Exhaustion: The Difference Between Growth and Stagnation

You ever wake up and feel like every ounce of energy has been drained from you? Not the kind of tired where a nap will fix it, but the deep-rooted exhaustion that hits you physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had one of those mornings recently, and it got me thinking: there are two types of exhaustion. One comes from fighting against your own instincts, avoiding your purpose, and staying stuck in places you know you shouldn't be. The other comes from giving your all to the path you were meant to walk. Either way, exhaustion is inevitable. So why not aim to be exhausted in a good way?

Which Path Are You On?

The difference between these two types of exhaustion comes down to one thing: alignment. Are your actions aligned with your goals, or are you swimming upstream in the wrong river? When you're pursuing your purpose, even the most tiring days feel fulfilling. Like yesterday, for me—it was one of those beautifully exhausting days. I started by speaking to a group of teachers to kick off their school year, and then I hosted a free basketball camp for kids through the Dreams Really Exist Foundation. It was a marathon of a day, but every bit of fatigue was worth it.

The question you have to ask yourself is: Through my actions, what problem am I solving? For me, inspiring teachers and providing opportunities for kids checks the boxes. It keeps me aligned with my purpose. What about you? What do your actions say about the path you're on?

The Muddy Middle

Now let's talk about the flip side—exhaustion from not living in alignment. You know the feeling: you're stuck in a job that doesn't excite you, surrounded by people who drain your energy, or caught in cycles that don't serve you. Here's the truth: Life isn't going to carry you where you want to go if you're just drifting.

If you're in a muddy situation, you have to ask yourself: Why am I here? Is it fear? Complacency? Are you staying because it's familiar, even if it's unfulfilling? The hardest part of growth is recognizing when it's time to let go. Whether it's a relationship, a job, or even a habit, you have to cut ties with what's keeping you stuck.

Stop Being the Lifeline

One of the biggest drains on our energy comes from playing the savior. Have you ever noticed how some people treat you like their personal emergency hotline? Every problem they have becomes your problem because they know you'll fix it. But here's the thing: Not every emergency is your emergency.

My buddy recently showed me a website called "Let Me Google That For You." It's a humorous reminder that most questions people ask us are ones they could answer themselves if they tried. In life, a lot of people are simply looking for the easiest way out, and sometimes you are their shortcut. But your time and energy are too valuable for that.

Learn to distinguish between people who genuinely need your help and people who just don't want to do the work themselves. Being selfish with your time isn't about ignoring others; it's about protecting your capacity to make a real difference where it matters.

Audit Yourself

Fatigue isn't always a bad thing. The best kind of exhaustion comes when you're pouring your energy into something meaningful. But if you're tired all the time and can't figure out why, it's time for an audit. Ask yourself:

• Am I spending my energy on the right things?

• Are the people in my life adding to my purpose or pulling me away from it?

• Am I stuck in a muddy situation that I need to step out of?

When you start asking these questions and making adjustments, you'll notice a shift. You'll start to feel a different kind of tired—the kind that comes from knowing you're giving your best to something worthwhile.

Choose the Right Exhaustion

At the end of the day, you're going to be tired one way or another. But you get to choose how you'll be tired. Will it be from chasing someone else's dream, fixing someone else's problems, and staying stuck in cycles that don't serve you? Or will it be from pouring every ounce of yourself into something you believe in?

Exhaustion is inevitable, but fulfillment is optional. Choose the path that makes you proud of your tired eyes and sore muscles.

Have a great weekend, and remember: Mindset Matters—Let's make yours unstoppable.

Looking to inspire your team, organization, or event? Book Baylor to speak and check his availability today. Purchase strategy-driven mindset books here, or listen to the powerful 10-minute daily Shark Theory podcast. Stay connected and sharpen your mindset every week by signing up for the Shark Bites newsletter. Remember, Mindset Matters: Let's make yours unstoppable.