Why Certain People Burn Out Faster: The Personality-Stress Connection

Introduction

Two people can have the exact same job. One thrives; the other burns out. The difference isn't the workload—it's the internal pressure they add to it.

The Burnout Candidates

1. The Perfectionist (Type 1 / High Conscientiousness)

The Trap: "It's never good enough." They rework tasks endlessly and can't delegate.

The Fix: "B-minus work." Practice submitting work that is "good enough" and realizing the world doesn't end.

2. The Helper (Type 2 / High Agreeableness)

The Trap: "I can't say no." They take on everyone else's emotional labor until they are empty.

The Fix: Boundaries. Realizing that saying "no" to others is saying "yes" to your own health.

3. The Achiever (Type 3)

The Trap: "I am what I do." They work to prove their worth, so resting feels like failing.

The Fix: Detaching self-worth from productivity. Who are you when you aren't working?