3 ways to reduce creative burnout

A common issue among small business owners, solopreneurs, and those who are generally ambitious is creative burnout. At best, it can make you feel stuck in your work, have you draw mental blanks during important meetings, and give you a general feeling of being overwhelmed by basic tasks. At worst, burnout can make you resent the very things that once brought you joy and you may eventually desire to walk away from what you love because you can’t stop wondering: what’s the point?

For creatives, the root of burnout is often an excessive need for perfectionism (produce or die!); not having boundaries or restrictions (saying yes to every project or opportunity that presents itself); self-doubt (hello imposter syndrome); stress; and decision fatigue.

While being creative and achieving goals can enrich our lives with purpose, it is critical to remind ourselves that life is also about who we are, not only what we do. Taking time to just be, has to be a priority too.

Below are three ways you can reduce the causes of creative burnout, increase your effectiveness, and get back to your authentic self. There are many others but here are the top three I recommend:

1. Set personal boundaries

   Don’t take on more responsibilities than you can reasonably handle and don’t combine any of those responsibilities with unrealistic expectations of yourself.

   Learn to say no. If you don’t say no to what is not important or what’s not your responsibility, you’re saying yes to having low energy, resentment, and less time to do the things you truly want to do.

2. Make self-care part of your daily routine

   Write it down! Record it in your planner, schedule a timer on your phone, ask Alexa to set a reminder….whatever you need to do, schedule it and then show up for yourself.

   Be flexible enough to allow your needs to change. Today you may need a bubble bath. Tomorrow you may need to take a drive down to the nearest rage room to destroy property in a safe, controlled space. Whatever it is, identify your needs, and remember it’s about improving the relationship you have with yourself so don’t think you have to follow some script or formula based on the latest trend. Have a toolkit available with options that you know bring you joy and peace and under no circumstances should you replace your scheduled time with other people’s mess or drama. Even if it’s only 15 minutes a day, take the time!

3. Be true to your values

   What we value is what we love and assign importance to. Happiness is subjective so it’s important to be aware of what brings you joy. Do not define your desires based on what someone else is doing and do not strive for what your social group is telling you should matter. Know what your values are in life and prioritize them accordingly. Consider the disparity between what is urgent and what is important and from there, do what is necessary first. Stay true to who you are and do not abandon your own values trying to please or appease the expectations of others.

Life is more than work or how we perform. Yes as adults, many of us have a long list of obligations, but our responsibilities should never take away from our ability to simply enjoy our lives. When it gets hard to prioritize your own happiness, remember that not only are you worthy of your dreams and your goals, but you are also worthy of being happy.

Until next time,

Yve