Distinguising Burnout and Lack of Discipline

[caesar13]

As the title says how do you distinguish between burnout and lack of discipline. I do a part-time job for a company that's elsewhere, not in the place where I live. So, yeah, that's remote work. When I'm not working I keep on studying - whether it's computer stuff or self-development stuff. Sometimes I feel like I don't want to study. Certainly, I will get bored with what I'm doing eventually that I definitely need a break. But, how can I not deceive myself? I'm not sure if I'm already deceiving myself. How can I be sure that what I am feeling is actually burnout due to studying or am I just avoiding the work?

Is there a silver line between those two states - burnout and discipline? How do you tell yourself what the right answer is?

[Carl-Richard]

Burnout is when your performance drops significantly, and it's more visceral and actually physical than the feelings associated with a lack of discipline. It's like you lack basic life energy, and it affects everything else you do. On the other hand, the feelings that arise due to a lack of discipline are usually more psychological: emotional turmoil, indecision, feelings of inadequacy, shame and anxiety. You don't have the same problems with energy, only that you're aiming it in the wrong direction, and your mind will tell you about it.

Edited February 27, 2023 by Carl-Richard

[gettoefl]

it's about knowing yourself knowing your limits; if you have an hour of fuel in the tank and you try to work two hours, you will be miserable

so you have to know on a given day your potential output

following through with this self knowledge is discipline

sometimes one overestimates one's fuel level and quits the tasks at hand

this is okay since failure needs to be embedded into the program

sometimes you work you're grouchy you quit, be gentle and kind and accepting

on average follow through 6 days a week cut yourself some slack one day a week

this is a healthy balance and forestalls the burnout of being too perfectionist

if you give yourself a manageable comfortable program like this, you will find your limits increase

for example if you're a runner you will be able to go faster and go further

[hyruga]

Burnout happens when you do not find enough purpose in your present work so you need to look for your whys, your reasons for working there etc. Go deep to look for the meanings.

When you do work, there are two main reasons for doing so. One is because you are motivated to do so, the other is because you are disciplined. Disciplined is a bit forced so it's not as good as being motivated.

Edited March 1, 2023 by hyruga