Burnout and anxiety often stem from living a life that isn't aligned with your core values and life purpose. When your daily actions and career choices are out of sync with what truly matters to you, it's like sailing against the wind. No wonder you're exhausted! As a coach specializing in burnout recovery, I've seen firsthand how reconnecting with your core values can transform your life.

The bottom line is that burnout results from misaligned priorities and insecurity. People rationalize these self-defeating behaviors, leading to a predictable cycle of overwhelm and exhaustion. You've got a calm demeanor at work, but you freak out on your kids for doing stuff that all kids do. You blame your partner or accuse them of being unsupportive rather than dealing with your chronically low self-esteem. You feel like you need the margarita now rather than casually enjoying one. Once you're in the burnout cycle, you may lash out, feel guilty, and pout.

I know we all have imposter syndrome, anxiety, and fears, but I'm calling BS on walking around with a head full of child-like worries and encouraging you to choose a new story.

Kids come out of the box curious and are much more intelligent than we think they are. As I cruise around in my minivan with a dead sparkplug and a check engine light that won't go away this afternoon, I look for the meaning in the insanity of our suburban life.

While anxiety seems to be the plague of the times, and "future tripping" is a household term, I think it's important to note that codependency, struggling to focus, and the urge to be hyperproductive aren't moral failings.

My dad, like myself, was probably overwhelmed at the time, but oddly enough, the squash year is the one I will never forget. That was his masterpiece.