Reviving Workplace Culture: The Power of Personal Transformation


By Angel Carlton Anderson

In today’s rapidly changing world, the culture of an organization is only as evolved as the individuals within it. If we want to restore a company’s culture to one of positivity, collaboration, and growth, we must start with restoring the human element. This begins with personal transformation.

The Personal Impact of Change

Change has taken a toll on all of us. Whether we’ve been through shifts in our personal lives, changes in the workplace, or simply dealing with the stress of an unpredictable world, these epic transformative times have had a direct impact on each person’s productivity, morale, and mental health.

This emotional and mental strain isn’t isolated—it’s spreading throughout organizations. What was once a thriving culture of camaraderie and teamwork can start to erode when employees feel overwhelmed, disengaged, and disconnected from their purpose.

Has your organization felt this shift? Perhaps you’ve noticed it too—fear, stress, and anxiety creeping in. When you walk through the building, do you feel a heaviness in the air? Have the smiles faded, replaced by furrowed brows and tense conversations? This isn’t just a passing phase. These are the visible behaviors of a deeper transformation happening within your organization.

Culture Reflects Mental and Emotional Stability

The culture of your company is a direct reflection of the mental and emotional stability of its people. And if people are feeling stressed, anxious, or unsupported, that will show up in how they work, interact, and contribute to the company’s mission.

This is the tipping point many organizations are facing. Beneath the surface, the culture is evolving into its next vision. The question is: What vision are you manifesting?

What Vision Are You Manifesting?

As a leader, this is the critical moment to pause and ask yourself a few key questions:

  • Have you taken the temperature of the emotional condition of your workplace?
    Do you know how your employees are feeling—truly feeling—on a day-to-day basis? What unspoken concerns or fears might be affecting their performance and engagement?
  • Have you assessed the mental health of your team?
    Mental health directly impacts productivity. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are not only personal challenges, but organizational ones. Are you offering support, resources, and a culture where mental well-being is a priority?
  • Do you understand what your people are experiencing outside the workplace?
    We sometimes forget that employees are people first—individuals with lives, struggles, and pressures beyond the office. Are you creating a space where they feel safe to express themselves and be supported as whole individuals, not just workers?

The Layers of the Unknown

In every workplace, there are layers of the unknown. People may put on a brave face, but beneath that facade, there may be untold stories of stress, loss, uncertainty, or burnout. It’s easy to miss the signs when you’re focused on deadlines and productivity metrics, but those are just surface-level indicators of a deeper need for personal transformation.

When people undergo personal transformation, their perspectives shift. They become more adaptable, resilient, and aligned with their true purpose. And when individuals transform, the collective culture follows.

Restoring the Human Element

To truly restore a company’s culture, we must begin with restoring the human element—fostering an environment where people can grow, evolve, and thrive. This means creating space for vulnerability, support, and connection. It means offering tools and training that encourage personal growth, not just professional development.

When people are empowered to face their own personal transformations with courage and optimism, they bring that same energy to their work. They become more engaged, more creative, and more committed to the organization’s mission.

The Time for Transformation Is Now

If your organization is going through a culture shift, don’t ignore it. Transformation is inevitable, and resisting it will only lead to further stress and disengagement. Instead, embrace the change and guide it with intention. Begin by taking stock of the emotional and mental well-being of your team. Invest in their personal transformation, and you’ll see that same transformation ripple throughout your entire organization.

As leaders, we have the responsibility to foster cultures that uplift and empower our people. By focusing on the personal transformation of individuals, we can restore the health, vitality, and strength of the entire organization.

The question is, what kind of culture do you want to create? The answer starts with the personal transformation of every person on your team.

Ready to dive deeper into transforming your culture? Let’s discuss how we can create lasting change in your organization—schedule a complimentary consultation today!

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Angel Carlton Anderson is a Transformational Writer, Course Creator, Speaker and Facilitator…helping organizations and their people evolve through the natural cycle of change so that they transform into a greater version of themselves, perform with purpose & lead with impact.  

Download my FREE ebook: How to Conquer Anything.  For more information or to schedule a chat, visit:  TransformwithAngel.com

Betrayal Unmasked

Healing from Deceit

As I sat in my daily meditation, trying to clear my mind of the usual clutter, something unexpected began to surface from the depths of my subconscious. These thoughts were surprising enough to raise my own eyebrows. But instead of pushing them away, I decided to let them flow without judgment. What emerged was a powerful realization—an epiphany, really—about something many of us are experiencing but rarely speak about: betrayal.

I found myself reflecting on the emotional wounds caused by betrayal and the long healing process that followed those painful experiences. I wondered if any residue of that hurt still lingered within me. I thought I had moved past much of that emotional baggage, yet I could still feel traces of those familiar feelings stirring inside me.

And then it hit me—it wasn’t the past betrayals that were still unhealed. It was the sense of betrayal I was feeling from the world right now. The rapid and relentless changes, the constant distractions, and the erosion of trust in the very institutions and people we rely on for safety and security—it all felt like a deep, ongoing betrayal. I realized that I’m not alone in feeling this way, and it seemed crucial to explore how we can address betrayal and heal these wounds as they emerge.

Betrayal is the violation of trust or loyalty, often by someone close to us, such as a friend, partner, or institution we depend on. It shatters the foundation of our relationships, leaving us feeling hurt, disillusioned, and vulnerable. Betrayal trauma, on the other hand, goes deeper, referring to the profound psychological and emotional impact that occurs when betrayal happens within a relationship where we rely on the other person or entity for our well-being. This trauma can disrupt our sense of self, safety, and trust in others, leading to long-lasting emotional scars that require careful healing.

Recognizing our responses to betrayal is the first crucial step in understanding the deeper impact it has on us. Our reactions often serve as indicators, pointing us toward unresolved wounds or unmet needs. By paying attention to these responses—whether it’s anger, withdrawal, or a lingering sense of mistrust—we can begin to uncover the root cause of our pain. This awareness allows us to address not just the surface emotions, but also the underlying issues that keep the wound open. Only by acknowledging and understanding these responses can we start the journey toward true healing. Now, let’s explore some of the common ways we tend to respond to betrayal.

  • Shock and Disbelief: Initially, individuals may experience a sense of shock and disbelief when they discover the betrayal. The revelation may be so unexpected and contrary to their understanding of the relationship that it takes time to process
  • Emotional Distress: Betrayal often triggers intense emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and confusion. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by a wave of emotions as they grapple with the betrayal.
  • Denial and Minimization: Some individuals may initially deny the severity of the betrayal or try to minimize its impact. This can be a coping mechanism to protect themselves from the full emotional weight of the situation.
  • Hurt and emotional triggers: The emotional pain resulting from betrayal can lead to a deep sense of hurt and betrayal. Trust, once broken, can be challenging to rebuild, and individuals may struggle with feelings of betrayal for an extended period.
  • Loss and Grief: Betrayal can evoke a sense of loss, similar to the grieving process. Individuals may mourn the loss of the relationship they thought they had and the trust that has been shattered.
  • Anger and Resentment: Betrayal often triggers intense anger towards the person who betrayed them. This anger can be directed at the specific actions that led to the betrayal and the person responsible
  • Anxiety and Fear: Betrayal can create a sense of insecurity and fear about the future of the relationship or about trusting others. Individuals may become more cautious and guarded in their interactions.
  • Self-Blame: Some individuals may engage in self-blame, questioning whether they played a role in the betrayal or if they missed warning signs. This self-blame can contribute to feelings of guilt and shame.
  • Withdrawal and Isolation: In response to the emotional distress, some individuals may withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves as a way to cope with the pain.
  • Difficulty Trusting Again: Rebuilding trust after betrayal can be challenging. Individuals may find it difficult to trust others, even in new relationships, and may be cautious about opening themselves up emotionally.

Healing from the emotional wounds of betrayal is not a linear process; it’s a transformative journey that unfolds in stages. Just as the betrayal itself can shake the very core of our being, the path to recovery requires us to navigate through various phases of healing and self-discovery. These stages help us process the pain, rebuild our trust, and ultimately reclaim our sense of self. By understanding and embracing each of these six stages of transformation, we can guide ourselves toward healing and emerge stronger on the other side of betrayal. Let’s delve into these stages and explore how they can be applied to mend the emotional wounds left by betrayal. The six stages of transformation—Realize, Release, Recalibrate, Reinvent, Resurrect, and Respond—can provide a helpful framework for understanding and navigating the healing process after experiencing betrayal. Here’s how you might apply each stage to healing from betrayal:

  1. Realize:
  • Acknowledge the Betrayal: The first step is to realize and acknowledge the betrayal. This involves facing the reality of what has occurred and accepting the emotional impact it has had on you.
  • Confront Emotions: Allow yourself to feel the range of emotions associated with betrayal, such as anger, sadness, and confusion. Realizing the depth of your emotions is crucial for the healing process.

2. Release:

    • Let Go of Resentment: Release feelings of resentment and the desire for revenge. Holding onto these negative emotions can hinder your own healing process.
    • Forgive (if possible): Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning the betrayal, but it can be a powerful tool for releasing the emotional burden. It’s a process that may take time, and it’s okay if it doesn’t happen immediately

    3. Recalibrate:

      • Reevaluate Values and Priorities: Take the opportunity to reassess your values and priorities. Consider what truly matters to you and what kind of relationships align with your core values.
      • Set Boundaries: Recalibrate your boundaries based on your newfound understanding of what is acceptable and healthy in relationships.

      4. Reinvent:

        • Rediscover Yourself: Use the experience of betrayal as an opportunity for self-discovery. Identify aspects of yourself that may have been neglected or overlooked during the relationship.
        • Explore New Passions: Reinvent your life by exploring new interests and passions. This can contribute to a sense of personal fulfillment and growth.

        5. Resurrect:

          • Cultivate Resilience: Resurrect your sense of resilience by recognizing the strength you’ve gained through the healing process. Acknowledge the lessons learned and the personal growth that has taken place.
          • Rebuild Trust: As you resurrect a sense of self, consider rebuilding trust in yourself and in others. This can be a gradual process and may involve taking small steps towards trusting others again.

          6. Respond:

            • Integrate Lessons Learned: Respond to the betrayal by integrating the lessons learned into your life. Consider how the experience has shaped you and what positive changes you can make moving forward.
            • Choose Empowering Responses: Instead of reacting from a place of hurt, choose empowering responses to challenges. Focus on actions and behaviors that align with your values and contribute to your well-being and the integrity for others.

            In moments of clarity, it’s evident that betrayal is more than just an individual wound—it’s a shared experience that many of us endure. While we may not have control over others’ actions or the unpredictability of life, we do have the power to choose how we respond and heal. By recognizing our emotions, understanding our reactions, and committing to the healing process, we can navigate the challenges of betrayal with grace and resilience. This journey of healing, though difficult, ultimately leads us to a place of strength, renewed trust in ourselves, and a deeper connection to who we truly are.  Each individual’s journey of healing ripples outward, fostering a collective strength that has the power to transform relationships, communities, and ultimately, the world. By confronting and overcoming the wounds of betrayal, we help create a more compassionate and connected global society, where trust and empathy become the foundation for true, lasting change.

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            Angel Carlton Anderson is a Transformational Writer, Speaker and Facilitator…helping people evolve through the natural cycle of change so that they transform into a greater version of themselves, live a life of purpose & lead with impact.  

            Download my FREE ebook: How to Conquer Anything.  For more information, visit:  TransformwithAngel.com

            #betrayal #healing #transformation #emotionalwellbeing #mentalhealth

            How to Rekindle the Spark Within

            Recently, I feel like I have been going through the motions and at the same time, feel a shift in my passion for what I do.  Not exactly a complete loss of passion but definitely a decline to the point where it has caused me to pause and reevaluate everything.  Can anyone relate?  This is a bit of an issue for me since my passion is my business that aims to inspire and motivate people. I make it a point to pay close attention to these alterations and not fight them because I truly believe they are directional signs pointing us in another direction.  So rather than getting frustrated, I asked for help.

            On a recent road trip, I bared my soul, opened my frozen heart, shared my deepest concerns, and asked my husband for some honest feedback. Have you ever been totally blindsided by someone’s response in asking for help that it took 2 days just to process the information??  Like I have said before, “truth is absurd when first heard”.  To say the least, I was triggered by his honesty that I obviously wasn’t quite ready to hear.  I had asked for help but instead got an earful on what I am not doing to take things to the next level.  I got a very clear picture on how he sees me “work my passion” through his eyes.  And if I am going to be truthful, I haven’t been treating my “work” with much passion at all. This heavy conversation is what broke the ice exposing an entirely new degree of passion I’ve been missing, giving my purpose an entirely new perspective. 

            As part of any transformation process, we need to RELEASE the behaviors that no longer serve us.  But first REALIZE the truth about what needs to change and do something about it, not just sweep it under the rug.  And many times we cannot see the truth when we are stuck in our limiting beliefs about what it’s supposed to look like.  This is when outside perspectives are extremely valuable.  And like I recently learned, we just have to put our ego aside, receive feedback with an open heart, and be coachable. 

            I realized finding my passion isn’t so much about where to look for it or even doing something differently.  It was about identifying the blocks and barriers that prevent it from becoming the bonfire it once was or wants to become. I invite you to consider looking at your past experiences that may have caused you to hang on to un-dealt-with emotional baggage like guilt, shame, regret or remorse.  Until you work through and process these emotions properly, your passion can never truly thrive. 

            As I prepared to spend the day writing at the beach, I accidentally grabbed my “A Course in Transformation Guidebook”.  Before I set it back down, I thought to myself, “Huh, maybe I need to do my own work to process this passion transformation thing I’m going through.”  So I did.  I spent 4 hours literally going through page-by-page of my own transformation framework that helped me so many times before.  Going through this therapeutic workbook helped me address what needed to be healed. And when I did, I felt an openness and a freedom that was like a burst of oxygen igniting the flame.  I began to feel excitement.  Ideas began flowing through and I could hardly wait to get to working on my next project.  My own Guidebook helped me create a plan and reset my vision.  Not to toot my own horn, but I have to say, it really works!

            So when you start to feel your passion dwindle and that awkward imbalance in your life, begin by doing some inner-renovation work.  Start with the blueprint (The Nowhere to Knowing “A Course in Transformation” Guidebook is a great start) then excavate deep down, release those boulders of negative emotions, take an inventory on what’s working and what isn’t.  Come to terms with the fact that just because you’ve been doing the same thing for a period of time doesn’t mean you’re still passionate about it. And life is too short to be doing anything that doesn’t align with our deepest desires.

            There comes a time when we have to look at what is causing our passion to fade.  People can feel disconnected from their passion for various reasons:

            1. Burnout: Overexertion or prolonged stress related to pursuing their passion can lead to burnout, causing individuals to feel disconnected or even resentful toward their once-beloved activity.
            1. Pressure and Expectations: External pressure or expectations, whether from society, family, or oneself, can dampen the enjoyment of a passion. When something that once brought joy becomes associated with pressure to perform or meet certain standards, it can lead to disconnection.
            1. Monotony: Engaging in the same activities or routines associated with their passion without variety or new challenges can lead to boredom and disengagement.
            1. Life Changes: Major life events, such as job changes, relationship shifts, or personal crises, can shift priorities and focus away from one’s passion, leading to feelings of disconnection.
            1. Lack of Progress: Feeling stuck or not making progress toward goals within their passion can be demotivating and lead to disconnection.
            1. External Factors: External circumstances such as financial constraints, health issues, or societal changes can limit opportunities to engage with one’s passion, leading to feelings of disconnect.
            1. Loss of Interest: Sometimes, interests naturally evolve over time, and what once was a passion may no longer hold the same appeal. This can lead to a sense of disconnection as individuals struggle to find new sources of fulfillment.

            Addressing feelings of disconnection from one’s passion often involves self-reflection to identify the underlying causes and making intentional efforts to rekindle enthusiasm, whether through seeking new challenges, adjusting expectations, or exploring related interests.

            Here’s a few ideas to spark that fire in the belly once again…

            1. Solitude. Spend time alone for self-reflection but do not isolate yourself to the point where you become lonely.  People can be exactly what you need right now (see #2).
            2. Ask for feedback.  There are people in your life that have a front row seat at your life.  Ask them what they see and give them permission to provide some honest feedback.
            3. Brace yourself. Prepare yourself for hearing perspectives that may feel wrong, incorrect or untrue.  Then set your ego aside and admit there’s some truth to what is being said. 
            4. Ditch the excuses.  We sometimes get in the habit of making excuses for not doing things.  Yes, even the things we claim to be passionate about. 
            5. Clear the emotional blockages. I firmly believe when we work through the emotional wounds of our past that have caused us to feel guilt, shame, regret or remorse, it blocks our passion energy from flowing.  So talk to a therapist (or purchase my A COURSE IN TRANSFORMATION GUIDEBOOK on AMAZON) to get to the heart of the blockage. 

            When it’s all said and done, our passion is the driving force for why we do what we do.  When our passion dwindles, it causes unhappiness, self-dissatisfaction,  impacts our relationships and bleeds into other aspects of our lives.  When left untreated, we soon become bitter and resentful.  This is a serious imbalance that needs to be remedied.  So the next time you feel uninspired, a lack of enthusiasm, or when the zest for life has diminished, take a good hard look in the mirror and work through that unfinished business.  Take the time to make the changes that light that fire in your belly.  Do whatever is necessary to become the next best version of yourself. I promise you’ll be rewarded with a happy, fulfilled life with an inferno of gratification. 

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            Angel Carlton Anderson is a Transformational Writer, Speaker and Facilitator…helping people evolve through the natural cycle of change so that they transform into a greater version of themselves, live a life of purpose & lead with impact.  

            To Learn more visit:  TransformwithAngel.com

            I Wish I Knew THIS in my 20’s! Perspectives about Change, Stress & Leveling Up

            A special thanks to my son, Nick Carlton for his contribution and for allowing me to share his transformation experience with you.

            Change…is an expected part of life.

            Change…gives us opportunities to grow.

            Change…allows us to know better who we are.

            Change…is one of life’s greatest teachers.

            Change…will test our strength, our character and our faith.

            All of this is true as well as…

            Change…is the root cause of all stress.

            Think about that.  Any event we experience in life, good or bad, invokes some level of stress.  When I had this realization, I started researching the impact of change and learned that our society (especially Americans) is more stressed-out today than ever before!  According to the American Psychological Association, 55% of Americans are living under extreme stress! That’s not moderate or high stress…that’s life-threatening, dangerous levels of stress where our fellow humans are white-knuckling their way through life. That’s over half of your co-workers, circle of friends, family members, and neighbors!  And here’s the most disturbing part to me…our young adults (ages 18-34) are amongst the most stressed of all of us!

            These are our future leaders and studies from the APA show that 58% of our young adults are “so stressed, they are completely overwhelmed and feel numb”.  Get this! 67% say they are so stressed, they cannot focus.  Isn’t this supposed to be the time for them to learn about their passion and start an exciting career??!!  How can they achieve anything if their brains are constantly impaired from stress??!!

            I had tears in my eyes when I first read these startling statistics.  I have a son who is in that age bracket and like his peers, these are supposed to be the best years of his life.  Yet, stress is at an all time high and rather than thriving and living the American Dream, they are feeling overwhelmed, limited, and spending their youth just scrolling on the couch.

            I believe there is no coincidence that these stats align with this recent study that  shows 87% of Americans feel like there’s been a constant stream of crises without a break over the last 2 years.  Wow!  I am so glad I am not the only one who feels like someone’s got a heavy foot on the accelerator and we’re all flying down the highway of change holding on for dear life.  Just. One. Shocking. Event. After. Another.  Can we just tap the brakes and take a breather?? The point being made is that constant change (which drives uncertainty) is directly associated with this stress epidemic and it’s time we shine the light on all of it.

            Well, last month I had the privilege of speaking at the Transformative Learning Conference in Oklahoma City.  My presentation was titled, “ The Profound Impact of Change on Young Adults”.  I delivered this message to a room full of college professors and administrators who feel this is something they see every day and something that desperately needs to be addressed. As a speaker and writer who takes pride in researching the transformation process and understanding the natural cycle of change, I eagerly introduced the audience to the 6 Stages of Transformation, providing them with a tool to help influence our young minds. While I prepared for this event, I thought I should get a real-life perspective and decided to interview my young adult son, Nick, who’s certainly had his share of change.

            So if you’re interested in learning how a 26-year old copes through life’s chaos, here’s the wisdom Nick shared with me as I asked him about each stage of transformation:

            REALIZE STAGE

            Mom: When did you realize your life was shifting? What was your greatest turning point and how did you handle it?

            Nick: My move from Dallas to Denver for a job during the pandemic was the biggest shift for me.

            Mom: How did you handle it?

            Nick: I had to take a step away and have a 3rd person perspective.  I decided to make change intentional rather than being at the affect of it and I understood that the outcome is not the same as how I imagined it to be.

            RELEASE STAGE

            Mom: Since there is always a clearing process that happens with transformation, what did you have to let go of?

            Nick: People who don’t believe in me and judge me.  You don’t need other people’s opinions.  They get in your way.

            Mom: So you feel like your circle of friends changed or got smaller?

            Nick: Yes, and I’m okay with that.  I know I have good friends that may not live near me but they’re there for me.

            REBOUND STAGE

            Mom: There’s a time in the process that you have to take an inventory of what stresses you out and then have a plan to manage that stress. What’s yours?

            Nick: 1) Sales – as much as I love it, it can be stressful.  2) Being away from family and friends.  3) Watching my dog’s declining health.

            Mom: How do you deal with stress?

            Nick: I let time pass. I stay busy and allow the solution to come to me. Remove myself from the situation. Sometimes just playing video games can be a stress reliever.

            REINVENT STAGE

            Mom: At some point you notice a shift and a “new person” begins to rise from the experience.  How do you feel you have reinvented yourself?

            Nick: I realize I have to have an end game so I set goals.  Right now I am very money-driven and determined but I understand the difference between confidence and ego.  I believe that being generous = success and that it’s important to have a purpose that is meaningful.  It’s kinda like excelling through video game levels…you become better.  You just gotta give yourself an end game.

            RESURRECT STAGE

            Mom: What did it feel like when you knew you had risen above the challenges and moved into that “next level”?

            Nick: I definitely leveled up.  It made me more humble. Humility is huge. I just think you have to make yourself happy, trust yourself and don’t let it get to you. It’s up to you, no one else can do it for you.

            RESPOND STAGE

            Mom: Once one makes it through the transformation process, there is a responsibility to respond to others in need.  In what ways do you pay it forward?

            Nick: I think it’s more about the small things that make a big difference.  When you’re in a good place it’s easy to share a smile.  Just be a nice person and hold the door open for someone. Everyone can do just that.

            Yep, that’s my kid…couldn’t be prouder.  Just know there are many people, young and old, going through this process who don’t have the tools or coping mechanisms to deal with what they’re facing.  When we learn to manage change and our emotional response to life’s ups and downs, we can then learn to manage the stress that accompanies it. As conscious adults, it’s up to us to recognize a struggling person and offer a helping hand, a smile or just hold the door open to the possibility of change potentially being one of the best things in life when managed properly.

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            Angel Carlton Anderson is a Facilitator of Transformational Learning, a Motivational Speaker & Published Author on the topic of personal development and change adaptation.

            ”Helping you navigate life’s shifts & the natural cycle of change so that you transform into the best version of who you are, live with a sense of purpose & lead with impact.”

            To Learn more visit: TransformwithAngel.com

            Breaking Free from Burnout: Rediscover your Passion & Purpose

            By: Angel Carlton Anderson

            Ever get to that point in life where nothing you’re doing seems to fulfill you?  Do you find yourself starring into space as if boredom has become your natural state of being?  Are you having trouble waking up in the morning only to take on another drab and dreary day. Yep, sounds like you’ve got a bad case of BURNOUT.

            Let’s take a deeper look at this thing called burnout and where it stems from because we all strive to get to a comfortable place in life where we have no worries and are not overworked.  We have put in a lot of effort to get where we are and deserve to relax and live a stress-free life, right?

            Let’s be honest, those boring “comfort zones” are nice for a while, but this comfy and content place in life, my friends, is where burnout creeps in.   Don’t get me wrong, we have gone from the pause of the pandemic to a rapid pace of busyness. And this is not to say you’re not filling your time with worthwhile ventures…but if they were really worthwhile, you most likely would not be feeling burnt out. Let’s face it, if we were challenging ourselves, pushing the limits of our potential and thriving in every aspect of life, burnout would not be an issue.  It’s only when we sit back, kick our feet up, fill our time with distractions, and put our life mission on autopilot that we become comfortable with the status quo.  

            Burnout is not just a state of mind, it is more than likely a personal growth issue.  Sounds kinda crazy to think being burnt out at work has anything to do with your evolution, but trust me on this…let’s say your “higher self” is trying to tap you on the shoulder as if to say, “Dude, what you’ve done so far is great, but this is not fully what you came here to do and you know it.  Your feelings are an indicator…a directional sign… toward becoming something greater.  It’s time. Ya gotta trust me on this.”

            Burnout is a merely a wake-up call to take a deeper look at your life and how you are living it…otherwise, why else would we feel that sense of unfulfillment?  We are being called to not just DO more, but BE more…utilize more of our potential, our creative power and natural gifts.  Not just do a job but transcend into your next best self.  We cannot accomplish this kicking back in our comfort zones.  Growth seldom occurs in that space of security, predictability, and safety.  Complacency can be a real passion killer if we let it go too far.

            So, let me ask you this, what is your passion, what comes naturally to you?  Because if you’re feeling burnt out, likely you’re being called to step up your game and tap into some unused talent.  It’s time to stop procrastinating, set aside laziness and step into a greater version of yourself…it’s what you’re being called to do, in whatever that looks like for you. Improve just one aspect of your life…big or small…and watch it spill into the areas where you feel burnt out:

            • If work has got you down, begin an exercise program…this will stimulate the mind and many times, work ideas will flow during bodily movement.
            • If you feel lousy physically, take on a new creative hobby…this sparks the brain and when your brain is activated, you will feel more energetic.
            • If you’re feeling sad in your personal life, join a meet up group, church or social…connection is very healing, and a simple smile can be a powerful prescription for the burnout blues.
            • If your relationships feel stagnant, then add some spark to your romance, maybe getting more creative in your dating agenda.
            • If you’re feeling lack or like you’re not giving enough, find ways to do an act of kindness a day – if you have it to give you are more abundant and prosperous than you think.
            • If burnout is caused by being overworked, then dedicate some time off for self-care…being too proud to admit you need a break won’t help improve your state of mind.

            Remember, life begins just outside of your comfort zone.  You feel it’s time for a change and with change comes some discomfort.  Well, it’s time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable…this seems to be our new normal, doesn’t it?! The time has come to take some control back, set some boundaries for yourself, and make a plan.  These are some things to keep in mind when doing so:

            • Value your own time…it’s the only commodity we cannot get back…monitor your distractions that steal your time and discipline yourself to do something you actually love. (I know, what a concept, right?)
            • New experiences awaken the unstimulated brain – challenge yourself to do something new and step into the “unknown”…your spirit will be uplifted and reward you in ways you can’t imagine.
            • Even though burnout can make you grumpy, do your best to be kind to those around you…everyone is experiencing some form of challenge in their life so find that commonality though kindness.

            Burnout is a call to action to step out of your comfort zone and see your life through a new lens.  Becoming the observer of your life and developing a keen self-awareness will make changes easier to navigate.  It helps to identify the root cause of your burnout.  Begin by asking yourself:

            • Are you being the best YOU you can be?
            • What is that highest greatest vision you have of yourself? 
            • Are you utilizing the natural gifts you came here to use?
            • What is something you enjoy that you’re not doing enough of?
            • Are you helping others in some way?
            • Are you being generous enough?
            • Are you limiting yourself in any way?

            Take time to self-evaluate your state of being (mentally and emotionally), then excavate those limitations (beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes). Give yourself some time to heal because burnout doesn’t just happen to you out of the blue…although it feels like it’s coming out of nowhere. Burnout is a process of being comfortable for an extended period of time.  Burnout means it’s time to mix things up…like a snow globe…nothing happens until you shake it up…it only becomes interesting when we do.  So, shake up that snow globe of life, make those necessary changes, and see for yourself how everything falls into place.

            Angel Carlton Anderson is a Transformational Speaker, Published Author of multiple personal development books, and Facilitator of Transformative Learning.  To learn more visit:  TransformwithAngel.com.