Are You Wearing Burnout as a Badge of Honor?
For healthcare professionals and high-performing leaders who put everyone else first
You've been taught that caring for others means sacrificing yourself. That exhaustion equals dedication. That saying "I'm fine" when you're falling apart is what heroes do.
But what if this mindset is actually costing you—and the people you serve—more than you realize?
Take this 3-minute quiz to discover if you're wearing burnout as a badge of honor, and learn how to break the cycle without compromising your commitment to excellence.
Instructions
For each statement below, choose the response that most accurately reflects your current experience. Be honest—this is for your eyes only.
1. When someone asks "How are you?" your automatic response is:
A) "I'm fine" (even when you're not) - 3 points
B) "Busy, but that's nothing new" - 2 points
C) An honest answer about how you're actually feeling - 1 point
2. During your breaks or days off, you:
A) Feel guilty for not being productive and often work anyway - 3 points
B) Try to relax but your mind races with work thoughts - 2 points
C) Actually disconnect and recharge - 1 point
3. When you're exhausted, your inner voice says:
A) "Suck it up, others have it worse" - 3 points
B) "I should be able to handle this better" - 2 points
C) "I need to take care of myself" - 1 point
4. Your relationship with basic self-care (eating, sleeping, bathroom breaks) is:
A) "Self-care is selfish when people need me" - 3 points
B) "I'll take care of myself when things slow down" - 2 points
C) "I prioritize basic needs to show up better for others" - 1 point
5. When colleagues compliment your work ethic, you feel:
A) Proud that your sacrifice is noticed and valued - 3 points
B) Appreciated but worried you can't maintain the pace - 2 points
C) Grateful while maintaining healthy boundaries - 1 point
6. Your energy levels by 2 PM are:
A) Completely depleted, running on fumes and caffeine - 3 points
B) Noticeably lower, but you push through - 2 points
C) Steady and sustainable throughout the day - 1 point
7. When you think about asking for help or support, you:
A) Immediately dismiss it—"I should handle this myself" - 3 points
B) Consider it but worry about being seen as weak - 2 points
C) Recognize it as a sign of strength and wisdom - 1 point
8. Your stress response during crises is:
A) Pure adrenaline and panic, followed by complete crash - 3 points
B) High stress but you function, though it takes a toll - 2 points
C) Calm, centered presence that others find reassuring - 1 point
Your Results
Add up your points and see where you land:
20-24 Points: The Martyr Badge
You're wearing burnout as a badge of honor, and it's costing you—and everyone around you—dearly. Your self-abandonment has become so normalized that you've forgotten what it feels like to be truly energized and present. The $300 billion burnout crisis? You're living it.
The truth: Your exhaustion isn't helping anyone. When you're running on empty, you can't give your best to the people who need you most.
14-19 Points: The Struggling Hero
You're caught between knowing you need to care for yourself and feeling guilty when you do. You recognize the warning signs but haven't found sustainable ways to reset your nervous system without compromising your commitment to excellence.
The opportunity: You're ready for change but need practical tools that work within your demanding schedule.
8-13 Points: The Sustainable Leader
You understand that self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic. You've learned to reset your nervous system and maintain energy throughout the day, which allows you to show up as your best self for others.
Your superpower: You lead by example, showing others that excellence and self-care can coexist.
What's Next?
Regardless of your score, you don't have to choose between caring for others and caring for yourself. The Micro-Shift Reset System™ teaches high-performing leaders like you how to:
Reset your nervous system in 5 minutes or less
Stop cortisol spikes before they drain your energy
Lead with presence instead of panic
Build sustainable energy that lasts all day
Ready to break the cycle? Doreen Steenland Coaching & Facilitation is here to help!
Join my FREE 5-Day Challenge: High-Performer Reset: 5‑Day Energy + Clarity Reboot
Reset your nervous system in just 2-3 minutes a day—because burnout costs the U.S. economy $300 billion, and it's costing you more than you realize.
You don't have to white-knuckle through another day. There's a better way.