A black and white sketch of a brick bbq pit with smoke

3 Ways to Keep It Smoking Without Burning Out

March 31, 2025

I’ve always admired a good slow burn. Whether it’s a campfire, a barbecue pit, or a stubborn idea that takes its sweet time to come together—some things just need a steady flame. But here’s the thing: if you crank the heat too high or let the fire run wild, you’ll burn out before you get anywhere worth going.

I learned that the hard way watching my best friend go through it. He’s sharp—always has been. Got himself a big-time job at a fancy law firm, working cases that made headlines. At first, it was exciting. He was moving up, making things happen. But over time, I started noticing the signs—late nights, missed weekends, that kind of tired that seeps into your bones. He thought if he just kept pushing, he’d break through to the next level. Instead, he hit a wall.

1. Keep control of the heat.

Ask any good pitmaster, and they’ll tell you: slow and steady wins the barbecue game. Too much heat, and you ruin the meat. Not enough, and you never get where you’re trying to go. The trick is balance.

Life’s the same way. You can’t run at full speed forever. That pace is impossible to keep. You’ve got to know when to push and when to let the embers settle. My friend kept stoking the fire, convinced he had to keep adding more fuel. What he really needed was to step back and let things cook at the right pace.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty, [this article on recognizing burnout before it happens] might help.

2. Don’t forget to rest the meat.

One of the biggest mistakes folks make when barbecuing? Cutting into the meat too soon. It needs time to keep cooking, to settle, to soak in all the good flavors.

People need that too. You can’t keep going from one thing to the next without taking a breath. Rest isn’t wasted time—it’s what keeps everything from falling apart. My friend had to learn that the hard way, but once he did, things changed. He still works hard, but now he knows when to step away, take a weekend off, and actually enjoy the life he built.

3. Enjoy the smoke along the way.

Barbecue isn’t just about the final plate of ribs or brisket—it’s about the process. The smell of the smoke, the slow transformation, the anticipation. Life should be the same way. If all you do is chase the next thing, you’ll miss what’s happening right in front of you. Success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about making sure the journey was worth it.

So if you’re feeling the heat, take a step back. Let the coals settle. Keep the fire going, but don’t let it consume you.