Burned Out or Just Misaligned? How to Tell the Difference

Burned Out or Just Misaligned?

If you’ve been feeling off lately—tired, disconnected, less you—you’re not alone.
But here’s a question that’s helped me check in with myself again and again:

Am I burned out… or just misaligned?

Burnout feels like being drained, flattened, or running on fumes.
Misalignment feels more like wearing shoes that don’t fit anymore—tight in all the wrong places, but you’ve gotten used to the pinch.

As someone building a career around equity, inclusion, happiness, and social impact, I’ve faced both. And recently, I realized:
I wasn’t burned out from doing the work.
I was burned out from doing the work in ways that no longer fit.

So I started shifting:

• Saying yes only when it aligned with my values and vision

• Giving myself permission to rest without guilt

• Reconnecting with what originally sparked joy in this work

• Rebuilding how I serve—from my blog and newsletter to speaking and consulting

Here’s a quick self-check if you’re unsure:

➡️ Energy

• Burnout: You feel constant fatigue, no matter how much you rest.

• Misalignment: You feel drained after certain tasks or settings, but not all the time.

➡️ Emotions

• Burnout: You feel numb, overwhelmed, or emotionally flat.

• Misalignment: You feel frustrated, restless, or uninspired—but the fire is still there.

➡️ Relief

• Burnout: Rest doesn’t seem to help at all.

• Misalignment: Rest helps a little, but the discomfort always creeps back in.

➡️ Clarity

• Burnout: You feel foggy, indecisive, and disconnected from what matters.

• Misalignment: You know what’s not working—but you’re afraid to make the shift.

Your Homework This Week:

Ask yourself:

What part of my life or work feels off? What would alignment look like instead?

This is The Happiness Shift in action—small, intentional steps back toward joy.

Until next week—stay grounded, and sparkle on. ✨
— Elisa