Burnout Assessment

Checking the Gardener’s Energy and Capacity to Sustain Growth

Purpose of This Worksheet:
In the Business Tree Model, the gardener represents the business owner — their energy, wellbeing, and sustainability. A thriving business cannot grow from depleted soil or a burnt-out gardener. This worksheet helps you check in with yourself honestly and make adjustments before things wither.

Use this worksheet to:

  • Recognize early signs of burnout or overexertion

  • Reflect on your balance across work and life

  • Make gentle, supportive changes to sustain your growth

Instructions (Step-by-Step):

Step 1: Take the Burnout Temperature Check

🟩 Rate yourself in each area from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Be honest — this isn’t a test.

AreaRating (1–5)Notes or ExamplesPhysical energye.g. fatigue, headaches, body tensionEmotional resiliencee.g. mood swings, tearfulness, anxietyMental focus / claritye.g. fogginess, distraction, forgetfulnessSleep qualitye.g. falling/staying asleep, waking refreshedJoy / satisfaction in your workMotivation / creative driveSense of spaciousness or overwhelmTime for rest / play / non-work life

Fill in each row. Notice any patterns or red flags.

Step 2: Identify Burnout Signals

🟩 Prompt:
Are you noticing any of the following?

  • Dread before sessions or meetings

  • Emotional detachment from your business

  • Cynicism, irritability, or numbness

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Withdrawing from your support system

  • Using screens/scrolling to cope

  • Feeling like rest doesn’t restore you

Tick or highlight those that apply. Add any others below:
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Step 3: Name the Stressors

🟩 Prompt:
What feels heavy, pressured, or “too much” right now?

Source of StressNotes (What’s going on?)e.g. Admin loadToo many manual taskse.g. Client scheduleNo space between sessionse.g. Financial uncertaintyIncome doesn’t match expenses

Try to list at least 3 current stressors.

Step 4: What Helps You Refill?

🟩 Prompt:
What helps you feel nourished, restored, or grounded?

Replenishment ToolWhen did you last do this?e.g. Nature walksLast weekende.g. Voice noting ideasDaily — keeps me connected to purposee.g. Sunday screen breakBeen skipping lately

List at least 3 restorative activities — simple counts!

Step 5: Choose One Supportive Action

🟩 Prompt:
What would help most right now?

📌 Examples:

  • Block a rest day

  • Delegate or defer something

  • Book a coaching or therapy session

  • Say no to something non-essential

  • Ask for help

Write your one supportive action:
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When will you do it?
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Final Reflection:
What would it look like for your business to care for you — not just the other way around?

Write freely:
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