Refilling Your Motivation Well After Being Drained Dry
I wonder how many of us solopreneurs and freelancers feel completely drained and empty at the end of the year. When we could be looking forward to a new year with our lists of resolutions, which we never follow for long; instead, the fatigue and dread of yet another year giving it our all mark the holiday season.
I’ve been thinking that, perhaps, these are warning signs that we are close to burnout. Rather than guess, I thought it wise to look into what burnout is and how we can recognise the signs and do something about it before it is too late.
Disclosure. I use an AI assistant when writing. The assistant suggests outlines and topics or subtleties I had yet to think of. The actual writing is all human me.
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Burnout Signs
Burnout will always creep in unnoticed, and we may think that we’re just tired or having a bad week. But it’s far more insidious than that. Burnout isn’t just about being fatigued; it’s much deeper, where motivation and energy seem to have been sucked dry.
Imagine waking each morning, cursing the alarm and debating whether to call in sick. Only guilt hauls you out of bed, and the morning routine gets you out of the door. Days that once excited you now feel like an endless loop of pointless tasks. When you get to the office, your mind is foggy, and you struggle to string coherent thoughts together. This isn’t just fatigue; it’s a signpost pointing towards burnout.
For us solopreneurs and freelancers, the lines between work and life aren’t just blurred; they’re often nonexistent. We wear multiple hats, juggle numerous clients, and balance endless tasks. Perfect ground for burnout, where feeling overwhelmed and under-appreciated starts to take root. You might notice cynicism creeping into your thoughts, a sense of detachment from projects that once interested you.
Physical symptoms can also manifest themselves. Maybe a headache that won’t go away or a tiredness where sleep doesn’t help, that is, if you sleep. You become more irritable and detached from your work and social life. Your body and mind are waving red flags, asking for a pause.
Recognising the signs isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of professional and personal wisdom. It’s the first step in recovery. As freelancers and solopreneurs, we’re often our toughest critics and rarely our best supporters. Acknowledging burnout isn’t admitting defeat; it’s about embracing self-awareness and setting the stage for sustainable success.
The Impacts
The impact of burnout extends far beyond just having a bad day or a temporary slump in productivity. It’s like a slow-acting poison that seeps into our lives, often without our conscious realisation. For us, the lines between personal and professional lives are already blurred, making the impact of burnout much more serious.
The emotional effects are the first to surface. There’s this lingering sense of dissatisfaction that no amount of work success seems to alleviate. This isn’t just detrimental to your mental health; it chips away at the foundations of your professional life. Burnout can transform passion into indifference and excitement into dread. Physically, the effects are just as real. These are not just signs of a busy schedule; they’re your body’s way of signalling overload.
For those where remote work and digital connectivity are norms, the risk of burnout has only escalated. The pandemic has further blurred the boundaries of work-life balance, often leading us into a cycle of overwork and stress. The absence of a physical office means work can invade our personal spaces and times, contributing to a feeling of being ‘always on’.
The impact of burnout isn’t just individual; it radiates outward. It can affect the quality of your work, the satisfaction of your clients, and even your relationships. When your work is your passion and livelihood, burnout doesn’t just mean a drop in output; it can mean a loss of identity and purpose.
This is not about scaremongering but about creating awareness. By understanding the subtle and not-so-subtle impacts of burnout, we can take proactive steps to mitigate it.
Pulling Back
So, you’ve realised that you could be heading for burnout. Perhaps your first response might be to push through, a common attitude for us solopreneurs. But the hard truth is that sometimes, the bravest and most strategic move is to pull back, to give yourself the space to breathe and heal.
Stepping back does not mean stepping away from your ambitions or responsibilities; it’s about recalibrating and giving yourself permission to rest and recharge. For me, this means setting firmer boundaries between work and personal life. I switch off notifications post-work hours; letting that email wait until morning is okay. Clients must understand that you’re not available 24/7. These boundaries are the walls that protect your mental and emotional well-being.
Perseverance in Adversity: Celebrating Progress in Challenging Times
Taking a complete break might feel like a luxury you can’t afford, but it’s necessary. It doesn’t have to be a vacation; it can be as simple as dedicating a weekend to yourself and your family. Engaging in activities that relax and recharge. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a day of reading, or just binge-watching a series, it’s about allowing yourself to recover without guilt.
Talk to fellow freelancers and solopreneurs, if possible, as often they’re the only ones who truly understand. They can be your sounding board, offering advice, empathy, or an understanding ear.
Reflect on your work habits. Are there tasks that can be delegated or streamlined? Are there projects you’re taking on that don’t align with your core goals or values? Sometimes, burnout stems from working hard but not necessarily smart. It’s about focusing your energy on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Remember, pulling back isn’t about giving up. It’s about giving yourself the chance to recuperate so you can continue to pursue your obligations professionally. It’s about sustainable success, not a sprint that leaves you gasping for air at the finish line.
Rediscovering Motivation
After stepping back, the next hurdle is finding that spark again, reigniting the motivation that seems to have been extinguished. It’s a delicate process, so start small and be gentle with yourself. Walking can feel frustratingly slow when you’ve been sprinting for so long. But it’s precisely what’s needed. Set manageable tasks, not just in terms of workload but also emotionally. Each small victory is a step towards rebuilding your confidence and rekindling your passion.
Re-evaluating your personal and professional objectives can provide clarity and reignite your drive. Ask yourself: What drew you to freelancing or solo entrepreneurship in the first place? It’s about reconnecting with your ‘why’.
Seeking inspiration can play a role, too; this could be in the form of books, podcasts, or conversations. A fresh perspective or an inspiring story is all it takes to light that spark within us again. Don’t underestimate the power of seeing your journey reflected in someone else’s story.
Rediscovering Creativity: Writing on Vacation
Diversifying your work or pursuing a passion project can also be invigorating. It could be as simple as taking time for a hobby that’s always been on the back burner. This isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about finding joy and inspiration in new challenges.
Techniques like mindfulness and exercise can improve mental clarity and focus. Mindfulness helps stay grounded and present, while exercise is a proven mood booster. Rediscovering motivation after burnout is like nurturing a plant back to health. It takes time, patience, and the right environment. But the growth that follows can be stronger and more resilient than before.
Sustainability
Once you’ve begun to reclaim your motivation, the next critical step is to ensure sustainability. It’s about learning from the burnout experience and crafting a work-life equation that doesn’t lead you back down that same worn path.
Start by creating a balanced routine that resembles a regular workday, including designated start and end times. Respect these boundaries like you would in a traditional job setting. This structure adds predictability to your day and ensures you have time earmarked for relaxation and personal pursuits.
Incorporate regular breaks into your schedule. This isn’t just about lunch breaks but also short intervals of downtime throughout the day. These moments allow your brain to reset and can be surprisingly conducive to creativity and problem-solving.
Need a Eureka Moment? Take a Hike!
Cultivating hobbies and maintaining social interactions are crucial for a well-rounded life. These activities provide a much-needed counterbalance to work. They remind you that there’s a world beyond work.
Make a habit of regular self-assessment. Periodically step back and evaluate your work habits, current projects, and overall well-being. Are you starting to feel overwhelmed again? Are there signs of impending burnout?
The attraction of freelancing and solo entrepreneurship lies in the ability to adapt and change course when necessary. Your approach to work should evolve as you do, always aligning with your goals, values, and well-being.
Planning for a sustainable future means creating a framework that supports your professional aspirations while nurturing your personal growth. It’s about building a life where work is a fulfilling part of the whole, not the entirety of your existence.
Final Thoughts
I don’t have a magical way to get through these periods of feeling utterly drained, but a few things may help. Personally, it’s getting back in the writing saddle and putting my thoughts and feelings out in public. It’s a bit unusual for an introvert; I suppose it’s a bit like journaling, only with a public audience in mind.
Burnout is a killer if you let it get to that point. Think about the warning signs and act upon them. Don’t let the bastards grind you down is something I try to keep in the back of my mind every day. Recognising these signs early will save you so much unnecessary stress and misery.
Oh, I nearly forgot. Happy New Year to you all. Let’s hope for a better one 😀
KodifyIT B.V. is an advisory bureau targeting businesses that have either been on the receiving end of a failed project or are aware of the potential pitfalls and wish to mitigate as much risk as possible while developing a project’s client requirements. We aim to side-step any issues before they cost time and money.
I apologise to my readers for some of the spellings you may feel are incorrect. I was born and brought up in the United Kingdom, and this is the spelling I am comfortable with (Grammarly is happy with it anyway).