The hidden addiction driving us to burnout


๐Ÿ‘‹ Hi! I'm Dan. I help makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives find the clarity and motivation to get their work out into the world. If that sounds good, let's go! ๐Ÿš€


Hi Reader,
โ€‹
In 2022 I was running a venture studio building multiple SaaS products.
(Maybe that's how you found your way here even)

We had one software that was doing great.
It had done more than $500k in its first year and change.
โ€‹
Then it hit a wall.
So I pushed harder.
โ€‹
Then one of my business partner stepped away.
So I pushed harder.
โ€‹
I told myself: "the only way out is throughโ€
And I pushed even harder.
โ€‹
The more I see the pattern, the more I see how my work was like an addiction:

  • Obsession.
  • Persistent desire for more.
  • Continued effort despite negative symptoms.
  • Etc.

โ€‹
Hereโ€™s the thing:
For me, itโ€™s not the work itself.

I wasnโ€™t addicted to the work.

I doubt many people are.
โ€‹
โ€œWorkaholismโ€ is a misnomer.

What is it then?
โ€‹
Itโ€™s control.
Itโ€™s addiction to a particular future.
Itโ€™s obsessive and relentless pursuit of a particular version of success.

The truth is this:

Iโ€™m addicted to my dreams and ambitions.

And I know Iโ€™m not alone.
โ€‹
I can spin it as good:
Iโ€™m a hustler.
Iโ€™m resilient.
I donโ€™t quit easy.
Iโ€™m a high achiever.
โ€‹
All of those are true.
โ€‹
But every strength has a dark side.
And Iโ€™m getting to know mine.

Thereโ€™s good news.

In recovery they say:

โ€œAcknowledgment is the first step toward acceptance, and acceptance is the first step toward recovery.โ€

Be ambitious. Go after big things.
But hold it all loosely.
And be ready to let it all go.
Practice detachment and meditating on the death of your dreams.
โ€‹
This is a reminder to myself.
I hope it does the same for you.


In Case You Missed it:

A few recent posts and articles you may have missed...

From the Newsletter:

๐Ÿ“ฐ It's quitting day! ๐Ÿฅณ - On finding freedom to quit the things that aren't working.
โ€‹โ€‹
๐Ÿ“ฐ
The Death of The Meaning Movement โ˜ ๏ธ - On creativity, risk, death, and what it means to be fully alive.

From LinkedIn:

๐Ÿ“ฐ Highlights from 2023 - The single most consistently helpful action you can take for your life, career, and business is to review .
Studies have been done on this.
Goals without context donโ€™t stick....โ€‹
โ€‹
๐Ÿ“ฐ
You can fix the root cause of burnout this year. โ€‹

Itโ€™s easy.

But most don't want to hear it.
โ€‹โ€‹
๐Ÿ“ฐ
This year: Let it be easy - my theme for 2024.


Things I'm enjoying:

๐Ÿ“˜ Raj Lulla's Novel

If you've listened to the podcast, you know Raj.

He's a close friend, brand strategist, and writer. He wrote a fun and touching novel about fatherhood. It's called The Caring House and it comes out soon.

It gives me hope that I can be a good dad and that I'm not defined by my lowest moments.

Anyone who knows a father, has a father, is a father, or who might ever be one should read it. Without question.

The book comes out in a couple months and he's donating all of his pre-orders to an incredible charity. Join his list, follow along, and buy the book here.

Newsletter: https://www.rajlulla.comโ€‹

Preorders: https://amzn.to/3SwaI2Kโ€‹

You'll hear more from me about it in the coming weeks. But for now jump on his mailing list and get the book. I promise you won't regret it.

โœ‰๏ธ Jay Papasan's newsletter (the Twenty Percenter)

Jay is a friend, thought leader, and author who writes about leadership & productivity. I love his easy to read insights. Click below to give his newsletter a try:

Image for Jay Papasan

Jay Papasan

Best-Selling Author, Founder, Creative CEO

Every Friday, I share concise, actionable insights for growing your business, optimizing your time, and expanding your mindset. Co-author of multiple million-copy bestsellers.

Subscribeโ€‹

Anything great you've been enjoying? Send it along! I'd love to know.

Yours in meaning making,

PS- I'm working on rebooting the podcast and hope to have semi-regular newsletters landing in your inbox.

In the meantime, hit reply. I'd love to hear what you're excited about making/creating/doing in this season of life. I can't always respond, but I promise I read every email.


Dan Cumberland

Say hi ๐Ÿ‘‹ on Twitter or LinkedIn!

And follow along:

โ€‹

The Meaning Movement

Hi! ๐Ÿ‘‹ I'm Dan. My periodic newsletter helps makers, artist, entrepreneurs, and creatives find the clarity and motivation to get their work out into the world. I write on psychology and success to help you build a life on your own terms. Join 8,000+ other readers. I'd love to connect! ๐Ÿ–ค

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