I used to think that feeling tired was purely physical — just the result of too little sleep or too much work. But what if the real reason I’m feeling exhausted isn’t about my body, but about my mind and my environment?
In episode 13 of The Battery Loop Podcast, I dive into the deeper causes of burnout and share why aligning with my passion and purpose is critical for my mental wellness and long-term energy. Here are some key insights that really changed how I think about tiredness.
The Two Kinds of Tired: Physical vs. Mental
I’ve learned that tiredness comes in two forms: physical and psychological. Physical tiredness is straightforward — it happens when I’ve physically exerted myself. The cure? Rest, recovery, and 7–8 hours of good sleep.
But psychological tiredness is more complicated. It often comes from being in environments where I can’t truly be myself. When I constantly have to show up in ways that aren’t authentic, it drains me. This kind of tiredness doesn’t go away with sleep — it lingers and builds over time.
When You’re Not Aligned, You Burn Out
I’ve noticed that many people, myself included, find themselves in jobs that pay the bills but don’t feed the soul. We go to work, perform our duties, come home tired, and repeat. It’s not necessarily hard labor — it’s heartless labor.
I’ve realized that when I’m not aligned with my natural strengths or interests, everything takes more mental effort. I have to think through each task consciously instead of flowing in my zone. That constant cognitive strain is a hidden energy drain.
The Power of Passion, Purpose, and Profit
One of the most powerful things I’ve taken away is the framework for meaningful work — the 3 P’s:
Passion: Doing what I love.
Purpose: Understanding why I do it.
Profit: Being rewarded for it.
When I lead with passion, I naturally find my purpose. And when those are in alignment, the profit — whether financial or emotional — follows. The opposite is also true: if I lead with profit alone, I’m likely to feel disconnected and mentally worn down.
This simple but profound formula helps explain why some people thrive while others just survive. The difference isn’t always external. It’s often about whether I’m doing what energizes me or what drains me.
Why Environment Matters Just as Much
Even if I love what I do, being in the wrong environment — one that stifles creativity, micromanages, or forces me to wear a mask — can erode my energy. True wellness requires spaces where I can be fully myself.
That’s why self-awareness is critical. Tools like brain profiling or personality assessments have helped me better understand my strengths, preferences, and ideal work environments.
Your Passion Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Necessity
If I’m running on empty, it’s time to look beyond my sleep schedule and into my soul schedule. I ask myself:
Am I doing what I love?
Do I know why I’m doing it?
Am I in an environment that energizes or depletes me?
Tiredness may be my brain’s way of signaling misalignment, not just fatigue.
So here’s the big question:
What’s one small shift I can make this week to bring more passion or purpose into my work?
