Ep#203 Trapped in the Shame Spiral of isolation and self-abandonment

Burnout Recovery: Strategies for Professionals

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29d ago 11:24

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When burnout hits, most people think they’re simply tired. But underneath the exhaustion, there’s often a deeper driver: shame — that quiet voice that says, “You’re failing. You should be stronger.”

In this episode, Dex unpacks how shame silently fuels isolation and self-abandonment in high performers, and what it really takes to break that destructive cycle.

Through the story of “Mark,” a high-achieving executive who spiralled into withdrawal and disconnection, Dex reveals the hidden mechanisms of shame and how they erode confidence, relationships, and health — all while convincing us to “work harder.”

You’ll learn practical, immediately usable steps to reclaim self-trust and reconnect with your power — even in the middle of burnout.

What You’ll Learn

Why shame is the invisible engine of burnout
The Shame–Isolation–Self-Abandonment Loop and how it traps high performers
The biology of shame: how it drives withdrawal and shutdown
Why masculine conditioning amplifies shame in leadership
Four Steps to Break the Shame Spiral:
1. Name the shame
2. Practice tiny acts of self-connection
3. Reach out to a safe person
4. Recommit to self-respect

Key Quote

“Shame isn’t proof that you’re broken. It’s proof that you care deeply about how you show up. Burnout recovery begins not when you fix yourself, but when you stop abandoning yourself.”

Resources

Free AI Coach for burnout relief: Dex AI Coach
– private, expert, free, and can reduce shame in minutes.
Book a free consultation: dexrandall.com

Send us a text

----------------------------------- Resources:
Start 1-on-1 coaching at https:/mini.dexrandall.com
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Chapters

1. Introduction to Burnout and Shame (00:00:00)

2. Understanding the Shame Spiral (00:00:43)

3. Case Study: Mark's Burnout Journey (00:01:06)

4. The Impact of Shame on Behavior (00:02:17)

5. The Biology and Psychology of Shame (00:03:20)

6. Breaking the Shame Cycle: Step 2 (00:05:09)

7. Breaking the Shame Cycle: Step 1 (00:06:34)

8. Breaking the Shame Cycle: Step 3 (00:07:34)

9. Breaking the Shame Cycle: Step 4 (00:08:59)

10. How to get support (00:09:50)

232 episodes

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