How this S.O.B. Imprisons US

3 reasons we accept stress, overwhelm and burnout as “natural” parts of life

There’s no shortage of information about how to combat stress, overwhelm and burnout so why is it that most people seem to be stuck in a cycle, convinced “that’s just the way it is”? Many of us sit as unhappy prisoners for years without realizing that the door was never locked – we were always free to leave. 

There are three main reasons we accept stress as normal, crying “I want to break free” as the Queen song says, without actually following through with any helpful actions towards freedom.

1. Our Culture (with a capital C)

First up to blame – our Culture. Most of us either accept stress and overwhelm as part of our lives OR are consistently told “that’s just the way it is” if we dare to speak on our own behalf. We’re part of a culture where being stressed is accepted and acceptable, even celebrated. Elon Musk, the famous CEO of Tesla, idealizes 120-hour work weeks. Japanese companies are celebrated for the excellence while a brutal culture of overwork exists underneath. In fact, there’s even a word in Japanese for “death due to stress” – Karoshi. 

A culture is something that you inherit unconsciously. Sometimes we don’t even realize what we inherently accept as true, even though in actuality it’s only cultural. Be on the look-out for ways you can begin to re-train your brain to think and act counter-culturally. Treat yourself kindly. Set boundaries firmly. Continue to work hard, of course, but remind yourself that stress does not lead to better quality of work or life. 

2. Work Culture 

Next up to bat, your particular work culture. This can differ greatly from culture in a more general sense. Many of us inherited the position we now hold from another person. With that, we often accept whatever comes with it – the office, the staff, the schedule, the long hours, the meetings, the understanding that “that’s just the way it is”. 

Remind yourself that inherited positions are not set in stone, and you were brought on for what you could bring to that position, not merely to be an automaton performing exactly as your predecessor. And if you’re a boss yourself, be careful and conscientious of the culture you create at work. Stress, overwhelm, and burnout have no place in your office. Professionalism, hard work and excellent communication are always welcome! 

3. Learning Culture 

The final major cause of accepting stress as an unavoidable part of life is the learning culture in leadership. Leaders of organizations introduce new fads, terminology and solutions every few months, rapidly changing how things work without time for integration or employee adjustment. 

True leaders do not chase trends and implement them without a thorough integration plan. Rapid change without reasonable time for employees to adjust is a recipe for stress and overwhelm – not a good environment for producing high quality work or a satisfied work force.