Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor: Why One Move Can Reset Everything
I’ll be honest with you. There was a time when I wore burnout like it was some sort of medal. Long days, endless responsibilities, and the quiet pride of being the one who could carry it all. Until one day, I realized the weight wasn’t a badge. It was an anchor. It was pulling me under.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what you’re carrying—projects, emails, family obligations, decisions waiting for you at every corner—you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that 77% of professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers. That’s not just a statistic. That’s most of us.
The Myth of “Big Change”
We’ve been told that turning our lives around requires massive action, a grand gesture, a total overhaul, or a 5 a.m. routine complete with ice baths and kale smoothies. But neuroscience tells us something very different: the brain is rewired not by massive effort, but by consistent, intentional micro-shifts.
A pause before reacting. A reframed thought. A single choice to delegate instead of shouldering everything ourselves.
That’s why my book One Move Makes All the Difference focuses on small, intentional steps. Because those steps are what actually create sustainable change.
And I’m humbled to share that Shawn Achor, whose work has deeply inspired me, saw this same truth in the book:
“Thoughtful, personal, practical and well-researched...this book delivers a radically hopeful message: just one intentional move can begin to shift everything. One Move Makes All the Difference is a roadmap for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain and wants proof that their next decision really can shape their future.”
I still can’t believe he wrote those words about my work.
The TEAM Framework: Thoughts First
One of the cornerstones of my coaching and the book is my TEAM™ framework: Thoughts → Emotions → Actions → Manifestation.
It starts with Thoughts. Because what you think shapes what you feel, what you do, and ultimately, what results show up in your life.
Here’s how this connects to burnout:
-
When your thoughts are on autopilot like “I have to do it all” or “There’s never enough time,” emotions of stress and anxiety follow.
-
Those emotions fuel actions like overcommitting, skipping rest, and ignoring boundaries.
-
The manifestation? Exhaustion, resentment, and ultimately, burnout.
But when you change the thought, even slightly, everything else begins to shift.
Your One-Move Reset (Try This Today)
Here’s a practical way to reset the cycle:
-
Notice the Thought. Catch one recurring “overwhelm” thought today. (e.g., I’ll never get through all of this.)
-
Name It. Say to yourself: “That’s just a thought, not the truth.”
-
Reframe It. Replace it with one supportive thought: I can take one step right now.
-
Act. Do the next small move: reply to one email, delegate one task, or simply breathe before the next meeting.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly that one move changes your emotional state, and with it, your actions and results.
Final Thoughts
I wrote One Move Makes All the Difference because I know how heavy life can feel. And I also know, from my own journey and from coaching hundreds of leaders, that the way out isn’t through bigger, harder pushes. It’s through smaller, intentional moves.
If this resonates with you, I’d be honored if you would preorder the book today. As a thank you, you’ll receive a signed bookplate, a custom-designed challenge coin, and bonus resources to help you make your next move with clarity.
👉 Available wherever books are sold.
Check out your options here: https://www.morewithmendelson.com/book
Responses