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We’re often told that working hard should be a priority, a sentiment deeply ingrained in many Latino households. For immigrants and children of immigrants, hard work often represents the path to breaking generational cycles of economic instability. However, Daisy Auger-Domínguez’s book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” reminds us that the relentless pursuit of success can come at a steep cost: our health, identity, and sense of fulfillment.
Dominican-Puerto Rican Auger-Domínguez is a seasoned executive and workplace strategist known for leading transformative change in organizations across industries. With a career spanning roles at global giants like Google, Disney, Time Warner, and VICE Media, she has established herself as a thought leader in inclusion, leadership, and workforce well-being.
In her book, “Burnt Out to Lit Up,” she addresses the critical challenge of burnout. Written for managers and leaders (and those aspiring to leadership positions) navigating the complexities of modern workplaces, it provides a roadmap to overcome complacency, set boundaries, improve communication, and foster trust-filled environments. The intention behind the book is clear: to promote sustainable practices and self-care, and empower leaders to create positive, productive workplaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive.
No matter the circumstances, if you don’t prioritize yourself, any success achieved will likely feel hollow. The following signs might indicate burnout and signal that it’s time to reassess your goals and embrace self-care:
Your Body is Telling You
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Mental exhaustion often manifests physically. Stress-related illnesses—headaches, insomnia, and chronic fatigue—are all red flags. They’re your body’s way of telling you that your stress levels are off the charts. As Auger-Domínguez explains in the first chapter of her book:
“Sustained stress, or chronic stress, is when your mind and body are in a never-ending tug-of-war, stretched to their limits. According to the American Psychological Association, it’s the kind of tension that just won’t quit, thanks to ongoing stressors like work dramas, financial troubles, relationship rollercoasters, health upheavals, or even environmental shenanigans. And guess what? Chronic stress isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s the sneakily harmful troublemaker that messes with your mental and physical well-being.”
Chronic stress depletes not only your physical energy but also your emotional reserves. When left unchecked, it can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Listening to your body and making rest a priority isn’t just advisable, it’s essential to your well-being.
You've Lost Passion for your Work
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Not everyone has the privilege of doing work they’re passionate about, but for those who do, burnout can be easier to detect. If something you once loved feels like an unbearable chore, it’s time to reconsider your path. Auger-Domínguez emphasizes that leaders, in particular, must reconnect with their purpose to reignite their passion. She also advocates for a reframing of inner narratives, which is about questioning preconceptions and replacing disempowering thoughts with empowering ones. Auger-Domínguez explains this in an interview with Thrive Global:
“One transformative practice is about reframing our inner narratives. So often, our reactions and decisions are guided by scripts written in our earlier life chapters—scripts that no longer serve us. By stepping back and questioning these preconceptions; we can begin to dismantle the barriers they create. It’s about transforming our internal dialogue, recognizing our past’s influence, and consciously choosing a narrative that empowers and enriches our interactions, particularly in leadership.”
The practice of reframing inner narratives is a central part of her approach, which is why she shares a script at the end of every chapter in her book to help readers integrate the lessons in a way that serves them.
Your Work-Life Balance is Becoming Non-Existent
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A job shouldn't be your whole life; it should only be a part of it. If you find yourself completely consumed by your work, to the point where your personal life is affected, there's something wrong. Burnout is unavoidable without a work-life balance and is essential to a healthy work environment.
Auger-Domínguez is intimately familiar with this. In Chapter 1 of her book, she discusses her own experience with burnout and explains that her inability to establish healthy boundaries due to a history of prioritizing the needs of others was a big factor. Understanding this, you should prioritize having free time that’s genuinely free to spend however you like. Whether that’s spending time with friends and family to recharge or dedicating time to your hobbies.
You Feel Undervalued or Unfulfilled
Photo by Max Ovcharenko on UnsplashIf you often ask yourself, what am I even doing this for? And if you can't find an answer, it's probably time to reconsider your goals. Working hard will get you nowhere if you've lost sense of what your end goal is, and the thing is, it is normal for our end goals to change constantly. Just because you desperately wanted something before doesn't mean you can't change your mind.
Once that mindset shift happens, we often try to convince ourselves to just power through it and keep going, but we could also use those feelings to ask ourselves, is this really what I want to be doing? Furthermore, you might feel like it isn't you that's the problem, but how those around you perceive your work, being upset because you feel undervalued, is perfectly reasonable and also calls for a goal realignment.
You're Not Yourself Anymore
Photo by Felipe Cespedes
And living your best life is what you deserve. If the path to your goals has become a burden instead of a hard road, losing track of who you are and what you want to achieve is easy. But at the end of the day, your life is yours only, and if you don't make yourself a priority, who will?
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and reversing it takes time and intentionality. While Auger-Domínguez writes about leadership, this book is aimed not only at people in positions of leadership but also at those who aspire to those positions. In an interview with The Epic Mentor Newsletter, she shared:
“I often get asked, your books are about leadership, but what about those who aren't leading yet? I feel like this book is a blueprint for those who aspire to lead someday. For this younger generation, and I speak about it in the book, burnout doesn't just start at work. For most of us, it starts in our childhood.”
By taking care of yourself, you’re not just improving your life, you’re paving the way for others to do the same. At the end of the day, hard work is essential, but it will never outweigh the importance of your mental health, stability, and personal life. For more resources on self-care and overcoming burnout, visit our mental health and resources guide. Remember, you’re never alone, and it’s okay to prioritize yourself.
The Ultimate Psychological Reset
Photo by madison lavern on UnsplashJanuary feels like wiping the slate clean, thanks to that magical mental boundary between the “old year” and the new one. Psychologists call it the “fresh start effect.” It’s the sense of leaving behind mistakes and bad habits as you step into a shiny, unspoiled year. It’s like flipping to the first page of a new notebook (and you know how satisfying that is).
The Buzz of Cultural Momentum
Photo by Miska Sage on UnsplashJanuary isn’t just a you thing, it’s an everyone thing. There’s something contagious about the collective focus on goal-setting, planning, and dreaming for the upcoming year. It’s like everyone’s in on the same motivational group project, creating an atmosphere that’s hard to resist. You’re not just starting fresh; you’ve got the whole world rooting for you.
The Post-Holiday Reset Button
Photo by Clay Banks on UnsplashLet’s be real, the holiday season is indulgence central, with cookies, late nights, and general chaos disrupting routines left and right. By contrast, January feels like a deep exhale. It’s your chance to regain structure and self-discipline without feeling like you’re depriving yourself. It’s not about punishment; it’s about recalibration.
A Crystal-Clear Starting Point
Photo by Eilis Garvey on UnsplashThere’s just something about January 1st that screams, “Let’s do this!” That clean calendar is an irresistible invitation to set goals and make plans. Sure, you could start on a random Tuesday in March, but where’s the drama in that? January gives you an undeniable sense of order and significance to kick things off right.
Nature’s Quiet Reminder of Renewal
Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on UnsplashWhile the days might still be chilly and dark, January holds a quiet promise. The days are getting longer, and nature is slowly gearing up for spring. It’s a subtle nudge that growth and renewal are just around the corner. This provides the perfect inspiration to nurture some growth of your own.
A Built-In Moment for Reflection
Photo by Hannah Olinger on UnsplashThe transition from December to January is like life’s natural bookend. It’s a time to pause and think about what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to go next. Reflection doesn’t just help you close out the year; it sets the stage for meaningful and intentional change in the one ahead.
A Sense of Communal Support
Photo by Vonecia Carswell on UnsplashYou’re not in this alone. Whether it’s friends sharing their goals, coworkers discussing their plans, or strangers at the gym just trying to stick to their resolutions, January is a time when everyone’s cheering each other on. That shared energy can be the boost you need to stay motivated and on track.
The beauty of January isn’t about becoming a whole new person; it’s about building on who you already are and setting the stage for a year that feels more aligned with your goals and values. So embrace the fresh start, take it one step at a time, and remember: you don’t need to reinvent yourself to make 2025 your best year yet, you just have to build on what you already have.
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You’re Stuck in a “Why Even Bother?” Mentality
If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “What’s the point of even trying?” it’s time to take a closer look. This mindset often comes from past disappointments, but carrying it forward only guarantees more of the same. Flip the script by focusing on small wins. Every little success builds momentum and proves to yourself that effort does pay off.
You’re Still Holding onto Grudges
Photo by Sherise Van Dyk on UnsplashDragging old resentments into the New Year is like trying to sprint with ankle weights. It slows you down emotionally and mentally. Consider this: forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone else’s actions; it’s about freeing yourself from the burden. Reflect on what you’re holding onto and ask yourself if it’s really worth carrying into 2025.
You’re Clinging to Perfectionism
Photo by Jusdevoyage on UnsplashIf you’re entering the year with a mindset of “Everything has to be perfect or it’s not worth it,” you’re setting yourself up for stress and disappointment. Life is messy, and progress beats perfection every time. Start by setting goals that focus on effort rather than flawless outcomes. Progress is still progress, even if it’s not picture-perfect.
You’re Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Photo by Omar Lopez on UnsplashScrolling through social media and feeling like everyone else has it all figured out? That comparison trap is a surefire way to sabotage your mindset. Remember, people only post their highlight reels—not their struggles. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your unique wins. You’re not in competition with anyone but yourself.
You’re Overcommitting and Overloading
Photo by Microsoft 365 on UnsplashDo you feel like you’re already saying yes to too many things for 2025? Overcommitting leaves little room for what truly matters. Take a step back and evaluate your priorities. Ask yourself: What aligns with my goals and values? If it’s not a clear yes, it’s okay to say no.
You’re Dismissing Your Own Needs
Photo by bruce mars on UnsplashIf you’re always putting yourself last, 2025 could feel like just another year of burnout. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Schedule time for self-care, whether it’s a workout, journaling, or simply saying no to things that drain you. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
You’re Letting Fear of Failure Hold You Back
Photo by Miikka Luotio on UnsplashAre you avoiding new challenges because you’re scared of failing? That fear is a mindset roadblock. The truth is, failure is just another form of learning. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” ask yourself, “What could I learn or gain from trying?” You know what they say–you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.
You’re Focused on What You Can’t Control
Photo by Ryan Moreno on UnsplashIf your thoughts are dominated by everything you can’t change—world events, other people’s opinions, that one guy who cut you off in traffic—you’re giving away your power. Shift your energy to what you can control: your reactions, your choices, and your mindset. That’s where the magic happens.
You’re Relying on Motivation Alone
Photo by bruce mars on UnsplashIf you’re waiting for the “right” moment or a sudden burst of motivation to take action, you might be waiting forever. Motivation is great, but it’s fleeting. Build habits that keep you moving forward, even when you don’t feel like it. Discipline beats motivation every single time.
You’re Not Allowing Yourself to Dream Big
Photo by Caleb Fisher on UnsplashIf you’ve stopped setting ambitious goals because they feel too far out of reach, it’s time to rethink your mindset. Dreaming big doesn’t mean you’ll achieve everything overnight—it means you’re willing to believe in your potential. Break those big dreams into smaller, actionable steps and watch how quickly things start to happen.
The New Year doesn’t demand perfection, and neither should you. It’s about stepping in with a mindset that supports growth, resilience, and self-compassion. Reflect on these warning signs and ask yourself what small shifts you can make today. Remember, it’s not about becoming a “whole new you.” It’s about nurturing the person you already are and prime yourself for further growth.
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