We all have limited bandwidth. There’s only so much we can handle at any given time.

And when we start to reach our limit, the quality of our output sputters. Eventually, we may even hit a wall.

At some level, we have control over this. The way we work, how often we take breaks, meditation and exercise, and the quality of our diets and sleep, all affect our ability to maintain a steady connection.

Still, there are outside factors that supersede our command.

Deadlines, illness and life events add strain. They constrict our bandwidth and reduce our ability to perform at our normal rate.

When our output is weakened but we fail to notice the factors causing it, the problem goes parabolic. Without a break, this can lead to system failure and downtime — burnout.

Pay attention, get rest, know when to stop, and don’t be so hard on yourself.