What do you do to stay focused and motivated during burn out?

[Bronze_Palms]

I am not sure about you guys but I am feeling the burn out lately. We had a crazy summer with incredible growth and building a second location. I am struggling to find the motivation to create and execute. I recognize this feeling and I know it is burn out. Anything can distract me at this point lol

What do you do to stay focused and motivated during these seasons in business?

[maxpete]

Sorry to hear that you're feeling burnt out @Bronze_Palms! Glad that you're self-aware enough to know when to switch things up and reset a bit.

Linking to this previous thread from @tranguyen because there's some great tips here by @fscott5, @TheRealChipA, @phillipsrw, and more! 

[JUYBoutique20]

For me right now I'm still getting use to my daughter's new school schedule.  I've never been an earlier riser so being able to adapt and stay motivated has been a challenge.  I make sure to take my multivitamins and workout even if it's just some stretches for 15 minutes or so.  I also make sure to drink more water than coffee because I don't need the crash from all the caffeine.  I also journal and try to read something I enjoy that has nothing to do with my business every day.  For me it's easy to just throw on lounge clothing and go about my day but I take the extra time to actually dress up and go about my day.  I truly believe when you look good, you feel good.  Just take things day by day and try not to overwhelm yourself.  If you need a little break, take it.  Whether it 10 mins, 20 mins, or a whole day, take it.  Be sure to take care of yourself first and always remember your why.

[Mikeychip78-]

When I read this and followed your kind help instructions it’s actually helped me to get through troubled times. Thank you for this x x xx. X 

[JUYBoutique20]

@Mikeychip78- 🥰 I'm so glad it helped. You got this!

[DinaLRosenberg]

First- it is amazing that you know you're getting burned out.... 

So many people don't recognize it and don't act until things are really really bad.

I'm feeling a little frazzled myself- I try and listen to my body and not force things... if I can't finish a task in a day- that's OK- I'm kind to myself.. if I need to sleep in a little- I let myself do it.

These days I feel like I can work 24/7/365 and STILL not get ahead. I remind myself it's not a race and make sure I remember where I started!

[rtfulk]

@Bronze_Palms I know what you're feeling. This is our 5th fair back-to-back. Normally, it doesn't bother us, but this year has been busier than usual, which is odd because election year is normally slower than other years. We are just counting the days to December 2nd. That will be when we get home. That is what keeps us going right now.

[isabelle]

Ugh. This resonated with me. 

1. Sleeeeeeeeep. At least when I wake up feeling overwhelmed by everything, I can remind myself that I at least got a good night's rest. 

2. @JUYBoutique20 said it well. Take breaks when you need it. I try to remember that if I'm neglecting my health and wellness, I'm doing a disservice to myself and those I work with. 

3. @rtfulk something to look forward to/an end to the 'madness' always helps. 

Sending you wellness vibes @Bronze_Palms ✨

[JUYBoutique20]

🥰🥰

[lawnbrook]

I'm coming out of the other end of it - there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Spring is typically hectic for me, vineyard maintenance, crazy weeds, EOFY.. etc etc... but now pruning is done, we're winning the war on weed..pulling everything back on track..

I think the lesson here is, our business, regardless of nature, are cyclical - if you've conquered it before, you'll do it again (and again!)

Bruce

[CareyJo]

I started feeling burn out last week.  I could see it coming.  I have so much going on and yesterday was a mentally/emotionally tough day for me.  I just wanted to be invisible.  I didn't even feel like doing the things that I want to do.  I have to remind myself in times like this that I brought this on myself.  I chose to make all of these commitments.  I chose to say yes to all of it.  But I also made the decision to cut one thing out.  I have to choose what I say yes to.  I had an important lunch meeting for business on Monday and I gladly excepted new responsibilities that I was asked to take on - with the understanding that I will only do what I am able with the time I have and not overextend myself and they understood.

I often tell people I mentor that you cannot eat an elephant all in one bite.  Take things one step at a time.  When I am sitting at my desk like a zombie, I take a 30 minute break and lay down.  I get a 20 minute power nap and feel great afterwards.  @JUYBoutique20 is exactly right.  Your wellbeing is of utmost importance.  It's good that you recognize where you're at.  You need to care for yourself as much as you care for your business.  Be kind to yourself ❤️

[JUYBoutique20]

🥰🥰🥰

[Lovewell]

This was 100% us before taking time away. 
we’ve learned that removing ourself (obviously not completely) and getting a change of scenery really sparks our creativity. Even if it’s just a day where you drive to a different town. For us we go to coffee shops but whatever it is for you. And we bring a notebook and start to look at our business from the outside and it helps us so much not feel bogged down by the day to day. 

again- a vacation isn’t a luxury everyone has we’ve just chosen to make it a priority. Put it on the calendar, save the money, train up good leaders, and run. 

BUT if it means taking a half day and changing your scenery, bringing a notebook, and just reflecting on goals and how your business looks from a distance often times it brings a spark. 

[CareyJo]

I LOVE this!!  I take pictures of all sorts of ideas I find when I'm out and about that I would maybe someday want to replicate.  We travel a lot, so I find inspo in all kinds of places.  Some of those little, teeny things that you can do, may make all the difference in the world!

I'm also of the mindset that paying for our travel IS part of our wellbeing.  We're self-employed so that we're no longer dependent on someone else's business for income and so that they can't control our personal lives by making us be on call 24/7/365.  We need those breaks!  They keep us mentally healthy and we don't become a slave to our business.