Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others would have burned out. Below, you’ll find some brilliant entrepreneurs and creatives sharing how they’ve overcome or avoided burnout.
Kellyne Mendoza
I have learned how to set really firm boundaries with my clients. I realized early on that when I say yes to everything and release control of my scheduled time with family, friends, or myself, my business suffers. When I was just starting out, I told my clients that I was available seven days a week and to text or email me at any time. I would take calls at 10pm at night and answer emails at 6am. After having my son in 2019, I quickly learned that I needed to set boundaries with my time. I have clear cut office hours now, dedicated days to site visits and in-person meetings, and have a full two days where I am not available. It is so important that I fill my cup with things outside of work– time with friends and family, long Sunday mornings with my son, time in nature– so that I can truly focus when I am at work. Read more>>
Dan Toomre
I’ve always been prone to burnout- it seems like it creeps into every situation and overwhelms me randomly for months. Until recently, I spent more time not making art than actually creating. And when you’re already struggling with burnout, there’s nothing worse than that little voce nagging at you – “You’re not really an artist- a real artist would be able to get up and create!” In my case, I figured out that burnout mostly came from feeling overwhelmed with decision making, and even if I wanted to work on something creative, getting myself into that headspace was impossible. Read more>>
Jenn Jodouin
Imagine this: I’m 27 years old, my body is dragging as I try to keep up with my daughter’s energy, and every single night feels like a battle between my exhaustion and my racing thoughts. It’s this strange limbo where I’m both wired and weary. I’d put my daughter to bed and look at the endless to-do list waiting for me. All I wanted to do was collapse onto the couch. Instead, I found myself scrolling on my phone late into the night, numbing myself with Netflix, feeling like I needed this little window of “me-time” to unwind. Read more>>
Samantha Simmons
To prevent burnout, I rely on a combination of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and delegating tasks. Due to my chronic medical conditions, I am more susceptible to burnout than most, with more than 25 concentrated hours a week requiring days of recovery. Recognizing this as I established my business, I developed a workflow that swiftly manages expectations for clients, my team, and myself. Within six months of launching my bookkeeping firm, I realized the need for delegation. My unique service approach attracted clients not only locally but nationwide. While this growth was positive, it signaled an impending risk of burnout, prompting me to start hiring. Read more>>
Jacob Rodriguez
We operate under a demanding schedule that often feels like working 25 hours a day, 8 days a week. This relentless pace can lead to burnout, a challenge we frequently encounter. To combat this, we prioritize our mental and physical health by integrating regular breaks into our routine. Whether it’s taking an hour each day or an entire week off, these pauses are essential for rejuvenation. By allowing ourselves this time to recharge, we not only enhance our well-being but also position ourselves to contribute more effectively to our community. We believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for sustaining creativity and productivity, ensuring that we continue to grow and support those around us effectively. Read more>>
Christina Rosso-schneider
We’re still working on this one! Owning a small business together with your spouse is an incredible amount of daily work. Whether or not we’re at the shop, we do shop-related tasks every day and regularly work 10+ hour days. A big thing we deal with is finding a work-life balance; one thing we’ve done is set boundaries about whether dinner is a “work dinner” or a date. If it’s a date, we don’t talk about work! Read more>>
Danielle Demers
Wanting to succeed as a small business owner had lead to long hours and a never-ending to-do list when I first started Create with Danielle. Here’s how I overcame burnout and found a healthier balance in my life. Mornings to Myself: One of the first changes I made was dedicating my mornings to myself. Instead of diving straight into work, I start my day with anything that brings me joy. Walking my dog and reading are my go-to morning rituals. These moments of peace help me set a positive tone for the rest of the work day and help me avoid the immediate stress of work. Read more>>