10 Phrases to Leave Behind in 2025 (And What to Say Instead in 2026)

The calendar changed. Your burnout didn’t.

A new year doesn’t magically erase moral distress, overload, or the fatigue that’s been building since long before the holidays. But the way we talk about work, rest, responsibility, and ourselves does shape how we experience them.

So instead of setting unrealistic resolutions, here’s a healthier approach for 2026:
Retire the language that kept you stuck in burnout—and replace it with words that make space for recovery, clarity, and agency.

Here are 10 phrases to leave in 2025, and what to say instead this year.

1. “It’s fine. I’ll just handle it.”

Say instead: “I can help—but not on this timeline, or not without support.”
Because saying yes to everything is not responsibility. It’s avoidance of conflict at your own expense.

2. “Everyone is counting on me.”

Say instead: “This matters, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.”
Burnout grows in isolation. Healthy teams share the work—and the weight.

3. “This is just how it is here.”

Say instead: “Something has to change, and I’m willing to start the conversation.”
Acceptance is not the same as resignation. One keeps you sane. The other keeps you stuck.

4. “I’ll rest when things slow down.”

Say instead: “Rest is part of how I keep going.”
Things won’t slow down. Burnout isn’t cured by waiting for calm—it’s prevented by building rest into the chaos.

You can take breaks along the path of service.

5. “If I don’t do it, no one will.”

Say instead: “If I am the only one who can do this, we have a systems problem.”
Martyrdom is not a winning strategy.

6. “I can push through.”

Say instead: “My limits aren’t the problem, they are what make me human.”
Pushing through is how people end up in urgent care, HR meetings, or drafting resignation emails at 2 a.m.

7. “It’s selfish to say no.”

Say instead: “Saying no allows me to say yes to the things that matter.”
Neither your time nor your energy are infinite.

8. “I don’t have time to think about what I want.”

Say instead: “Pursing personal desires isn’t just for others—it’s for me, too.”
If you’re not directing your life, exhaustion will.

9. “Other people have it worse.”

Say instead: “Pain isn’t a competition. Mine still deserves attention.”
Compassion for others shouldn't require neglecting yourself.

10. “This is normal.”

Say instead: “It’s common. That doesn’t make it healthy.”
Burnout may be common in healthcare, leadership, education, or corporate life—but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.

Want a Clearer Starting Point for 2026?

If you're not sure where your burnout level really is heading into the new year, take two minutes and find out here:
MyBurnoutTest.com

Looking Ahead

In 2026, don’t promise to be stronger, tougher, or more resilient.
Promise to be more honest.
With your energy. Your limits. Your values. Your voice.

If your organization needs a speaker or workshop on burnout, moral distress, or creating a healthier workplace culture this year, you can check my availability here:
https://patrickriecke.com/live-presentations

Or, if you want ongoing resources, reflection tools, and a recovery path you can actually follow—explore The Burnout Hub:
https://www.myburnouthub.com/learn-more