The High Cost of Never Enough
The Burnout Behind Wanting More
Do you want more?
When I worked in corporate, I chased a management position as I wanted to have a say in decisions. I got a team, but still had no control over the team’s direction. So I pushed for the next promotion…
When you get into the race, it is hard to get out. You’re always chasing the next goal.
More money, next promotion, more power…
The “next,” or never being satisfied enough, comes with costs. Burnout. Stress. Time with family.
Are you hungry?
Motivated & hungry (vrrrrr!)
Like a wolf on the hunt, you work hard to get there. You accept a project after a project, you have earned a fast learner badge, and when others hesitate, you take on more.
Congratulations. I would wish to have you in the team.
But probably your bosses acknowledge that, too. They give you a team and a seat at the table. Vuhuu. Let’s get the party started!
Still, it feels like an appetizer because the seat does not guarantee your position. There are other managers, other senior leaders, and simply more politics.
You quickly wake up and… want more. More recognition. More plans. More income. More influence. MORE!
But a quiet exhaustion creeps in. You feel that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The pressure to keep climbing is constant.
You capacity? Not unlimited, I am afraid.
Pink glasses of your capacity
Leaders are supposed to be ambitious, driven, and powerful. Your boss taps your shoulders when he can “rely” on you.
You’re always doing overtime, putting off fires, writing offers, and being pretty much 24/7 online.
You can handle it more, buddy. But so it happens, “more” becomes a weight you carry alone. I work with managers and emerging leaders who are in the middle of a perfect storm.
They are in the middle of everything. They deliver results, manage people, and juggle shifting priorities. Don’t forget the sheer blast we all have with office politics, false expectations, and never-ending to-do lists.
And “more” is suddenly “too much” and I hear: “I didn’t sign up for this”.
Wrong purpose steals your joy
Burnout often starts quietly. Early symptoms are:
You cannot disconnect from work. Thinking about the next meeting, client feedback, performance review, or strategy all the time.
You have trouble sleeping.
You neglect your physical state or hobbies you used to like.
Your family life is not happy.
Sure, you can tell yourself it’s temporary, that the next milestone will feel different. But let me spoil it. It doesn’t.
As soon as you reach it, the bar just moves again.
It is a vicious circle. What once felt like growth now feels like survival. The question is then:
Are you pursuing goals that matter? Or something to keep you in the race?
I know for a fact that constant chasing stops being fulfilling. You’re producing, performing, discussing, pushing, but for what?
✅Maybe it’s time to stop and think about your Ikigai:
What is success?
For many years, I have been talking to people about what they think success is. Here are some common responses:
To be in a loving relationship.
To have good money.
To have a good work.
To do what I want.
To decide for myself.
To be happy.
Interestingly, the “more” is often not present. It could be because simply “more” does not mean better or successful.
I will sound cheesy, but I want you to scrap what you’ve thought about “more” so fat and refine it on your own terms.
It is liberating.
You get more clarity. More focus. More time. More alignment between what matters and where your energy goes.
This exercise is not about doing less, but doing things intentionally. So, you have enough for yourself, your team, and your family.
Leadership isn’t about how much you can bear. It’s about knowing what’s worth.
TL;DR
Okay. Relax. Nothing has to change rapidly.
All you should do is estimate the costs you’re putting in vs. what you’re getting out. Burnout counts, and you don’t want that.
What you want is purpose and having enough energy left to function across all life areas and relationships.
Have a good one, Ivona