Friday, July 17, 2009

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Burnout is about boredom I watched a wonderful program on PBS the other night. The program was Bill Moyers Journal and his guest was a truly delightful and indeed extremely wise lady by the name of Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot. Ms. Lawrence-Lightfoot is a Professor at the prestigious Harvard University and the author of several books. She was on the show to promote her latest book titled 'The Third Chapter'. Incidentally, the title of her book refers to 'The Third Chapter' of our life, and deals with life between the ages of 50 and 75 years. During the interview this beautiful, astute lady dispensed a whole lot of Real Wisdom, and indeed gave me the title for this particular article 'Burnout is about Boredom'. Oh how absolutely right she was. So often when people refer to burnout, we assume that a person is actually 'Burnt Out' because they have been working too hard. However, what Professor Lawrence-Lightfoot is saying is just the opposite. She's saying, that when people are utterly bored with their life, perhaps because it has become very humdrum and monotonously routine, that this is what ultimately causes 'Burnout'; and you know I believe she's absolutely right. To me, there's nothing worse than to have nothing constructive to do which leads to being very, very bored day in and day out. Now, this is not just a wild theory as far as I'm concerned for I have indeed gone through some fruitless periods in my life, when I was indeed very bored....in fact, I really was 'Burnt-out'! Now My Friend, it's 'Question Time' once again. Now here's the important question which I want you to honestly answer. When you awake each morning and commence your morning ritual of prayer, spiritual reading, and meditation; do you feel genuinely excited at the prospect of another wonderful day on planet earth; or are you utterly bored, perhaps even slightly depressed at the prospect of what you have to do during the coming day? Now, if perchance you are bored first thing in the morning, you better give some serious thought to finding something else to do each day, something stimulating which will indeed excite you and fill you full of anticipation for the events of the upcoming day and evening. My Friend, boredom will eventually lead to a complete 'Burnout', which will in the long run, be most detrimental to your overall well being, and peace of mind. THINK ABOUT IT! Email: dpr@humanri.com Listen to 'Time To Think' the radio program on Star 106.5 FM at 8:55 AM & 6:20PM Friday, July 3, 2009