The Adaptability Signal

Adam Grenier has managed many people through burnout. The clearest signal?

'Adaptability goes down really fast. Your openness to change, or trying new things, has shifted from "here are the flags we should be aware of, but let's give it a shot" to "Why are we wasting our time? Let's not do this."'

In parenting, this sounds like: - 'We always do it this way' - 'Because I said so' - 'I don't have time for this' - 'Just stop asking questions'

These aren't character flaws. They're exhaustion indicators.

'If you're looking for ways to minimize the challenge or the opportunity, that's a pretty good signal that you may be more burnt out than just exhausted.'

Notice when your patience for creativity drops. When you stop being curious about their questions. When 'let's try something new' becomes 'let's just get through this.'

That's not you becoming a worse parent. That's you needing rest.

Adaptability is a tank. It empties. Fill it back up.