# Burnout Recovery 😌 | Healing Through Self-Discovery 🧭 (Recalibrating #2)  ## Introduction and Burnout Recovery - The author, Callum, also known as Waterloots, is exploring what it means to be human and recover from burnout, which he experienced after quitting his job as a lawyer and patent agent 20 weeks ago [(00:00:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=17s). - Callum had expected to recover from burnout within a couple of weeks, but it took him 20 weeks to start feeling like he had a rhythm again [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=10s). - He is learning to present himself better on camera and share his knowledge and experience with others through his [[YouTube]] "Recalibrating Experiment" [(00:00:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=34s). - Callum realized that he couldn't separate himself into different containers, such as the lawyer, patent agent, engineer, artist, philosopher, reader, writer, friend, family member, and partner, as he has many different elements to his personality [(00:01:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=93s). - He found that trying to put himself into a box made him realize that the value he was trying to share was not in alignment with his job, which was forcing him to behave in a compact manner [(00:02:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=121s). - Callum decided to quit his job and start the "Recalibrating Experiment" to tap into his individual creativity and explore what it means to be human and recover from burnout [(00:02:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=148s). - He began by writing a newsletter, where he explores what it means to self-actualize and be the best version of himself [(00:02:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=152s). - Callum needed to change and get out of the corporate box he had put himself in for the past 10 years, allowing himself to think outside the box and let his creativity come into different versions of himself [(00:03:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=181s). - He wanted to restructure his life to allow him to continue exploring, pursuing his passions, and living the life he wants to, which includes traveling and generating income in a way that balances his mind, body, and work [(00:03:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=202s). ## The Recalibrating Experiment - The current state of the world has changed the way value is transferred and packaged, and holding on to past ways of thinking will hinder humanity's development as a species [(00:04:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=244s). - The approach to human development has been logic-based, treating humans like machines, rather than incorporating creativity and the human experience [(00:04:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=262s). - The experiment of recalibrating involves leaving voice notes, or "Vibe checks," to track mental space and progress over time [(00:04:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=281s). - After 20 weeks of recalibrating, there is a newfound understanding of natural self-expression, which is the point of this video series [(00:05:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=355s). - The video series is also a practice in learning to speak to the camera and audience, as well as to the future self [(00:05:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=359s). ## Continuity of Self and Burnout - The concept of the continuity of self is important, as it allows individuals to build on past experiences and be more aware of their sense of self [(00:07:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=421s). - The expectations of others can fracture one's sense of self, making it difficult to maintain continuity and be true to oneself [(00:07:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=443s). - The mindfulness app, Waking Up, features talks on topics like procrastination and the continuity of self, which have been influential in the recalibrating process [(00:06:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=409s). - The experience of burnout and recovery has been a long process, with the initial expectation of recovery taking only a couple of weeks, but ultimately taking 20 weeks to feel a sense of rhythm and understanding [(00:05:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=336s). - The culmination of experiences and circumstances makes each individual unique, and recognizing this can help in the process of self-discovery and growth [(00:06:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=390s). - Burnout can occur when there's a misalignment between one's values and the value of the work they're doing, leading to exhaustion and a fracturing of one's continuity of self [(00:07:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=450s). ## Recalibration and Self-Actualization - The goal of the recalibrating experiment is to research what it means to realign oneself, self-actualize, and build on past experiences and knowledge to create a path of wisdom that leads forward into the future [(00:07:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=478s). - Mindfulness is a helpful tool in this process, and can be practiced through meditation and journaling, allowing for self-reflection and a clearer vision of one's goals [(00:08:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=499s). - [[Self-actualization]] is the main topic of discussion in the newsletter, and is broken down into [[Maslow's hierarchy of needs | Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs]], which maps closely to the [[Occupational burnout | Burnout Recovery]] Pyramid [(00:08:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=527s). - The Burnout Recovery Pyramid is a way to gauge the level of burnout and determine where to start the recovery process, in order to recalibrate one's life and get back on track [(00:09:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=555s). - By practicing mindfulness regularly, one can have a clear vision of their actual goals, self-reflect, and identify the goals they want to have in their life [(00:09:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=591s). - The point of setting goals is not to hit the goal and be done, but to build a habit system, structure, and creative act of oneself, allowing for personal growth and improvement [(00:10:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=621s). - There is no exact version of oneself, but rather a constant mixture of different versions, and learning to pay attention to which version is coming out in each moment can help one respond better to current circumstances [(00:10:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=647s). ## Tuning in and the Creative Act - To avoid burnout, it's essential to find ways to engage in activities without draining oneself, and one way to do this is by tuning in to oneself and the world at large, as discussed in Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act" [(00:11:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=675s). - Tuning in to oneself involves understanding how one's brain operates, recognizing patterns, and becoming aware of how one can become interested in a particular topic for a certain period, only to lose that interest over time [(00:11:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=708s). - This process of tuning in can provide insight into how to connect with the world and express oneself in a way that generates value for both oneself and others [(00:11:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=701s). ## Intuition, Instinct, and the Value of Self - In today's world, where technology is rapidly advancing, it's becoming increasingly important to understand who we are as humans and to develop our ability to understand our intuition and instincts [(00:13:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=781s). - Intuition and instincts are built off of past experiences and can guide the course of our future, allowing us to gain wisdom from our past selves [(00:13:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=802s). - People often try to put themselves into a box and self-identify with only one specific aspect of themselves, but this can lead to misalignment of value, burnout, imposter syndrome, and anxiety [(00:13:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=819s). - The concept of "gal" in psychology suggests that an individual is a complex, overlapping tapestry of different aspects, and trying to fracture this can lead to problems [(00:13:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=826s). ## AI, Value Creation, and the Knowledge Economy - In a world disrupted by artificial intelligence, it's essential to consider what our value is to ourselves and what value we can share with the world, and to think about how we can create something out of nothing, as creators [(00:14:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=872s). - The [[Knowledge economy | knowledge economy]], which is most of the corporate world, is based on creating something out of nothing, and understanding this can help us find new ways to generate income and share our value with others [(00:14:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=889s). - Separating logic from creativity and knowledge from creativity is not always necessary, as they can work together to generate new forms of value, intellectual property, and creative output [(00:15:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=904s). - The process of creating something from nothing and sharing it with others is a form of creation, whether in the corporate world through emails, contracts, and patents, or in the creator economy through content creation and sharing [(00:15:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=929s). - The overlap between the creator economy and the knowledge economy is becoming more apparent, and the time between coming up with an idea, generating value, and executing on that value is being shortened [(00:15:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=951s). - Artificial intelligence is expected to vastly shorten the distance between the idea and the execution, reduce the effort required, increase the quality, and remove friction with publishing content [(00:16:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1007s). - Most people are already building a personal brand and generating intellectual property in their corporate jobs, whether they realize it or not [(00:16:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=991s). - The average person should focus on the idea and its core essence, rather than the execution, in an artificially intelligent world where the definition of generating value is shifting [(00:17:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1057s). ## Personal Growth and Goal Setting - Practicing idea generation, journaling, and thinking about personal goals and aspirations can help individuals develop their creative and intellectual abilities [(00:18:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1102s). - Recalibrating and working towards goals step by step can help individuals achieve their desired outcomes and find peace and fulfillment [(00:18:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1117s). - Through self-discovery and reflection, individuals can gain a clearer idea of their long-term goals and the person they are growing into, allowing them to identify their values and priorities [(00:18:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1119s). - This process involves linking ideas, problems, and solutions, and building on past experiences to create new connections and insights over time [(00:19:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1163s). - As individuals grow and develop, they will begin to realize what they truly value and how to express that value in a way that others can appreciate [(00:19:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1179s). - The ability to express one's values and ideas is a valuable skill that can be developed through practice and self-reflection [(00:19:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1182s). ## Finding and Expressing Your Voice - Identifying and expressing one's unique voice and perspective is a key part of this process, and can be achieved by reflecting on what makes one happy and excited [(00:20:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1210s). - Developing one's voice involves not only determining what to say, but also how to say it, and this can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience [(00:20:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1235s). - Reading, learning, and taking in new information can help individuals generate new ideas and insights, and build on their existing knowledge [(00:21:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1264s). - By generating a continuity of self and reflecting on past experiences, individuals can turn knowledge into wisdom and make more informed decisions [(00:21:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1280s). - The concept of voice is not limited to verbal communication, but can also include non-verbal forms of expression such as art, which can be interpreted and valued by others in different ways [(00:21:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1302s). - Art can be a powerful means of communication and empathy, allowing individuals to connect with others across languages and cultures [(00:22:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1330s). ## Storytelling and the Hero's Journey - Humans have been using storytelling to convey information, share value, and ensure survival since ancient times, with stories serving as a way to pass on valuable information and prevent harm, such as warning others about poisonous berries [(00:22:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1352s). - The fear of the unknown is a fundamental human fear, driving anxiety and stress, but becoming comfortable with change and the unknown can alleviate these feelings and allow individuals to go with the flow [(00:23:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1403s). - The concept of the hero's journey, framed by [[Joseph Campbell]], is a storytelling structure that involves a hero leaving the known world, facing trials in the unknown, and returning with newfound knowledge and value to share with others [(00:23:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1434s). - This structure can be applied to personal growth, where individuals can embark on their own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges and learning from experiences to develop a new understanding of themselves and share their newfound value with others [(00:24:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1458s). - Many people struggle to frame the value they generate as they navigate the unknown, and repeating the same daily routine without exploring new experiences can limit the generation of valuable experiences that can be shared with others [(00:25:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1502s). - Developing a continuity of self and thinking about the future can help individuals see their own story and walk through the unknown with confidence, allowing them to share their value with others, including potentially with artificial intelligence personal assistants [(00:25:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1537s). ## Being the Hero of Your Own Story - Being the hero of one's own story means taking control and making choices that align with one's own desires, rather than living on autopilot and following others' expectations [(00:25:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1549s). - Living as a non-player character, or someone who just goes through the motions, means someone else is the main character of one's life [(00:26:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1565s). - Taking a step back to assess one's life and story can be helpful in figuring out one's voice and learning how to express it [(00:26:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1593s). - One's story is like a gift to future generations, and with the internet, it's possible to share it with people all over the world [(00:26:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1607s). - Sharing one's story and worldview can be scary, but it's part of living in the unknown and can impart wisdom on others [(00:27:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1625s). ## The Power of Sharing Stories - The creator economy, [[YouTube]], and social media are fueled by people sharing their stories and value with others [(00:28:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1690s). - People enjoy reading books and listening to stories because they offer wisdom and knowledge from others who have gone through their own hero's journey [(00:28:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1698s). - Voice is a comfortable way to consume information, as it's the original way people heard stories and allows listeners to hear inflection, passion, and excitement [(00:28:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1729s). - Listening to audiobooks, especially those narrated by the author, is a preferred way to ingest information and can be a valuable way to learn from others [(00:29:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1745s). - The internet has given humans the power to share their experiences and connect with anyone across the world, a power that has only been available for a relatively short period of time, with the internet taking off in the '90s and progressing rapidly over the past 30 years [(00:29:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1780s). ## AI and the Future of Storytelling - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting every technology and corporation in the world, and instead of fearing it, people should see it as an opportunity to change the way value is shared across the world [(00:30:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1805s). - AI can help people share their stories and values more efficiently, with the ability to take a video on a cell phone, run it through an AI personal assistant filter, and share it with others [(00:30:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1823s). - However, this also comes with complications such as information overload, cognitive overload, and feeling overwhelmed with information [(00:30:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1837s). - On the other hand, AI personal assistants can also act as filters to choose only curated information, helping to mitigate the negative effects of information overload [(00:30:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1847s). - The concept of being original and following one's intuition has been explored, with the idea of generating a system of organized notes to help track thoughts and figure out where one's value lies [(00:30:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1857s). - This data set of intellectual property can become useful for plugging into personal AI assistants in the future, allowing for more effortless expression of value through storytelling [(00:31:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1880s). ## Building a Wisdom Bridge - The idea of creating a "wisdom bridge" into the future by capturing one's thoughts and feelings in the present and projecting them into the future has been explored, with the goal of being able to review and continue from past work [(00:31:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1905s). - This concept is similar to Ernest Hemingway's "[[Ernest Hemingway | Hemingway]] bridge," where he would leave notes for himself on where to continue a story, allowing him to reserve energy and kickstart the process the next day [(00:32:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1924s). - This approach is being applied to daily journaling and [[YouTube]] videos, allowing for a continuation of work and ideas from one day to the next [(00:32:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1954s). - A mindfulness routine has been developed, which involves taking notes afterwards and generating wisdom bridges to link different selves together over time, allowing for continuity of self and connection between different selves in the moment [(00:32:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1959s). - This skill is considered valuable for personal growth and development, and it is hoped that others can learn from this experience and apply it to their own lives [(00:33:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1985s). ## Creating Value and a Better Future - The idea is to consider oneself as an artist or creator, generating value and wisdom to share with the world, as expressed by [[Rick Rubin]] [(00:33:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=1999s). - This approach involves thinking outside of silos and containers, and not operating like machines, to develop a better system for humanity to thrive [(00:33:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=2011s). - Artificial intelligence is seen as a potential tool to augment this approach, but it also raises ethical issues and biases that need to be addressed [(00:33:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=2023s). - The goal is to create a better future by thinking about problems together and looking at systems with hope and optimism [(00:33:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=2035s). - Future topics to be discussed include digital identity, online presence, and the generation of myth and story over time [(00:34:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=2053s). - The importance of sharing content and supporting creators is emphasized, as it helps to grow channels and communities, and allows for more people to be helped and supported [(00:34:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kveBdiXjo&t=2067s).