How do you cope with career burnout/stagnating?

Question

I recently discovered how to break a tough cycle that held me back professionally so wanted to share (in hopes of helping even 1 person like me) and to see how you all manage.I had a bad habit of working until I would burn out, in hopes that I would serendipitously learn a few tricks/hacks and grow. This went on for years. Yet every time I had a moment to reflect, I would realize that I wasn't fulfilled, I learned a few meaningless skills, but wasn't anywhere near my personal / professional goals. So I started doing the following things and it has changed my life: 1) write down how my day went every day 2) document why it went well, want went 'not so well', and what i learned 3) systematically gather feedback from peers and mentors i trustedI now have a couple of months worth of data and can systematically tell when i'll have a great/good/bad day and where i need to focus to grow (e.g., my communications skills). I feel much sharper and more growth and goal oriented - it sounds cliche but i feel like i have found a new lease on my professional life.Curious to hear HN friends how you guys manage it all.

the_only_law · Accepted Answer

Mostly just given up, and changed my expectations.

throwaway987978 · Answer

Thanks for sharing. I've also come to realize lately how important the process of reflection is. Without it, there's just doing but it's really the reflection process where you learn. That allows for adjustments rather than continuing on the same path out of habit.

ahmadmk · Answer

I used to do that. But it's hard to hold my self to it everyday.