Allostatic Load & Burnout
The cumulative wear of chronic stress — sustained cortisol, poor sleep, no recovery — that degrades memory, patience and risk judgment long before anyone calls it burnout.
An everyday example
A founder in month nine of a raise makes a hire she would have rejected in month one because she cannot face another interview.
What it can cost you
Decisions shaped by exhaustion: risk-averse where boldness is needed, impulsive where care is needed.
Warning signs
- I want the decision gone more than I want it right.
- Everything feels risky lately.
One thing to do
Track recovery as seriously as output; defer irreversible calls during sustained overload and borrow a rested decider.
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