Break the Burnout Cycle
Unlearn inherited work habits that are holding you back
We can inherit work habits— often passed down from family, mentors, or societal expectations—can set us on a path to burnout if we don’t intentionally rewrite the script.
What Are Inherited Work Tendencies?
Many of us unconsciously adopt work tendencies that we’ve observed growing up: overworking to prove worth, saying “yes” to everything, or believing that rest equals laziness.
While these habits might have served our parents or mentors in their context, they often don’t align with the demands of today’s workplace—or our well-being.
For example, you might be prioritizing being seen as “always available” over setting healthy boundaries, leading to resentment and exhaustion.
A Personal Reflection
Growing up, I watched my father work long hours tirelessly as a self-employed painter. I internalized what I saw as sacrificing everything for work was the key to success.
When I entered the workforce, I repeated those habits—answering emails late at night, never taking a break, and feeling guilty as if I wasn’t constantly busy.
The turning point came when I ended up in the hospital. I realized that my inherited work tendencies were burning me out and jeopardizing my health. I had to unlearn what I thought “hard work” looked like and redefine success on my terms.
Your Action Steps
Inherited work tendencies shape how we approach our careers, but they don’t have to dictate our future. To overcome these patterns, try these steps:
1. Identify the Tendency: Reflect on the origin of your work habits. Are they helping or hurting you?
2. Reframe Success: Replace outdated beliefs (e.g., “success = busyness”) with empowering ones (e.g., “success = impact and balance”).
3. Practice New Habits: Start small. Set clear boundaries, schedule breaks, or delegate tasks.
Breaking free from inherited work tendencies takes time, but it’s essential for creating a career—and a life—that energizes rather than drains you.
What’s one inherited work habit you’re ready to leave behind? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights!