EXCL: Former Business Exec Shares ‘Secret’ To Avoiding Work ‘Burnout’

Life coach Mark Reinisch has achieved numerous accomplishments, from his former executive career in corporate America to launching the social media app Paloozoo, all while raising a family with his wife and two daughters—his top priority above all.

Although he achieved a lot, he admitted to being judgmental of himself for what he didn’t accomplish as he struggled with work burnout.

“I had a lot to be thankful for, but I wasn’t feeling it, I wasn’t satisfied with my life,” Reinisch told ACHDA Digital Media Generation. “I focused on what I didn’t have rather than being thankful for what I did have; I was very judgmental of myself.”

He especially points out a recent study from Mercer that shows 83% of employees are on the verge of burnout and struggling to stay afloat.

“There’s nothing noble about having a work ethic unless you’re working hard for your well-being,” Reinisch says. “You can certainly work hard in your job, and there’s going to be some times where your job is very demanding… but what you have to make sure is that doesn’t become your status quo.”

In response to wanting to help himself and other people unlock secrets to avoid work burnout, this was the inspiration for Reinisch to write his book, which became The Wellness Ethic.

“I thought if I could learn to close the gaping hole of an inspired life and the way my life is going, then I could help others do the same,” he said.

Reinisch’s intention for his self-help book is to connect with people who seek fulfillment in life through more than their work ethic, which he says the term alone has been “hijacked by corporations.”

He said, “I simplify wellness and make it accessible and actionable, so you can get your arms around what it takes to thrive in life, and then just take it step by step at your own pace to make your life better and better each day.”

Reinisch encourages readers to embrace their side interests, at the very least, even mentioning how he utilized one of his own in screenwriting to create 20 years’ worth of comedic screenplays as an example.

“[I]n The Wellness Ethic, I show you how you can build healthy habits around tending to your mind, body, and spirit… actively nurture healthier and more loving relationships… look at your personal life and your passions, whether you love to hike, or read, watch movies, or whatever you do, and how you can get the most out of those… because you actually have much more control over your life than you may give yourself credit for,” he says.

Reinisch aimed to make his book for people who find average self-help books boring, so he narrates his own real-life experiences to make them more engaging. Ultimately, he hopes that readers can use The Wellness Ethic to find joy and meaning in improving their lives.

“Probably a third or a fourth of the book is just devoted to stories… I also use a lot of humor throughout the book, to a whole other level beyond what you would probably expect,” Reinisch says. “Because my philosophy about this is that improving your life should actually be fun, and reading about improving your life should be fun too.”

The Wellness Ethic is now available for purchase!

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