Why Is Nobody Talking About What Really Helps Nonprofit Leaders Ditch Burnout?

Why Burnout Conversations Matter for Nonprofit Leaders

You and I both know that burnout is a silent struggle for many nonprofit leaders. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, manage teams, and keep the mission on track can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed.

But why is no one really talking about what helps us ditch burnout?
​​
We talk about burnout generally on social media posts, in reports from the sector, and as a topic for conferences. But are we talking about it 1-1?

​Are you discussing burnout with a trusted friend, mentor, or someone in your workplace?
I don't mean using dark humour, being a martyr about it, or throwing it out as a catch-all phrase.

What we really need to do to tackle burnout is to make it real by having individual conversations. Talk about how it's showing up in your life, what's draining your energy, and where you feel stuck. Don't be afraid to use the actual term burnout! We need to "name it to tame it!" Naming it removes the stigma and helps you and others take it seriously.

Here are a couple of ways to start the conversation:

With a mentor or trusted colleague:
"I've been feeling close to burnout lately. I'm struggling to balance everything, and I need some guidance on how to reset."
​With your boss or team leader:
"I want to be honest—I feel like I'm heading toward burnout. I'd love to discuss how to manage my workload more effectively."

These 1-1 conversations can be the starting point for creating real, personalized solutions that can pave the way for changes in your experience and for others as well.

I get it, though...

Who wants to put their hand up and say you are burning out? 

• You might worry that talking about it will make you seem weak, unable to handle the demands of your role, or that someone might question your ability to lead.

​But here's the truth: acknowledging burnout isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign you are willing to do the hard work of developing yourself as the best leader you can be. Is that strength? Maybe. But I won't lie and tell you this is easy. It's hard. Very hard.

​Being vulnerable is hard, especially in a sector where the pressure to do more with less can make us feel like we have to keep pushing no matter what. However, vulnerability is exactly what's needed, both at an individual level and across the sector.

​When you open up about burnout and actually name it, you're not just helping yourself; you're helping to change the narrative around leadership in the nonprofit sector. You're paving the way for a culture that values balance, well-being, and sustainable leadership and aligns those values with action. When we do that, we start to change the experience for the next generation of leaders. And I'm on a mission to do that!

By being honest about burnout and taking steps to address it, you're modelling the kind of leadership that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term survival. It's a shift we all need to make, and it starts with these personal, courageous conversations. Then, we need to take action.

Burnout isn't inevitable—it's preventable.

You don't need more hours in the day to prevent burnout. Instead, you need small, intentional habits to help you reclaim your energy, sharpen your focus, and feel more in control. Below are five surprising weekly habits that can make a big difference in how you lead and live.

5 Surprising Weekly Habits That Can Prevent BURNOUT

1 - Create a Weekly 'Do-Not-Do' List

Most leaders rely on to-do lists, but a 'do-not-do' list is equally powerful.

• Identify distractions, unnecessary meetings, or overcommitments that drain your time.
• Focus on eliminating what doesn't serve your priorities.

This simple habit helps you reclaim time, improve focus, and create space for what truly matters. MORE ON THIS

2 - Challenge Your Gratitude

Gratitude isn't just about celebrating the good. It's about embracing the growth that comes from challenges.

• Write down five things you're grateful for each week.
• Include tough moments, like a difficult conversation or a conflict that brought your team closer.

This habit helps you reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, building resilience and optimism.

3 - Take Mindful Meal Breaks

Mindfulness isn't just about meditation—it can be as simple as slowing down during a meal.

• Step away from your desk and put your phone aside.
• Use all your senses to savour your food. Notice the flavours, textures, and smells.

Practicing mindfulness in this small way will recharge your mental energy and improve your ability to stay composed and focused as a leader.

4 - Spend 15 Minutes Dreaming

Hope and creativity are essential leadership skills, yet they're often overlooked.

• Dedicate 15 minutes each week to dream about the future.
• Think about personal goals, a skill you want to learn, or a trip you'd love to take.

This habit nurtures creativity and helps you stay visionary and adaptable, which are two qualities every nonprofit leader needs.

Do a Reflection Speed Round

Reflection is a key tool for leadership growth, but it doesn't have to take hours.

• Set a timer for 15 minutes and ask yourself:
• What did I learn this week?
• What went well?
• What could I have done differently?

This quick, focused habit helps you stay self-aware, grounded, and always improving. MORE ON THIS

The Secret to Thriving in Nonprofit Leadership

Burnout doesn't have to be part of your leadership story. With these five simple habits, paired with open 1-1 conversations, you can recharge, refocus, and approach your role with renewed energy and clarity.​
But there's even more you can do to thrive as a leader.
Download my free guide to thriving in leadership to discover actionable strategies that will help you:

• Stay balanced.
• Boost your confidence.
• Lead with greater impact.

Click here to grab your free guide today!
​
Let me know if you need anything else! I am here to support you so that you don't feel so alone!

~ Kathy
Do the inner work! It's worth it!

Ready to Lead with Confidence and Impact?

​The nonprofit sector doesn't always give women leaders the support and training they deserve—but that's not your fault.  

I've been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created The Training Library to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.  

It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.  
No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.  

Inside The Training Library, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact—so you can thrive at work and in life.  

Master Nonprofit Leadership—With Training, You Can Trust.  
Join The Training Library today and take the first step toward confident leadership.