I’m a professional photographer. I have been photographing weddings for 14 years and this was supposed to be my first major cutback year as I lean into portraits and Beyond Boss. But…pandemic. And I ended up with 9 weddings in 8 weeks. Reality. Sometimes, burnout happens. That is facts. Anyone that tells you that avoiding any and all phases of burnout is the only way to be truly happy and successful is full of it.

Sometimes it is unintentional. Sometimes you dive in head on. Sometimes it is a season in order to accomplish a specific goal.

Whatever your WHY is, it can happen. So what do we do next?

When I am in a “grind season”, like the one that I am currently in, I have a few things that keep me moderately sane, on task, and creative.

1. Focus on the destination, not the journey.

“Excuse me WHAT?! It is all about the ride”. Yeah, 99% of your life you should be focusing on the journey and the ride. But when you are over committed with things you HAVE to get done…no. Have you ever done a plank? Focusing on the burning in your abs isn’t going to help you hit that one minute mark. So you focus on the end. On the latte you’re going to get after the workout, on the cozy bed you’re going to crawl in. Focus on the abs? You’re more likely to quit.

Yeah yeah, it’s 2021. We are enjoying the ride. Blah blah. But again, let’s get real. Burnout happens. And when it does, we need to focus on our why and keep it moving until we can clear the headspace to get back to enjoying the ride!

2. Get organized.

Lists on lists on lists. However you visualize your to-do list, make sure it is making you feel accomplished as you check things off and power through. It can make the mountain seem less daunting when you are crossing things off and peeling back the layers. Because…BURNOUT HAPPENS.

3. Lean on your people.

Whether it is your team, your family or your friends, ask for help when you need it. In this season, I need my mama to watch my kids a little more. I need my husband to charge batteries. I need Heather and Ashley to check some items off of my list for me. And best believe I will have each of their backs when they need me.

Look, all the motivational BS on the internet in the world won’t save you when you’ve over committed, intentionally or by circumstances out of your control.

But you CAN stay creative and happy. You can be happy and thriving, even when you’re drowning in commitments. Even when burnout happens.

Need more? Read posts on positive morning habits and giving yourself grace as an entrepreneur