Adrenaline: A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion. Also called epinephrine. .https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/adrenaline
I’m not a medical professional but I’ve had quite a bit of experience with adrenaline. My behavioral style, high influencing and high dominance (see graphics below) thrives on challenges. Challenges bring tension. Tension brings a sense of urgency. And then, urgency cranks up the adrenal glands. I first learned about adrenaline about 12 years ago from my doctor. He handed me a book and said, “you need to read this.” He said, if you don’t make some changes, your adrenals will tank, and never recover.
Here’s what my life looked like in those days:
- If there was something I could do I thought I should do it. If there was a problem, I had a solution—work, church, family, community, friends–it didn’t matter. I wanted to help.
- Because of my extroverted, positive nature, “I can do it” was my standard answer.
- Because of my high influencing behavioral style (see graphic below), I loved to please people and make them happy so I would underestimate the time it would take me to complete a project. My answer was, “sure I can do that.”
- Being a high dominance, driven, problem solver (see graphic below) I needed to feel the urgency to get motivated, so I would procrastinate and then push myself past my limits to honor my commitment.
- On the day I delivered the product/presentation/report I would be flying high, then on the drive home I would began to crash.
- For the next week I would be exhausted, overwhelmed with brain fog, usually get an upper respiratory infection, and pretty much be useless…burnout would set in.
- After a couple of weeks I would recover until the next cycle began.
Please tell me I’m not the only person who does this!
I’m so thankful for my doctor. Over the course of a few weeks, I pulled back from 50% of what I was doing and allowed my adrenals to stop chasing lions, tigers, and bears. Slowly, I began to feel better. I knew I couldn’t go back to the way I was. I needed a plan. It took a few years for me to get a new rhythm but here’s what I came up with…
My adrenal burnout filtering system:
- When an opportunity presents itself, take a pause. Here’s what that looks like: “Thank you so much for thinking of me! This sounds like a great opportunity. Can I get back to you in a few days? I need to check my schedule.” I know this sounds simple but for someone who loves to say yes, this one thing has helped me so much.
- Estimate how many hours it will take to complete the project and the window of time you will need. Compare to available time you have. Be realistic.
- Give a detailed look at current commitments. Would the new opportunity overlap?
- Ask myself if this opportunity aligns with my core values and purpose?
- Ask my trusted advisors.
I’m sure if you have a high compliance or steadiness (see graphics below) behavioral style you’ve already stopped reading. I know this isn’t a problem for you but you work with people who struggle to say no. This is why every team needs all four behavioral styles. AND, we need to give all four behavioral styles the freedom to be themselves, give input, and then make a decision. The D’s and I’s need to slow down and get the facts. The S and C’s need to take the risks.
Yes, it’s still hard for me to say “no,” but I make myself do it. Understanding my behavior style, motivators, core values and purpose have been game changers for me. If you struggle with taking on too much, we would love to help. We use several assessments to help you begin to lead the most important person on your team–yourself! Reach out to us on the form below:
Special thanks to our partners over at http://Competitiveedgeinc.com for the informative graphics.
