Uncovering Intentionality: On Resilience and Burnout
Burnout is the unfortunate cost of dedication to doing any meaningful work. It carves out the slope leading us from being fueled by purpose to being silenced by hopelessness. Burnout has long been a phenomenon understood primarily within a workplace setting, but has recently come to light as being a byproduct of any form of intentional work.
Resisting burnout requires resilience. It is important to acknowledge that in an ideal world, we would not have to bear the burdens of needing to be resilient. Resilience is a necessity because of the depth of severity that is seen in the flaws of the system today. It is a product of being silenced, oppressed, and abused. A true culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion would not require us to be resilient to survive. It is not a natural feat and should not be treated as such. However, while we are committing to do the work to undo these systems, the need for resilience is forced upon us. It is important that we harness this force and remind ourselves what we are working towards: a world where our existence is not burdened by an inevitable fight against the powers and the systems.
So how do we hold these two realities in tandem? Below, I offer you ways to resist burnout in ways that center intentionality, collective care, and a radical imagination for a brighter future. These strategies build upon already existing realities and forces, allowing you to ground your work in truths as you cultivate a sustainable advocacy practice.
Remind yourself of your values.
Much like in the face of any adversity, reminding ourselves of the values we hold central to our beings when facing burnout can help us remember what got ourselves in the ring in the first place. It’s an intentional reframing practice, and allows you to remind yourself of your right to live in a world that aligns with just principles.
Be intentional.
Often, we face burnout because we have allowed ourselves to be present in multiple different spaces at the same time. This, ultimately, is not sustainable, and will come to the detriment of your well-being. It is crucial to remember that our movement is one carried out by a collective; we are not in this fight alone. We all have different roles to play. Choose one that parallels your capacity, and allows you to build upon it as your capacity grows.
Collaborate.
Burnout, as we mentioned, leads to hopelessness. Hopelessness, however, is a solitary emotion, and we must remember that our movement is not a solitary one. Allow others to inform the ways in which you interact with the movement against injustices. Learn from others, and support them in their endeavors to create a more equitable future.
Harness your emotions.
Use them to fuel the work you do. If we recalibrate and understand our anger and distress not as internal forces, but ones that are a direct result of our lack of safety and autonomy, we will be able to understand that the key to building foundations for a just world lies in navigating these emotions to transform them into collective action.
As we create sustainable pathways to rejecting burnout, we must remember that the forces that have imposed harm on us are simply waiting for us to deplete. When we give into burnout, we are giving into the system’s desire for us to forget the importance and power of the collective. It is designed to isolate us, and to keep us living under the facade that our struggles are felt alone and are not shared. It is vital that we keep in mind that these structures were built by people, and what people built, people can transform.