The Real Reason You're Burnt Out

ISSUE DATE: July 23, 2025

The Real Reason You're Burnt Out—and Can't Rest

Hello Reader

Welcome to Level Up Weekly newsletter, where I leverage 19 years in Stanford tech to help emerging leaders think strategically, build influence, and execute with confidence - so you’re seen, heard and valued where it matters most.

Today at a glance:

Burnout isn’t always from doing too much—it’s from never feeling done.

If you’re always chasing the next step, you miss the fact that you’re already in it.

You don’t have to earn the pause. Let what you’ve done count.

The Real Reason You Can't Rest

I’ve been feeling a bit burnt out.

A bit discouraged.

Overwhelmed and disoriented —just telling myself, keep going. Keep going.

Ever feel like you’re surrounded by success stories?

“I hit this revenue milestone!”

“I reached X engagements!”

“I’ve been invited to speak at…”

I read them and wonder:

When will I get there?

Meanwhile, I’m just trying to write one honest story.

Just one.

You’re Doing the Work—But Never Letting It Count

I’ve been posting on LinkedIn every week since March '25.

Some stories get a few likes—mostly from kind friends and colleagues (thank you).

Some feel like they float into the void.

And for the people who read but don’t click “like”—thank you too.

As for the rest, I’m still figuring out how to reach you.

This past weekend, instead of trying to knock out one more thing, I went for a walk.

Met up with old friends—moms I’ve known since our daughters were four.

We ended up at an open mic.

Some people were polished.

Some were awkward.

Some were just damn brave.

But for the first time in a long time, sitting there listening,

I felt clear enough to realize:

I don't let myself rest.

And underneath all the spinning... is that.

You’re Not Burnt Out from Doing Too Much—You’re Burnt Out Because You Never Stop

I feel burnt out…

Because I don’t rest.

And I don’t rest…

Because I always feel behind.

And I always feel behind...

Because I'm already thinking about the next thing I need to do to reach the goal

It’s not just doing too much.

It’s never being in the thing you’re doing.

Never letting it count. Never letting yourself feel done.

You Don't Have to Earn the Pause

I came across a phrase recently:

“Go through your goal, not at it.”

It clicked—because what’s missing sometimes isn’t effort.

It’s presence.

I’ve been chasing every goal like it’s a moving train.

Finish one thing, jump to the next.

No pause. No moment to say, “That was enough.”

And when you’re so focused on the next step, you miss the fact that you’re already in it.

You don’t let what you just did count,

you don’t rest.

Not because you can’t—

but because you think you haven’t earned it yet.

That night at the open mic reminded me:

You don’t need a perfect plan to make an impact.

You don’t need 100 likes.

If you helped one person, that's enough.

You just need to keep showing up—even when it’s not polished.

So if you’re on the go—chasing the big project, the promotion, or your next job—

Try being in the process, not just racing through it.

Pause.

Let yourself rest.

Today’s reflection:

If you’re tired, it might not be because you’re doing too much— but because you’re never letting yourself be done.

So today, remember:

You don’t need another task to prove your progress.
You’re allowed to feel proud before you move on.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a reflection of your worth right now.

You’re in it. Let that be enough.

Bonus practice: 3 Ways to Let the Moment Count

At the end of your day, name one thing you completed—and say: That counts.
Stop measuring your progress only by what’s left. Look at what’s already in motion.
Before jumping to your next task, pause for 60 seconds and ask: Can I feel good about what I just did?

Connect with Me

This resonated with you? Share it with someone else who’s always chasing the next thing—maybe they need to hear: You’re already in it.

Feeling like your contributions aren’t fully recognized?

This quick self-audit will help you assess where you stand, uncover hidden gaps, and identify the key steps to increase your influence, get noticed, and advance your career.. Answer these 10 questions honestly, and use your insights to take actionable steps toward greater visibility, influence, and recognition.

Take the 10 Question Self-Audit for Leaders