Let’s Be Honest: Burn Out Sucks
Don't rush! Don’t get burn out! This advice seems like a no brainer but is hard to follow.
It seems like everyone has overnight success but deep down you know that isn't true.
Everything worth doing and learning takes time.
We aren’t at the level of The Matrix where you can get instant downloads of information to your brain, at least not yet.
These inspirational words from Claire Messud below remind us that rushing around all the time isn't great!
“Rushing around can be a pointless diversion from actually living your life.”
Avoid Burn Out Triggers
Two triggers of burn out
Having too many tasks and rushing to complete them along with an endless to do list.
Five years ago I was a web design newbie and had no idea what I was doing.
I’ve gone through so many projects and expanded my skills over these years.
What would have happened if I tried to cram all that learning and experience into one year or less?
I would have given up! It would have been way too hard.
We all have those days when we have a million things to do and you are already stressed out.
Your capacity is maxed out but you add one more little task to your to do list. It won’t make that much of a difference, right?
After you finish it you feel horrible. Your shoulders hurt, back aching and maybe even one of your legs went numb from sitting too long.
Even if you finished all your tasks you feel like a zombie and can only manage to collapse into bed hoping you didn’t forget about something or an emergency pops up.
Having a crazy busy day every once in a while is fine. It’s kind of unavoidable. But trying to do this daily? That’s a recipe for burn out, health problems and just feeling terrible.
How to Avoid Burn Out
I avoided burn out, mostly, the easy way. I only worked on learning and creating websites in my spare time. I had a full time job and was experimenting with this new creative skill I wanted to learn. I didn’t set unrealistic expectations on myself and my capacity for learning and doing.
Set realistic goals and expectations
Prioritize tasks
Quit your tasks before you start to feel tired
Take breaks even if they are just a few minutes
If you don’t finish a task move it to another day and don’t feel bad about it!
So don’t feel discouraged or bad if you haven’t achieved all your big, audacious goals yet.
It took me five years from when I started to where I am today teaching Squarespace web design and creating websites for other people.
If you are slowly but consistently chipping away at your goals and stay motivated you will get there. Burn out does not have to take the driver’s seat.
Let me know in the comments if you have any specific tips that help you avoid burn out.
