Burnout is more than tiredness—it’s exhaustion your soul didn’t ask for. It often grows from an invisible system where your worth feels earned by output. You work hard, not because you hate rest—but because the rules you’re living by don’t make room for it.
The Lie Vine
Lie: “My value comes from what I do.”
If I slow down, I’ll fall behind.”
“Rest is for people who deserve it.” “If I don’t carry it, it drops.
If slowing down feels unsafe… you’re not lazy. You’re conditioned. This isn’t just something to fix—it’s something to understand.
The Tree You’ve Been Under: Performance-Based Worth
Anatomy of this tree
Walk through the core parts of this tree, following the fruit - what you are seeing - to the root lie. Expand each section for a short explanation and reflection prompts.
Fruit — Visible outcomes
- Burnout
- Anxiety
- Resentment
- Joylessness
Leaves — Everyday actions
- Skipping Rest
- Overcommitting
- People-Pleasing
Branches — Reinforcing patterns
- Approval
- Comparison
- Fear of Stillness
Trunk — False belief
Control + Hustle = Safety
Root — Core lie
Identity must be earned
You aren’t broken for liking the rhythms of our culture. You’re overconnected to a system that wasn’t made for humanity, much less you.
The Truth Tree doesn’t demand performance. It invites you into rest that reflects your true design.
Will you walk over?
Step into the Grace Tree
See the new roots, trunk, and fruit of a life anchored in grace.
See the Good Tree