What We’re Getting Wrong About Burnout
A few years ago, I hit a wall—again.
I was running on empty and the stress of trying to keep up, meet expectations, and juggle everything left me burned out in ways that more sleep or time off couldn’t fix.
So, I did what most of us do—I searched for a way to rest and recharge.
I read a few books on the topic, stepped back, and tried to slow down. But, as soon as I returned to my normal routine, the burnout came roaring back.
I couldn’t figure it out. Why wasn’t rest working?
That’s when I realized something that changed everything...
Burnout isn’t just about doing too much—it’s about carrying too much without the capacity to hold it.
Rest is essential, but rest alone isn’t enough to solve burnout.
When I first started talking about capacity, the pushback was immediate.
People thought I was telling them to do more. But that’s not it at all.
Expanding capacity isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about strengthening the plate itself.
This simple shift in perspective transformed the way I approached stress and pressure.
Instead of focusing on escaping the weight of life, I began focusing on building the emotional and mental capacity to carry it in a way that didn’t crush me.
Here’s what I learned:
Expanding capacity doesn’t happen by accident.
It requires intentional practices—pausing to process emotions, staying present with uncertainty, and re-centering yourself in the messiest moments.
When we do this, something incredible happens:
The same challenges that once overwhelmed us become opportunities to grow.
The demands that used to drain us become manageable.
The pressure that once felt crushing becomes something we can hold with strength and grace.
And most importantly, life feels lighter.
So, if you’ve been feeling stretched thin at the start of this new year, here’s an invitation... Stop focusing solely on rest. Start focusing on strengthening your capacity to navigate life’s demands.
Because the goal isn’t to escape the weight of life.
The goal is to grow strong enough to carry it in a way that feels true, grounded, and sustainable.
This one shift—from escape to capacity—changed everything for me. And I believe it can for you too.
Here’s to building stronger plates,
- Caleb