🌱Admitting I Was Burned Out
A 3 min read.
In the fall of 2022, I reached a point in my career where I knew something had to change. Burnout had crept in, though I was reluctant to admit it. My friend Steve recommended I try working with a professional coach. At the time, I was already seeing a therapist, but I was curious—what exactly could a coach do for me, especially as a leader in the hospitality industry? I decided to give it a shot.
My therapist helped me process past issues and uncover the reasons behind certain choices, like using alcohol to cope with career stress and anxiety. But after my complimentary session with the coach, I realized coaching was different. Coaches focus on the present and the future, guiding you to achieve your potential in real time. They don’t delve into past traumas or explore root causes—they help you build a path forward.
If you are ready to create your new path forward, I've got you. Reach out at christinlmarvin@gmail.com
This was exactly what I needed.
I was searching for more than just career advice; I wanted to rediscover my passion and confidence. I wanted a fulfilling career and a life that didn’t demand constant sacrifice. I was looking to finally put myself first after years of putting my career above everything else—my family, friends, health, and mental well-being. With my coach’s help, I started to reimagine what my life and career could look like if they were aligned with my values.
Rediscovering My Values
In our first few sessions, my coach and I dug deep to define my core values. These were the guiding principles that, when fully embraced, would drive my happiness and fulfillment. My values turned out to be consistency, curiosity, freedom, leadership, drive, confidence, and impact. We rated each one on a scale of 1 to 10, identifying where I was thriving and where I needed improvement. I focused on each value individually, designing strategies to embody each one.
For example, I wanted to be more consistent—consistent in my self-care, in prioritizing my health, and in setting boundaries around my work. I committed to a morning routine from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., dedicated to exercise, meditation, walking my dogs, and staying off email and social media. My coach held me accountable to this commitment, and soon, I began feeling the benefits of starting my day with a clear mind and focused intention.
Realizations About My Burnout and Hyper-Achiever Mindset
Through coaching, I uncovered a critical insight: I was a hyper-achiever, always chasing the next accomplishment without taking time to appreciate what I’d already achieved. My sense of worth was deeply tied to my productivity, so I filled every day with to-do lists and meetings, never pausing to celebrate milestones. I realized this mindset, while useful in some ways, had driven me to burnout.
If you are curious about whether or not your mindset is holding you back, grab your FREE copy of my audiobook, The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary and listen to Chapter 33.
Allowing myself to admit I was burned out was transformative. Burnout wasn’t something you talked about openly in the restaurant industry; it was often seen as a weakness. But by naming it, I began to understand how my career and personal life had become unsustainable. My coach encouraged me to rethink my beliefs about “the grind” and guided me in setting boundaries that reflected my personal and professional goals.
Coaching: A Life-Changing Experience
Working with my coach was pivotal in shifting my mindset. He helped me recognize the negative thoughts that were holding me back and equipped me with the tools to manage them. He held a mirror up to my behaviors, showing me how they impacted my life, leadership, and relationships. Each session left me more self-aware, focused, and committed to positive change.
In one of our sessions, I had a breakthrough that reshaped my future: coaching itself was my calling. It became clear that I wanted to help other leaders in the hospitality industry overcome their own struggles with burnout, stress, and self-doubt. My experience with coaching had shown me that leadership isn’t just about reaching targets and achieving success; it’s about building a sustainable, fulfilling life.
Ready for Your Own Breakthrough?
The journey from burnout to brilliance is possible—and coaching can be the catalyst you need. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next steps, consider working with a coach. This partnership can help you realign with your values, set meaningful goals, and create a path toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Are you ready to unlock your potential and redefine success on your terms? Visit
to learn how working together can help you prevent and overcome burnout. Let’s build a life and career that genuinely fulfills you.
P.S.
For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:
My book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary is available at christinmarvin.com/book.
Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management
Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!