The Burnout Gamble | Hamza Khan | TEDxUTSC

Hamza Khan speaks at a 2016 TEDx event in Canada. Connect with Hamza personally on Twitter: / hamzak and through his website: hamzakhan.ca/
Hamza Khan is an award-winning marketer and entrepreneur. He’s making waves as the co-founder of Splash Effect, an agency that helps brands in the education sector supercharge their marketing & communications. Hamza has also founded Year One, a publication aimed at inspiring and motivating people through periods of personal and professional transition. His most recent venture, SkillsCamp, is a school for the soft skills. Hamza holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto Scarborough (Class of 2010).
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@TreetopTours]

I think you might have just saved my life and translated what my friends and family have been trying to tell me for years

[@BaileyParnell]

This is beautiful.

[@HamzaK]

Right?! I'm stunned.

[@MelanieSakowski]

Absolutely agree. I have something called Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: body shutting down due to high cortisol. I’m currently researching “stress addiction”, which you touched upon earlier regarding the attachment to dopamine after the cortisol rush. It’s insane.

[@sweetbalsamic]

Best speech on burnout by far. You can tell it’s from a high-performer. Kudos for such a profoundly distilled delivery.

[@ayjay10016]

Ending was excellent because once the burn out has completed there is no relaxation. Relaxation throws you into a tailspin in matter of seconds. So watch out and DO NOT TRY TO RELAX. Undoing burn out is through love however you find it - in things, in nature, in surroundings, in food - whatever starts to replenish.

[@HamzaK]

Thanks, Asad. Your takeaway from my ending is very interesting. Even though it's not what I meant, I can see how it can be interpreted as such. I'm a big advocate for rest, but I understand the point you're making. In fact, there is such a thing as "underwhelmed burnout" which stems from prolonged rest periods. Burn bright, my man!

[@dreamweaver6kids]

so true, many people are suffering from Burn Out

[@HamzaK]

It's frightening, really. Hopefully this video can help a few people avoid it or recover from it. Please share it widely!

[@WinAPageant]

This is the most EPIC explanation of burn out that I've heard yet. He's hilarious and fun, and is so relatable. Plus, he gives so many additional resources. Bravo, Hamza and Thank you!

[@HamzaK]

Thank you very much! You're too kind.

[@RyanIng]

"Mystery is not always about travelling to new places, but looking upon places with fresh eyes". With your new perspective on work/life balance, I am sure you will enjoy your vacation much more than the last time you intended to travel!

[@HamzaK]

Love that quote, Ryan. I'm very excited for this vacation. In fact, I asked for a writing extension from my publisher to be able to capture some of my reflections from this trip. Burn bright, my friend.

[@boris9047]

It was a good talk, however I think you've missed the core problem with the over achieving mentality, the core force that makes people burned out. It is the lack of a feeling that you're good enough just becuse you exist, that you don't have to prove anything to anyone, including yourself. Without that sense of being happy with just "being", you will always have an increased risk of falling into the trap of over achieving.

[@HamzaK]

Thanks Boris! I hear what you're saying. However, what you're proposing is much easier said than done. Factors from without-increased competition, feelings of alienation, societal pressures, technology, pervasive loneliness, the economy, etc.-are pre-heating people for burnout. And the responses to those factors, feelings of inadequacy (not progressive/efficient/perfect/satisfied/innovative enough) and the resulting overcompensation, tends to be what turns people into reluctant overachievers.

[@boris9047]

Maybe we as individuals have to be advocates for that type of values (out of compassion for ourselves), and that's what will protect us and others from the pressures of society? I'm not saying we should turn into hippies that are starring into a wall all day long, but we only live once so life should also be enjoyable, not only a slavery to society's current norms. If you feel good living with your current method, it's fine, but if not something more has to be done to prevent from future burnout.

[@spider2020]

Agree,I lived it and still live it at 67

[@noctu4863]

True. And no amount of “good” is ever “enough”

[@lifestylecoach2805]

What has been identified as the personality type (A) for people who suffer from burnout could be the underlying issue. Understanding what drives this type to over-achieve might be the key to unlock the real problem... I believe it boils down to a diminished self-worth and deep desire to be significant.

[@ragingfire3585]

This is like someone threw water on me. Excellent talk. Thank you for this. I think I am at stage 10, and can see myself at brink of depression. I have gone through every stage. I did not know that burn out can be this bad. I will try to come out of it!

[@HamzaK]

Thank you! If you feel like you're at Stage 10, please heed my advice and see a medical professional-a doctor, a psychologist, a therapist, whoever! Don't make the same mistake that I did and wait till after. Keep that fire raging! 🔥

[@nickandrews2255]

Burn out sucks man best of luck with it

[@robburdon3276]

After suffering with burnout personally I can relate completely extremely good talk.

[@MollyMA13]

I love how my teacher assigns this video among 3 other lectures, after assigning 3 papers due the week of Thanksgiving.... Telling us we need to be working on our 8-page final due next week, while also assigning another paper due this week........

[@adrianahlz1895]

Something that can help manage when you have many to-dos is to lower your expectation for each task and try to do it fast. Sometimes perfectionism is an enemy for productivity.

[@noctu4863]

So in short die but with precautions 😂

[@jamiehunt3929]

Burn bright - not out . . . A salient message !!

[@Evoke]

Nice talk, but I get the sense that this guy is gonna burn out again.

[@Princess-rz5hn]

You exactly described me. I'm currently taking antidepressants. I lost my concentration and memory. I hope I and those that are suffering from burn-out will heal soon.

[@windinthetrees8573]

Has your memory come back? I'm currently experiencing the memory loss and I'm terrified.

[@Princess-rz5hn]

@@windinthetrees8573 I was terrified too at the beginning. Fortunately, my brain power came back. Not yet 100% but nearly getting there. You just need to relax, take your time, remove stressors and do brain exercises.

[@ipsonuser]

thank you. just after a period of total anxiety . I seem to have recovered after 4 months. thank you

[@HamzaK]

I'm glad to hear that, Mariusz. What are you doing to prevent yourself from experiencing that level of burnout again?

[@justbeegreen]

Thank you for addressing this. I'm also a recovering high achiever. It has taken several years to recover, and I am still sorting it out. I appreciate where I came from and hopefully I won't go down that path again. Sadly, living in such an alpha culture, alternative ways of showing up on this precious planet are not as revered as the imbalanced and unsustainable lifestyle as the high achiever - or however you want to label it. You mentioned a lot about the shame that was a byproduct of the burnout. A culture also reinforces that shame if a person's only value in their culture is to produce - more and more and achieve results. There continues to be a stigma attached to slowing down, listening in, and living one's truth. We can be the influence for a necessary paradigm shift (especially to create a better relationship with ourselves and this planet) by putting more pressure on the social systems to change in healthy ways rather than putting more pressure on our nervous systems to perform.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Great talk. Serial overachiever here too. I was on a burnout rollercoaster for most of my working career (well the first 25 years). Once I realised what was happening and I took the ‘selfish’ responsibility to focus on my core needs (you know like eating regularly and sleeping properly!) every day, I could see what I had been doing to myself. I now never go below your step 3. It’s so easy for overachievers to give everything to everybody except themselves.

[@HamzaK]

Thanks! And congratulations on discovering a level of productive anxiety that works for you.

[@rachaelcoyle3941]

Such an engaging speaker! So good to hear that burnout can be managed. Props!

[@HamzaK]

Thanks Rachael, I'm glad you found the message valuable.

[@martanovak3181]

Dear Hamza Khan from my the bottom of my heart I thank you for your talk. I can´t understand how you can describe what I have gone through wihtout knowing me. It´s not a great place to be in, but it feels so good to be in good company hence it is not just my fault and I can stop nagging myself what have I been doing weomg..

[@HamzaK]

You're most welcome! You and I are not alone, my friend. There are millions just like us around the world. I'm glad that individuals, organizations, and governments alike are all waking up the reality of occupational burnout and are having the important conversations that can lead to sustainable change. We're in this together.

[@aaronclausen654]

Burns out from overachieving then gets busy preparing for next achievement: TED talk on burnout and overachieving.

[@paulinekhamou3199]

I can relate to you! Thank You for sharing and making a difference.

[@HamzaK]

Glad to hear, Pauline! Thank you.

[@paulinekhamou3199]

Hamza Khan Thank You for being a blessing by sharing your story ! We create our own viscous cycles ! I seriously was thank God this morning for the recovery !

[@panda007]

Hit the nail on the head. Thx for sharing.

[@LanceSagar]

This is outstanding. I'm recovering from a speedrun of the whole 12 stages and it feels like a whole sunbeam has just been shone on what happened to me. You Sir have a book sale incoming!

[@yassinesedjari1880]

Great speech from Mr Hamza khan . This maid me realize that all my burn outs period as a student were a consequence of a lack of resilience non a consequence of my weakness. so i just wanna say Thanks to God and thank you guys . you're doing an amazing job.

[@BaileyParnell]

Love this!

[@HamzaK]

Thanks!!

[@BobbyDigital_100]

Wow… this just hit hard. In every aspect. Thank you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. The Kobe dig didn’t age well, but otherwise lol loved it! Timely 6yrs later!

[@habibilife8898]

Like Like Like LIKE! This is everything.

[@HamzaK]

Thanks Shahada!

[@ksruprai]

Please do more.

[@HamzaK]

For sure. Going to record a few more talks and upload them to my channel, brother. Please subscribe whenever you get a chance.

[@TinhaRolfsdotter]

Hamza Khan what's the name of your channel?

[@goo6]

this was a great talk

[@bradaxelrad]

Very well done..

[@HamzaK]

Thanks Brad, much appreciated.

[@TreetopTours]

Thank you

[@HamzaK]

You're most welcome.

[@fokisgaming3745]

I’m burnt out now. 30 years old and been in tech since 19 years old. Corporate America is killing me. Not sure what steps to take next!

[@HamzaK]

Send me your mailing address, I'll mail you a copy of my book.

[@annettedemary3062]

Same here

[@QuickMadeUpName]

good talk. but it's not the absence of the fire, but the absence of the materials that allow the fire to burn, for example, wood (inspiration etc.)

[@HamzaK]

Interesting perspective, hmm..

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

I was an over achiever until I suffered a brain injury. I learned to be ordinary. 👍

[@colkurtz17]

This is so true. Where I am.

[@HamzaK]

I hope that you're getting the support that you need to recover from this! 😔

[@jackzhimo6460]

Thank you.

[@alexm498]

Fantastic work!

[@HamzaK]

Thanks, Alex!

[@tomcools6244]

This is a great talk. The personal story is just the frame for the story, not the story itself (which often happens in other talks). Links to Greek mythology, actual research from psychologists and references to other literature (like Kelly's Upside of Stress) help even more.

[@HamzaK]

Thank you so much, Tom. Really glad you appreciated the many threads I wove into it.

[@tomcools6244]

@@HamzaK I gave that comment 2 months ago, next monday I start my first days of work again. To process everything I am writing a blog post about everything that helped me understand/live with burnout. This video HAS to be in that post :-)

[@HamzaK]

@@tomcools6244 Amazing! Congratulations. I'd love to read your post if you're comfortable sharing it with me.

[@drinsidious18]

I remember the comment that my brain "felt broken" to a former co-worker. Now, I realize that was, in essence, true. I used to be an overachiever--top school, top job at a top tech firm. And then it began. Eventually, I got let go. That was over a year ago, and my life fell apart tremendously--I lost all my money, defaulted on my credit cards and loans, moved back in with my parents. I've asked myself "how could I let this happen?" And berated myself for it. How do I overcome this?

[@HamzaK]

Michael, thank you for sharing your burnout story. I'm truly saddened by what happened to you. Please know two things: 1) You're not alone, and 2) You were preheated for burnout for reasons outside of your control. Begin your healing process by re-examining your relationship with stress. Learn to separate good stress (eustress) from bad stress (distress). And overcome your circumstances by re-entering into The Burnout Gamble with mastery of stress, strengthened by your bout with burnout. "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T. S. Eliot

[@drinsidious18]

Hamza, thank you for responding to my comment. I must admit, I am a little embarrassed I left this as a comment, but I am certainly grateful for you taking the time to reply. I found solace in your TED talk--an epiphany--and most importantly, I found reassurance that I didn't "make this all up." I am grateful to have found vindication for my wonderful, "broken" brain. Now, I feel a small glimmer of hope that I can return to the high productivity person I used to be.

[@yasminbeatricebahaoui4697]

This is literally what i am going trought. I feel like i can't stand without feeling like passing out. I feel like sleeping most of the time and i don't remember anything

[@diegomedina7344]

Thank you!

[@HamzaK]

You're most welcome, Diego!

[@DeltaLou]

I quit my job as a production manager for same reason. Burnout took over my whole body.

[@traderpapertiga]

There’s doing things And the right things to do Beware the barrenness of a busy life. Socrates

[@HamzaK]

Couldn't agree more. In fact, recent versions of this talk have been retitled: "Getting (The Right) Things Done." Thanks for checking out the video!

[@o0OFALIKO0o]

How long does it take on average to recover I’ve been having the worst experience over the last month ? - the only thing on my mind is I want to solve this so I can continue working. But I’m guessing it doesn’t work like that. Would really appreciate an experienced answer

[@lillycarinabenedikt65]

I'm in the middle of a burnout myself so I didn't recover yet. But I heard another ted talk and she said that it can take about 2 years ❤️

[@HamzaK]

Sorry to hear about what you've gone through. Recovery depends from person to person, from situation to situation. It took me ~2 years to feel 100% again. But with the right knowledge, the right support, and enough of an intentional commitment to recovery, I could've reduced that time in less than half. Make time for your wellness, or you'll be forced to take time for your illness.

[@HamzaK]

@@lillycarinabenedikt65 That's how long it took me. I hope your recovery is going well, Lilly.

[@sommersonne67]

Hamza Khan was it really over after 2 years? I am 1 year post burnout and still fighting every day... :( i hope it will get better and time heals...

[@dorianowen7852]

Thank you, eye have been paralyzed in freeze for the better part of 20 yrs. Now eye have hope there are things eye can do. To break the ice.

[@joserincones7527]

super bueno el video muy bien

[@HamzaK]

Gracias!

[@sherryannestacion4298]

He just described how I planned my vacation 😂 I wasn’t even thinking about it but now you made me conscious about what I did. 😅

[@behradb8976]

How did i end up here..... Idk but thanks god

[@troygardner1610]

i suggest learn to just be, or learn to do without stress ( aka play), ....dude even overachieves in burnout :/

[@HamzaK]

I hear you, Troy. But a life without stress is impossible. Therefore it's one's reaction to stress that matters.

[@SanctifiedLady]

Lol! I was too stressed out to be singing that song! 🎶 Almost died listening when you said the hands go up and STAY THERE! Because they do! No room for me

[@zk974]

I've gone a bit better by taking anti depressants for three months but I'm not recoverd yet I'm so confused I don't know how to recover

[@HamzaK]

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, Zaman. My advice would be to first seek professional medical and psychiatric assistance. Run the necessary diagnostics to see if there's any physical and mental factors that are preventing your full recovery. Self-care is a huge component of burnout recovery and resilience building. Take good care of yourself.

[@wread1982]

Very good video bro

[@HamzaK]

Respect.

[@candiceevawilliams6]

Wow

[@croitor2009]

My karate sensey told me to listen the sound of a single clap, made me think about it for 6 moths before telling me what it is about.

[@HamzaK]

Interesting. What was it about?

[@LoveStarsWorld]

Not an over achiever or perfectionist at ALL. I still have burnout.

[@scarletll]

Best intro ever 🤣

[@scarletll]

DJ KHALED WOULD BE PROUD

[@elisabethbjuhr3775]

Moderately uncomfortable all the time. Yep, that's the exiting and rewarding job of working as a leader. 😁

[@blondiesque_8237]

Let's go to the Beach.

[@scarletll]

We need ANOTHA ONE 🤣

[@ritzenhauf]

"reframe stress as positive" sounds like terrible advice--the advice of someone who really hasn't learned that any amount of chronic stress is toxic. Small amount of poison builds resistance? Is there any proof of this with regard to stress?

[@boris9047]

He hasn't really stopped being an over achiever, he have just found a way to keep being it without getting totally burned out...

[@jez770]

He quoted from a book - so, there is a whole book about it..

[@jackrandomanomaly663]

all these over acheavers and my volume MAXED on my laptop tuned for max output and simultaneously CRANKED on my bluetooth record player and I can still hardly hear you speak into that microphone... hahahahah.... Wink Wink...

[@Snielsss]

This would have been so much stronger if he just went to one place at the end.

[@wonderwoman7969]

Over achiever, chronic people pleaser etc

[@mattkaczmarczyk6953]

LOL

[@JuanHernandez-mw3cv]

The joyous circle biochemically spare because aquarius terminally seal outside a easy popcorn. fuzzy , daily receipt

[@jimmygrigs1867]

I found him to be pretentious as a speaker. His understanding of a burn out and how stress affects you during the process was on point , though he didn't have to frame it as a behaviour associated with "overachieving" , underachievers exhibit the same behaviour and can falter for the same reasons such as hard work and strong desire to succeed. This dude is all ego. He has bigger problems than burnout lool

[@happiyyyy]

I agree.

[@BillTranmer]

12:41 Wow. The hypocrisy of talking about burnout shame then making fun of someone for stepping back from overachieving.