How to Recognize the 4 Types of Burnout Before They Take Over

Hey there,

Let me ask you something:
When was the last time you checked in on your energy, not your metrics, not your team—you?

In 2016, we almost went bankrupt.

We had just acquired one of our biggest competitors. It should’ve been a massive win.

And then… we lost $5M in revenue almost overnight because of a technical problem

I was working 14-hour days trying to hold everything together. Leading meetings while lying on the floor. I developed Tinnitus. I was so burned out, I didn’t even realize I was burned out.

Here’s the thing:
Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown.
It looks like you, but not quite yourself.

The 4 Types of Burnout (and How to Recognize Them)

1. Overload Burnout

• You’re always “on.” There’s no off switch.

• You crash at the end of the day.

• You wake up already behind.

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Try this: Either lower the number of goals—yes, delay some for later—or increase the resources and support to meet them.
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Think of it this way: Organizing a 100-person dinner tonight sounds impossible… unless you get a professional event team to help.

It’s not always the goal that’s the problem, it’s the resources behind it.
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2. Lack of Control Burnout

• Everything feels out of your hands.

• You get lost in the weeds.

• Your schedule owns you.
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Try this: Reclaim your sense of control by locking in your top three priorities.
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Most founders feel out of control because they’re doing too much and moving too slowly.

Focusing on the few things that actually drive traction helps you feel momentum, and that momentum restores your sense of ownership.
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3. Purpose Misalignment Burnout

• You’re working hard, but can’t remember why.

• You’ve outgrown your original vision.

• You feel like a stranger in your own company.
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Try this: Realign with your original core purpose and values.
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Start by reviewing what you’re trying to build today vs. what you intended to create.

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out the Mission to Mars exercise I shared recently—it’s a powerful way to rediscover your real "why" and reset your company’s compass.
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4. Emotional Burnout

• You’re running on emotional fumes.

•You’re tired of always being the strong one.

• The weight of leadership is too heavy.
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Try this: Don’t do it alone.
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Burnout here is often a lack of emotional support. That’s why I built a personal board of A-players—mentors, coaches, advisors.

You’ll still feel the pain of hard moments (layoffs, pivots, setbacks), but you’ll process it in a healthy way, without it breaking you.

Burnout is quiet. Creeping. Cumulative.
You don’t see it until it’s running the show.

The earlier you recognize the signs, the faster you can course-correct before it costs you, your business, and your health.

Are you burnt out while trying to scale your company?

My 1:1 Tailored Scaling Blueprint Calls are still on the waitlist only.
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Join the waitlist

Or reply to this email and let me know what team challenge you’re working through—I’ll make sure you get support.

Catch up on previous issues – Access past insights to optimize your growth strategy.
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Talk soon,

Ignacio

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