The Chadock Group, LLC

It’s happening already and I told you it would.

Most people I’ve talked to lately are 2–4 weeks into the summer season and it’s present.

They’re already feeling the beginning stages of burnout. It’s true.

This is exactly why over the last 6 weeks I’ve been writing about accountability and the H3 Formula: Health, Heart, and Habits. Everything you’re feeling right now is a breakdown in one or more of those pillars. This was the precursor, the early learning before, you know, that fire hit.

Last week I was on the phone with a potential client, and they started describing how they felt tired, lacked energy, felt like every inquiry from a staff member was becoming overwhelming, and they were simply tired of chasing.

My response: “Did you read my newsletters over the last couple weeks?” “Yes,” they replied.

Next, I asked, “Describe yesterday to me.” They went on to list about 20 things. Eighteen of them were busy work or putting out fires. Two actually moved the operation forward.

I asked about the previous day. “Mostly the same.”

Quickly, I asked, “You know what is missing in this?”

They asked, “What?”

“You,” I replied.

I explained:

You skipped meals.

You snacked on garbage.

No workouts.

No self‑care.

You haven’t been sleeping because your mind is wandering at night about the fires you put out and the ones you fear tomorrow.

You haven’t booked your focus block time. And you’re four weeks into summer and have completely abandoned your routines.

Their response: “Sh*T.”

And I’ll tell you what I told them: Relax. Don’t fret. It’ll all be ok.

The positive is we’re here and talking about this.

It’s 10x worse when we ignore it and just push harder thinking a couple long days will catch us up. Because guess what? It doesn’t work like that.

And here’s the emotional cost nobody talks about: When you run like this, you don’t just lose energy you lose joy, patience, confidence, and the ability to lead with clarity.

I’ve heard others talking about this at the gym.

People are posting about summer burnout already.

And it’s only going to get worse if we don’t act now.

And here’s the urgency:

When leaders burn out, team morale drops and the quality of service drops with it.

Your people feel it.

Your community feels it.

You feel it.

So let’s get ahead of it.

Quick Tips to Stop the Slide Before It Becomes Burnout

1. Health Self‑care. Eat foods that fuel you. Hydrate. Exercise because it fuels you. Sleep.
2. Heart Keep fostering relationships. When staff bring an issue, ask them for 2–3 solutions and which one they recommend. This builds them while removing pressure from you.
3. Habits Immediately book two 60–90 minute focus sessions on your calendar each week for the rest of summer. Non‑negotiable. Keep your appointment with yourself.
4. Connection Buy ice cream treats or candy and visit a different work group 2–3 times a week. Share a treat. Talk. Be present. Remove the stress and obligation.
5. Life Outside Work Enjoy family time and vacation — even a weekend getaway counts.

Two people have already reached out in the last week to say these simple steps are making a noticeable difference. Small, manageable actions create momentum. Within a few weeks, you’ll feel energized and like you’re leading again.

Major bonus:

Think back to your early days and how good it felt when a leader trusted you to make a decision. Even small decisions build confidence. That’s what #2 above does it destresses you while showing trust in them and giving them safety to grow.

Remember this: You are not alone. So many people feel this burden right now from general operations and lack of systems. You’re entering this season serving at max capacity. You need to be refueled.

As always, I’m an email, DM, or call away.