No matter what it is we're trying to do. Whether we're starting or running our own business, trying to advance in a corporate job, or just trying to keep our families on track; there is one thing that is a key to success. A sustained, comfortable effort.

One of the things that is the biggest threat to that effort is burning out.

Whenever we talk about the concept of burnout, everybody knows what we mean. It translates to every language. The one thing people do not grasp about burnout is the root cause. We have so much desire to make something happen and still yet, we cannot sustain our effort. Isn't desire enough to accomplish what we want?

The bottom line is, no. Yes, you need a burning desire, but if you do not have the necessary support system to maintain your desire you will burnout. It is similar to someone taking a high-performance sports car and jamming the accelerator to the floor without putting the car in gear. It will sound impressive and cause a brief rush, but it will burn up where it sits.

That is what we do to ourselves when we go after something with a huge desire and don't have a structure in place to make the desire meaningful.The things I have found that people need in place to support their desire are simple, yet powerful.

First, they need a strong purpose. Why do they want the object of their desire? If we don't know our reason for pursuit, it becomes difficult to maintain.

Second, we have to gain a keen awareness. Self-awareness allows to monitor our efforts and make sure we are making the best use of our energy. We stay alert to the signs of burnout.

If you would like more information on how to avoid burning out, I would like to invite you to get two chapters of my new book, Flip the SWITCH, for free. Just go to http:www.themindsetmaven.com/burnout. You'll learn more about awareness, purpose, and the other elements of your mindset. Plus, I will give you 12 videos with tips similar to this one to help you in your daily life.