BY GLEN PETERSON

It’s common for everyone to feel burnout in some area of their lives. Maybe you’re tired of pushing to get ahead in your job. Perhaps you can’t take one more night of chicken breasts and veggies for dinner. Your key to survival is to recognize the signs early enough to get ahead of burnout before it gets the best of you. Here’s how.

TAKE STOCK AND REFOCUS.
Be honest about what you are trying to accomplish and try to determine whether or not your goals are realistic. "If you’re not following through on something, it may be because your goals are set too high and you’re getting discouraged," says Dale Curd, a counselor, men’s-issues expert and cohost of "Guy Talk" on CFRB 1010 in Toronto.

HAVE YOU HIT A PLATEAU?
Maybe you need to change your goals. A minor adjustment can go a long way toward recharging your energy. We’re not suggesting a different route to the office. Instead, give yourself an adrenaline rush: Run faster, go skydiving or visit your crazy Aunt LouLou.

GET TO KNOW YOURSELF.
"We all have an inner saboteur that brings about destructive behaviors," says Curd. Learn more about your own personal saboteur so that you can rewrite his behavior. For example, if you always blow your diet by reaching for a chocolate bar, you may actually be looking for psychological comfort. The next time the craving hits, call a friend, drink water (because you may just be dehydrated) or go for a small walk. Your waistline will thank you and you’ll feel better about yourself.

Are you looking for the best health care available? Check out the September/October issue of Maximum Fitness--on newsstands July 27, 2010--and find out how you can be in control of your health and your health care.