-care, tips on time management. And it’s all wonderful – but I don’t think it speaks to the root cause. I’ve worked incredibly hard on things in the past that were passion projects – and I felt renewed and excited rather than depleted at the conclusion of these. Are you giving from a place of joy or fear? I’m convinced that burnout is less about how much you’re giving and more about the energy of the place you’re giving from. Are your efforts coming from a place of joy, or a place of fear? It’s a very interesting question to consider. And if I’m super honest, lately it’s been fear for me. And as I result, I’ve been feeling off. Lethargic, tired, drained, frustrated, purposeless, aimless. Which is tough to admit for me considering the name of my business is True North. As I result, I’ve shied away from writing this blog. I haven’t felt like myself and I haven’t had the energy. And I couldn’t figure out why. And then the other day the answer hit me squarely in the face like a ton of bricks. One of the programs I facilitate is a journey of leadership for an energy client. It’s one of my favorites because it goes deep. It speaks to things like learner mindset, emotional intelligence, psychology, triggers, psychological safety. The inner journey of leadership if you will. My cofacilitators are amazing. One is a guy I’ve worked with before during a previous stage of my career. He’s probably the most knowledgeable and accomplished coach and facilitator I’ve ever worked with. He’s got numerous degrees, he’s got numerous PHDs. Loads more experience than me, plus he’s super articulate to boot. When we give from a place of fear, we invite burnout in I’ve ended up working with him more than usual the last few months. Great, right? What an incredible opportunity to learn from someone more experienced and accomplished than myself. I keep telling myself that, because intellectually I know that’s the “right” way to think about this situation. But that’s not what I’ve been doing. What I’ve realized in the last week or so, is that I’ve been silently and unconsciously comparing myself to him. I’ve been silently sabotaging myself. There’s a subtle voice that’s been carrying on unchecked during our work together, softly whispering into my ear things like: As a result, I’ve been over-preparing for my sections. Second guessing every word coming out of my mouth. Viciously chastising myself after a day of delivering that it wasn’t better. Worrying about how to change my style
February 19, 2025
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6.4 min read
Ask Ms. Mindfulness
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Shelley Pernot, otherwise known as the Irreverent Guru of Mindfulness, muses on life, leadership and everything in between. Your one stop shop for career tips, leadership tips and daily inspiration!
It was a privilege to work with Shelley as my leadership coach! The process was structured and yet flexible enough to meet needs as they arose. Shelley helped me to grow, learn more about myself, and to really achieve what I set out to accomplish. We worked on planning, navigating a promotion successfully, and so much more! I experienced many successes as a result of working with Shelley, she has great resources, knowledge, and really helps with setting the foundation to this coaching work. She won’t let you down!
Stacy Campos
Regional Coordinator
Having the opportunity to have Shelley as my Leadership Coach could not have come at a better time in my career. I was recently promoted to CFO and was new to the Senior Management Team. Shelley helped me navigate joining the team as well as helped me to determine who I wanted to be as a leader. The Leadership Circle Profile helped our team to discover our blinds spots and to be able to understand each other better. Working with Shelley not only has affected my professional life in a positive way, but also my personal life. She helped me take leaps and has given me the resources to continue this journey of self-improvement. If you’re looking to find more about yourself and how you can be the best version of yourself, I highly recommend working with Shelley.
Kristen Spedale
CFO
I have been working with Shelley for the past 2 years on my leadership development journey. What I thought would be a straight line, I soon learned with Shelley’s guidance, was a winding path with several ups and downs along the way. Shelley supported me as I took a deep dive into my professional and personal history and learned how it affects my approach and my perceptions. She helped me to slow down and recognize certain behaviors and understand that I can pivot in the moment or try again next time. Ultimately, my work with Shelley turned out to be so much more than what I expected. Her approach to coaching was exactly what I needed.
Nicole Naassan
Senior Vice President, Consulting
I’ve learned more about leadership in the past six months working with Shelley than I have in my 10+ year career. She is an incredible coach with many tools in her toolbox. The guidance and mentorship I’ve received from Shelley has been life-changing. She will challenge your limiting beliefs and inspire new ways of thinking.
Margaret Soltis
Creative Director
I highly recommend Shelley if you need a coach, thought partner, and guide as you consider the next steps in your career. She provides practical tools and advice to help launch your career exploration, but most importantly, she is an expert at helping you cut through the noise of your limiting beliefs. At the end of our time together, I had a much clearer vision of what I wanted in my life and a plan to make it happen. My only regret is that I didn’t find her sooner!
Elizabeth Magnus
My career coaching sessions with Shelley have brought me back to living. It’s been contagious, spreading throughout my personal and professional life. I now have the building blocks I need to continue setting healthy boundaries, the freedom to show up as my authentic self, and an adaption of a growth mindset that has allowed me to make bold decisions and try new things. I’ve discovered that there’s always another way and how to eradicate barriers that lead to tunnel vision. These sessions with Shelley have been a great gift and have given me the momentum I need to continue the journey to be my best self.
Teasha Houston
Art Director
It is amazing to think where I was only 10 months ago when I first started working with Shelley and where I am now. Not only professionally but mentally and emotionally. Shelley helped me navigate out of an unhealthy work environment by challenging me and asking me those tough questions we never seem to ask ourselves. What are the values of a true leader? How do those values align with my own? Shelley challenging me and guiding me through some of those tough questions is what led to my epiphany and me having the courage and confidence to leave an environment that threatened my well-being. She taught me how to become more self-aware and self-compassionate. Reminded me to be kind even when the world would understand if I did otherwise. And the biggest one for me, shutting down that crazy inner voice (we all have it!) and replacing it with being present. Shelley has armed me with tools that I will carry with me for a lifetime. Tools that will help me to continue to grow and learn. Life can be hard but working with someone like Shelley does make it easier. She will help you navigate the good and the bad and you’ll learn so much about yourself in the process.
Michele Feria
Director of Marketing
First of all I would like to say that I would recommend Shelley to anyone needing career guidance. As my counselor Shelley helped me transition my career from bartending to Tech Sales which was a difficult and scary transition for me. From the start Shelley was fantastic. Initially I had no idea of which direction I wanted my career to go, I just knew I wanted it to go somewhere else. Shelley was so kind and patient as she helped me figure this out, and gave me a step by step guide on how to explore my options and make an educated decision. She also helped me assess my skill set which played a large part in directing my energy. I landed a great job within days of my final session with Shelley, and now I’m month 3 I am absolutely loving it and doing very well. It was the perfect job for me and Shelley was the one that got me there. Working with Shelley was one of the best decisions I have ever made, she literally changed my life and I am so much happier for it.
Russell Boxer
Account Executive