SUCCESS & INSPIRATION For Entrepreneurs

                                                                SUCCESS


                                                  
I’m sure everyone has experienced burnout. In case you  haven’t identified it - you are so tired you don’t think you’ll ever have energy again, everything feels like too much. And being no stranger to crying.  If you’re a guy you are still not immune to that. It’s all part of being so tired that you have almost no reserves.

I’m in it right now.  So I decided to figure out why it happened. I’ve been an entrepreneur since my mid twenties which means that I’ve always had to create a business from scratch and figure out how to make it work for the long haul….or as long as I wanted it.  I’ve done it all on my own.  No partners, strategic or otherwise.  All alone.  And, I was still doing that up until a few months ago. Maybe if I share my experience it will help you look at what’s going on in your life.  Where you are experiencing burnout and why.

When we are in the middle of a project there is no way you can feel burnout because focus must be on getting things done and done right.  Even if it goes on for many years. There is no time to feel it.

Now that I’m changing my modus operandi I’m finally able to feel what I have accumulated over many years….a solid case of burnout.  I’m done!  At least for doing it all alone.  There is another component of burnout - no focus on much outside of business.  Most of my time up until this realization has been on work, creating a business or event, preparing for it, executing it and learning from it.  There is always something to keep the focus on business.

From yesterday forward, now that I’ve realized what has caused where I am right now, I am committed to putting focus on non-work things. So, every day as long as I have time, (because in the middle of a project, the project comes first,)  I’m going to do something that’s fun.  Right now that means simple things.  

Yesterday, at the start of my new focus, I went to Michael’s, a craft store, and I was spellbound!  I looked at everything!  At one point in my life I was a metalsmith and have always loved jewelry.  At another time when we were on a six month tour with the road company of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, I made beaded jewelry which I sold to major department stores and boutiques that I found on the road so I also love that aspect of jewelry.  Thus my delight in Michal’s.  

Simple things can bring joy and they take us out of our everyday life. Doesn’t have to be astounding or ground breaking. In fact, I think that it’s because what is being done is so simple that it works. When in doubt go simple.

What is causing burnout in you? Where is your life out of balance? What are you doing to address it?  Can you give yourself permission to take time for yourself?  To do something that might seem frivolous?  Something just for fun with no redeeming qualities?  Please give yourself permission and have a great time!

You can change anything.  You can make your life better no matter what. 

My best to you,
Dianne

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