The Hidden Reason You’re So Exhausted (It’s Not What You Think)
By Katie Joy, The Global Butterfly

You’ve tried everything—more rest, more self-care, even saying no to things that don’t serve you. Yet, you still wake up feeling exhausted, drained, and uninspired.

What if your exhaustion isn’t coming from doing too much… but from doing too much of the wrong things?

What if it’s not about how much energy you have—but about how much energy you’re unknowingly leaking every single day?

If you feel stuck in a cycle of emotional exhaustion, lack of clarity, or an unsustainable approach to life and work, you’re not alone. The real reason behind this kind of burnout isn’t physical tiredness—it’s misalignment.

In this article, I’ll show you how to recognise where your energy is draining, and more importantly, how to start shifting toward alignment so you can finally feel energised, focused, and in flow again.

Why Rest Alone Won’t Fix Your Exhaustion

Many people believe they’re exhausted because they’ve taken on too much. So, they try to do less.

• They cut back on commitments.

• They sleep more.

• They take weekends off, hoping to recharge.

But here’s the frustrating truth: even after all this, they still feel drained.

That’s because exhaustion isn’t just about doing too much. It’s about being in the wrong energy—spending your time on things that deplete you instead of things that energise you.

Energy leaks happen when you force yourself to do things that are out of alignment with your true path, values, or purpose.

The 3 Biggest Hidden Energy Leaks (That Are Draining You Daily)

If you feel stuck in a fog of exhaustion, it’s likely because your energy is being drained in one (or more) of these ways:

1. You’re Pursuing Goals That No Longer Light You Up

Have you ever achieved something you thought you wanted, only to feel… empty?

Many people stay stuck in goals that no longer serve them—because they feel like they should follow through, or because they’re afraid to change direction.

• Maybe you started a business, but now it feels more like a burden than a passion.

• Maybe you’re in a job that looks great on paper, but it leaves you uninspired.

• Maybe you set a goal years ago, but deep down, it no longer excites you.

Staying committed to an outdated dream is exhausting.

✨ Shift Your Energy: Instead of chasing goals that drain you, start setting intentions that align with your highest vision. Your energy will shift the moment you focus on what truly lights you up.

2. You’re Absorbing Energy From Other People

If you’re someone who naturally helps, supports, or takes care of others (coaches, healers, creatives, leaders), you might be carrying emotional weight that’s not even yours.

• You feel responsible for other people’s happiness.

• You take on their problems as if they’re your own.

• You spend energy managing their emotions, leaving none for yourself.

This kind of energy drain isn’t obvious at first—but over time, it leads to deep exhaustion.

✨ Shift Your Energy: Set clear energetic boundaries by asking: Is this my responsibility, or am I carrying something that isn’t mine? Start intentionally directing your energy inward, focusing on what nourishes you.

3. You’re Making Decisions From Fear Instead of Alignment

Most people don’t realise how much energy indecision steals from them.

• Should I stay or leave?

• Should I start that project or wait until I feel “ready”?

• Should I take that risk, or will I regret it?

When you constantly overthink, doubt, and second-guess yourself, you drain more energy than if you’d just taken action.

But the real problem? Most people are making decisions from fear instead of alignment.

Fear-based decisions keep you stuck. Soul-aligned decisions move you forward.

✨ Shift Your Energy: Instead of asking What should I do? ask What feels truly aligned for me right now? When you make choices based on alignment—not fear—energy flows more easily.

How to Stop Energy Leaks & Reclaim Your Power

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling stuck, the first step isn’t to push harder or try to “fix” yourself. The first step is to get back into alignment.

That starts with setting daily intentions—not just vague affirmations, but powerful, soul-aligned intentions that create clarity and momentum.

Here’s a simple way to start:

Your 3-Minute Daily Energy Reset

1️⃣ Pause & Check-In: Before you start your day, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Ask yourself: Where am I feeling drained?

2️⃣ Set an Intention: Instead of focusing on tasks or to-dos, set an energy-based intention for the day. Example: Today, I choose to focus on what energises me, not what drains me.

3️⃣ Release the Old Energy: Imagine yourself letting go of what’s no longer aligned—whether it’s an outdated goal, someone else’s emotions, or fear-based decisions.

This one simple ritual can shift your energy immediately—helping you move forward with clarity and ease.

Your Next Step: Align Your Energy, Goals & Actions

If this resonated with you, it’s because you’re ready to step out of exhaustion and into alignment.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

I created the Setting Your Intentions: Clarify Your Goals To Create Your Best Year Yet workbook to help you:

✅ Identify where your energy is leaking so you can stop feeling drained.
✅ Get crystal-clear on what you truly want (not just what you think you should do).
✅ Set powerful daily intentions to shift from exhaustion to soul-aligned momentum.

💡 Download it for FREE here and start shifting your energy today!

And if you want deeper transformation, join the waitlist for the next 5-Day Soul Goal Mapping Challenge, where I’ll guide you step by step to create soul-aligned goals that energise you.

✨ Your next chapter starts here. Are you ready?

Final Thoughts: Energy Follows Alignment

Your exhaustion isn’t a sign that you need to do less. It’s a sign that you need to do what’s truly aligned with your soul’s purpose.

When you stop chasing energy-draining goals, absorbing others’ emotions, and making fear-based decisions—your whole life will shift.

And it all starts with setting clear, powerful intentions every day.

🔥 What’s one thing you’re letting go of today to reclaim your energy? Drop a comment and let me know!