Perfectionists often don’t even realize they are one; however, the signs of perfectionism can be clear indicators you might be one. As someone who takes on too much—expecting perfection, never feeling fully satisfied, wanting to prove your worth, life can be exhausting. But how do you know if you’re dealing with normal daily fatigue or if you’re truly overwhelmed and exhausted, needing a new approach?

We all have days when the regular routines of life leave us feeling tired—juggling work, family, and responsibilities can naturally wear anyone down. But when does that tiredness shift into something more serious, like burnout or chronic overwhelm? How can you tell the difference between the everyday fatigue that comes from a busy schedule and a deeper sense of exhaustion that signals it’s time for a change?

The truth is, there’s a fine line between feeling the typical wear and tear of daily life and reaching a point where you’re mentally and emotionally drained.

Here are some signs that you might be edging closer to needing a fresh approach:

1. Persistent Fatigue

If you wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed, or you can’t seem to shake the exhaustion no matter how much you sleep you get, that’s a red flag. Normal tiredness fades away after resting, but if it doesn’t, it could be a sign that your energy reserves are depleted beyond the typical daily demands.

Side note: It’s a good idea to try to maintain a fairly regular sleep schedule. For me, my internal clock starts to signal it’s time to sleep at almost exactly 12:03AM—regardless if I lay down at night at 11:00PM or 11:30PM. This started when I gave in to what I “thought” was the right sleeping time and said “what the heck, I’ll just go to sleep when my body wants to.” It’s working better for me than any other sleep schedule I’ve ever had!

2. Emotional Outbursts

If you’re feeling easily irritated, frustrated, or on edge all the time, that’s a sign that your stress levels are too high. If small things are triggering big emotional reactions, this is more than just feeling tired—it’s being emotionally overwhelmed.

I know when I start to react to situations or events in a sleep deprived toddler-like way, shaking my head “no,” refusing to accept things, or crying easily, my stress is high and I need some time and space to regroup.

3. Lack of Motivation

If the things you usually enjoy or find fulfilling suddenly feel like burdens, and you’re struggling to muster up the motivation to get through the day, it may be your signal that it’s more than routine fatigue. Yea, we all get so busy we don’t find time for activities we really love for seasons in our life; however, losing interest entirely in hobbies and activities you once loved is a strong signal that burnout is creeping in.

4. Physical Symptoms

Exhaustion can manifest physically as well and is often what causes individuals to pay attention to their stress levels in ways they hadn’t before. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or other unexplained physical symptoms, your body may be responding to the mental strain. I recall seeing the doctor for some of these various symptoms that seemed to come out of nowhere and the doctor asking “how much stress are you experiencing in your life right now?” My answer was always the same, “same as usual, normal.” I had conditioned myself to believe none of these symptoms could even be remotely related to stress—that was NOT the problem. Truth is, chronic stress takes a real toll on your health.

Whenever I had a big presentation coming up or speaking in front of large groups, I would get myself so worked up and anxious about it, sleepless nights, upset stomach, and irritable until it was over. Almost like clockwork after the “big event” was over, I would come down with a cold, headaches, or whatever ailment. My body had been holding in all that stress and then once it was over, my immune system was completely drained. Have you experienced something similar?

There’s a medical explanation behind this. When under stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol which can suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness; essentially, the “fight or flight” response prioritizes immediate survival over fighting off infections, leaving us vulnerable to getting sick when stress is prolonged or intense.

5. Feeling Trapped or Hopeless

When everything feels like a constant uphill battle and you start questioning whether things will ever get better, it’s a sign you’re not just dealing with normal tiredness—you may need a new plan for how you approach life.

Why Recognizing the Difference Between Tired and Exhausted Matters

Understanding whether you’re simply tired from a long week or genuinely overwhelmed is key because it affects how you approach self-care. If it’s just typical fatigue, you might be able to recharge with a good night’s sleep or a relaxing weekend. But if you’re experiencing chronic overwhelm, it’s time to reassess your lifestyle, responsibilities, and how you manage stress.

Ignoring the signs of deeper exhaustion can lead to burnout, which is much harder to recover from. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the warning signals early and take action before you hit a breaking point.

It’s Okay to Admit Striving for Perfection Is Highly Overated and Decide It’s Time for a New Plan

If you recognize yourself in any of the above signs, it might be time to develop a more sustainable way of tackling life’s demands. This could mean setting clearer boundaries, reducing your workload, or making more time for self-care. It might even involve rethinking your long-term goals and adjusting your priorities to ensure they align with what truly matters to you.

Don’t wait until you’re completely burned out to make changes. Start small by incorporating healthier habits, like building a morning routine that energizes you or scheduling time for activities that relax and replenish you. It could also help to seek guidance, whether it’s from a coach, a mentor, or simply talking to someone who’s been in your shoes.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about pushing through—it’s about thriving. And sometimes, that requires stepping back, re-evaluating, and creating a new approach that prioritizes your well-being.

If you’re ready for a new plan, let’s connect to see how I might help you.