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Reclaiming the Fire: How Successful People Overcome Burnout
The definitive work on avoiding burnout, written by the psychologist who is the leading specialist on the issue. An illuminating and useful book for anyone coping with the pressures of work.
In Reclaiming the Fire , Dr. Steven Berglas analyzes the rises and falls of corporate executives, middle managers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and others as they struggle to handle the trappings of successful careers. How does one deal with encore anxiety, the monotony of having to use talents that are no longer psychologically rewarding? Why is it that our national obsession with wealth traps people in careers that often lead them to wonder, "Is that all there is?" And why do highly successful people often set themselves up for disastrous falls?
Dr. Berglas answers all these questions and many more in this groundbreaking book by discussing real people whose careers have left them feeling pressured, burdened, and jaded.
In his most progressive and striking contribution to the literature on career success, Dr. Berglas debunks the persistent myth that women suffer more stress and burnout than men. He disproves the common claim that women involved both in careers and in family life suffer from trying to have it all, and he demonstrates how the drive to form close interpersonal ties a drive that is intrinsic to women can actually prevent both men and women from experiencing burnout. In a related analysis of the mentoring process, Dr. Berglas shows why it is more important for careerists to build legacies for future generations (a process he terms generativity) than to become obsessed with their own personal success. He proves that the process not only benefits the student but provides the mentor with psychological satisfaction and even improved physical health.
Reclaiming the Fire uses the working world not the psychiatric couch as a venue for understanding the psychological and emotional burdens of success. It is the first comprehensive account of how to balance self-esteem and ambition while maintaining challenge and stimulation throughout your career.
Reclaiming the Fire provides insight into:
*Why baby boomers are currently suffering an epidemic of career dissatisfaction
*Why women are uniquely suited to cope with the pressures that cause men to suffer burnout, and what men can learn from them
*How to escape golden handcuffs: the workaholic devotion to a job that is no longer emotionally satisfying
*How to cope with anger that threatens to sabotage your career
*How all professionals can identify the passions that will allow them to sustain and enjoy success throughout their lives
In Reclaiming the Fire , Dr. Steven Berglas analyzes the rises and falls of corporate executives, middle managers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and others as they struggle to handle the trappings of successful careers. How does one deal with encore anxiety, the monotony of having to use talents that are no longer psychologically rewarding? Why is it that our national obsession with wealth traps people in careers that often lead them to wonder, "Is that all there is?" And why do highly successful people often set themselves up for disastrous falls?
Dr. Berglas answers all these questions and many more in this groundbreaking book by discussing real people whose careers have left them feeling pressured, burdened, and jaded.
In his most progressive and striking contribution to the literature on career success, Dr. Berglas debunks the persistent myth that women suffer more stress and burnout than men. He disproves the common claim that women involved both in careers and in family life suffer from trying to have it all, and he demonstrates how the drive to form close interpersonal ties a drive that is intrinsic to women can actually prevent both men and women from experiencing burnout. In a related analysis of the mentoring process, Dr. Berglas shows why it is more important for careerists to build legacies for future generations (a process he terms generativity) than to become obsessed with their own personal success. He proves that the process not only benefits the student but provides the mentor with psychological satisfaction and even improved physical health.
Reclaiming the Fire uses the working world not the psychiatric couch as a venue for understanding the psychological and emotional burdens of success. It is the first comprehensive account of how to balance self-esteem and ambition while maintaining challenge and stimulation throughout your career.
Reclaiming the Fire provides insight into:
*Why baby boomers are currently suffering an epidemic of career dissatisfaction
*Why women are uniquely suited to cope with the pressures that cause men to suffer burnout, and what men can learn from them
*How to escape golden handcuffs: the workaholic devotion to a job that is no longer emotionally satisfying
*How to cope with anger that threatens to sabotage your career
*How all professionals can identify the passions that will allow them to sustain and enjoy success throughout their lives
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 2, 2007
I read this booking looking for some practical advice on breaking through burnout in my development career. This book was OK, but focused FAR too much on very successful people such as CEO's, actors and sports stars. I had a very hard time finding any application to my own professional life.
October 8, 2022
This book isn't really about the typical burnout situation. Instead, it describes people who have reached the top of their ladders and feel ennui. Also, the whole book is super male centered. There's even a chapter where it's suggested to be more like a woman. The writing was not bad at the beginning, though towards the end it became less and less focused, and the chapters seemed to ramble on. Then, finally, at the end, there were some suggestions on emotional vulnerability and community, but the heart of the book seemed to be about the author's research and less about how you can help yourself.
February 5, 2015
I have really mixed feelings about this book. Overall, I think it's a good book and I'm clear it's not for everyone. I thought the first 1/2 of the book started out really well & then it lost steam somewhere in the middle. I think the important thing is not every example is expected to apply to you - he doesn't believe in the "one size fits all" approach - if you keep this in mind and listen for the stories you can relate to, it will be a much better read. He ends the book by pretty much stating a very well known même of embracing your passion. Maybe my expectations were too high but for a professor at Anderson who has so many high profile clients who throws quite a few vocabulary words that had me running to the dictionary, I just expected something more profound. I'm not discounting the elegance of simplicity - I just think it's waaaaay too many words to get to such a conclusion! If you're a big fan of theory and want a mini crash course in psychology and what it's like to be a psychologist presented with really challenging executive clients, there's merit to this book!
January 19, 2014
When I read a book like this, it is very much related to something which I feel needs to change in my life. From this book, I did not get a good sense that it addressed people like me. The one place was mentioned about. But when I read through the book, I did not see a place of help here.
It was an interesting book to read, but not for me. For more of my review, see my blog.
It was an interesting book to read, but not for me. For more of my review, see my blog.
April 18, 2012
I've been at the same job for ten years almost. I was desparately seeking something that might help me either get out of the rut or find a way to cope with what is going on in my workplace.
Instead this book is about uber elite burnout of superstars. Very disappointing so I'm abandoning it after about 20 minutes of reading then skimming through.
Instead this book is about uber elite burnout of superstars. Very disappointing so I'm abandoning it after about 20 minutes of reading then skimming through.
February 21, 2014
The author was extremely full of himself and his many fantastic burnout executives that never did figure out how to reclaim the fire, just crash and burn. I understand what causes burn out, and this book did explore that, the one point of interest in the book. However there were no definitive explanations on how to reclaim the fire. Do not recommend.
April 30, 2009
An interesting read but primarily focused on the 1% who reach the very top versus a larger group of successful workers who face burnout. This examines what the author considers "supernova burnout." Still, concepts of self-destructive behaviors flowing from fear or boredom useful to revisit.
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January 22, 2016Worth the read. This book has served an important contribution to the building body of knowledge regarding adult developmental transitions, renewal and resilience. The chapter on generativity was particulary clear, inspiring and insightful.
November 16, 2009
not what i was hoping for and not worth reading
March 29, 2013
A should-read book on work-life balance as you manage your career.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews