Last year, I hit the wall with burnout. 💥
Have you ever witnessed an accident and after the accident it replays in your head over and over again, but in slow motion? After a gabillion years living in “hustle,” running full speed, that moment of impact —crashing to a hard stop— happened to me in my business last year. This year, I’m determined to avoid going through that again ever in my life.
Here are my Top 10 things I’m working on this year to avoid burnout:
10. Boundaries
Whether it’s office hours, family time, downtime for me, I’m learning to set boundaries. I’m making it clear to my family, myself and my clients, when I’m available.
9. Schedule “No Work” and “Work” Zones
My calendar now has dedicated blocks of time for when I’m not working and not working. I’ve now blocked off holidays, school days off, weekends plus a few other family travel dates, that in the past I would have juggled and worked right through both. All of them are now absolutely off-time.
8. Stop Chasing Dollars
It doesn’t even matter “how good the money is”, it’s will never be worth sacrificing my personal wellbeing again. Of course financial stability is important, but the price tag on my me being happy and healthy – just can’t take a back seat any longer. Money comes and goes, and there are much better ways of getting it.
7. Client Work That Fulfills My Soul
I’m committing to working with people who align with my values and purpose—people who I can make a meaningful difference for. People I can be proud to support. People who are making a big impact in this world.
6. Prioritize My Physical Health
Burnout didn’t just affect my mind; my phsyical body was angry last year. My body and I are still working through some things, lol, but each day I’m getting my steps, working on better sleeping habbits, regular exercise routines, and most importantly balancing my nutrition.
5. Disconnect to Reconnect
Digital detoxing. AHHH. This is a hard one, but dangit social media can really play tricks on your mind. I’m being more mindful with my scrolling. Putting down the phone or my laptop is a big part of my routine this year (and trying to teach my kids to do the same things!) Stepping away, even if only a half day, helps me recharge and reconnect with what’s truly important.
4. Delegate Like My Life Depends On It
Because it kind of does! This year, I’m letting go of the “I’ll just do it myself” mindset I’ve been carrying ALL MY LIFE.. (LOL) and focusing on surrounding myself with a support system to share the load (both with my home chores, as well as my business chores).
3. Celebrate ALL THE Wins
Burnout can often stem from feeling like you’re constantly on the grind. In the past, I’ve been pretty bad at celebraitng my wins or my accomplishments, (only looking for an external head pat). This new version of me, takes the time to celebrate all my wins, big or small, in business, with my kids, or at home. This is keeping me motivated and positive.
2. Focus on the “Why” Behind My Work
Reconnecting with myself – my bigger picture — the “why”. This is my way to ensure that I’m on track and working with intention, not just to checking crap off a to-do list that someone else came up with. I have to have passion in what I’m doing. If its not there, it means I’m off track. Simple as that.
1. Practicing Radical Self-Compassion
Finally, the most important focus for this year: I’m offering/allowing myself grace. It’s okay for me to not have all the answers. To mess up. To do it wrong. To do it different. To take a nap. To leave the dishes. Less rigid thinking of I’m not good enough when any of these things happen.
I’m learning to treat myself with the same kindness that I would offer to any one else.
Anyways, that’s where I’m at – I hope some of these get you thinking about your own habits and help you create some new ideas for going forward!
