Reflections on burnout, balance, and the power of community in a year of milestones.
Burnout is a word we’ve all heard before, yet its full impact often isn’t understood until we’re in the thick of it. Burnout can feel especially disorienting for those of us lucky enough to find our values aligned with our work. From a grant application and website launch to convening at the second annual Forum Summit to celebrating mindful MATERIALS’ 10th anniversary and releasing our 2024 Building Materials Industry Report at Greenbuild, this year has been as exhausting as it has been exhilarating. How can we feel drained when we love what we do?
As Annie Bevan, mM’s CEO, acknowledged during the Summit opening, many of us are tired. This exhaustion isn’t just a byproduct of the work itself but of the deep passion and purpose that drives us to solve problems, push boundaries, and create change. Google’s Robin Bass’ words during the Summit’s closing echoed this sentiment, reminding us to take care of ourselves and one another. Burnout is a reality even for those who feel aligned with their work’s mission, and it’s particularly disorienting when we lose sight of the bigger picture amid the grind.
Burnout can sneak up quietly, disguising itself as dedication or the noble pursuit of excellence. It’s a gradual process marked by lingering fatigue, irritability, or detachment from what once excited us. Left unchecked, it risks diminishing our ability to show up fully — not just in our work but in every facet of our lives.
This year, we’ve leaned on analogies to help us articulate our work — race cars, hiking trails, easy buttons, and the North Star. The North Star feels particularly apt here: a clear purpose and direction to keep us focused and grounded. But just as important as having this guiding star is recognizing the strength of our community. Our collaborators, partners, and members bring diverse talents and unwavering commitment that fuel our progress. Together, we share the responsibility of supporting one another to ensure our collective efforts remain sustainable and impactful.
So, how do we sustain this light? By acknowledging that even our most cherished pursuits require balance. Passion is powerful, but it’s not inexhaustible. Self-care, often dismissed as indulgent, is foundational. Setting aside time to recharge, reflect, and rest is essential — not just for ourselves but for the communities and causes we care about. Small habits, like dedicating a few minutes a day to mindfulness, stepping away from work emails in the evening, or simply taking a walk, can make a big difference.
Equally important is establishing boundaries. This can be challenging in mission-driven work, where the lines between professional and personal often blur. Yet protecting our time and saying “no” when necessary is an act of respect — for ourselves and our work. And when the load feels heavy, leaning on our support system — whether friends, family, or colleagues — reminds us that we’re in this together.
Let's keep these reflections close as we look ahead to the new year. The work we love deserves the best version of ourselves, but so do we.
A note from the mM Team: It has been a milestone year for our small but mighty non-profit with tremendous momentum and a clear strategy going into 2025 with expectations to make even more progress. To ensure our team is up for the task, from now until Jan. 2, 2025, we will all be working very limited hours.
Until then, please download the ‘Our Collective Opportunity’ 2024 Building Materials Industry Report, which unveils insights and a bold path toward our vision of a regenerative materials economy. We look forward to connecting with you all in the new year and wish you a wonderful holiday season!
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