Get out or burn out!
We’re nearing the end of summer and it’s high time we address something that’s been on the minds of many or for that matter, many are unaware that it’s even on their minds. I’m talking about burn out.
Any creative professional worth a dime will always give their all. Our thoughts, our ideas, our passion, our soul, all go towards the big idea and making that idea a reality. Sometimes it’s for a client, sometimes for a good cause, or sometimes just a project of self-expression, but the result is always the same. Now, I won’t say it’s like child birth ( I’ve been there to see this and it will never compare, just ask my wife! ) but it is s a great laborious effort. The process is always tainted with obstacles, politics, and restrictions but we fight through it and make it happen. When it finally does, we have but a few days, maybe weeks or hopefully a few months to relish the fruits of our labor and then we do it all over.
Why do we do it?! Over the years my answers have varied and depend on what stage of my life I was in when asked. At the core of every response, the answer always leads me back to the same conclusion…it’s the way we’re wired. It’s the notion that a powerful idea can make a positive difference in someone’s life. It’s the ability to see the world through a different lens and reveal that in a way no one has ever seen. But of course, none of this is without it’s price.
According to a recent article from Canadian Business, “Burnout is a distinct condition that may result from exhaustion but can also be brought on by boredom or disillusionment. The effects can range from apathy and absenteeism to major health problems or depression. The quality of people’s work drops, and they procrastinate or miss deadlines. They dread coming into the office and take longer breaks. Whether they’re juggling too many responsibilities or facing monotonous, unrewarding tasks, the main early symptom is physical, mental and emotional fatigue, says Mark Gorkin, the self-styled “Stress Doc” who consults and writes about burnout and depression. That’s usually followed by shame and self-doubt. One small tell-tale warning sign? Frequent sighing.”
The article goes on to site statistics and some helpful techniques. Read more about it here.
So here’s a call to all you creative people out there giving it your all. Take a break, step away and relax. Take the time to evaluate where you are in life, what you want form it and what your priorities are. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s only work. If you really want out, there are hundreds of other ways to try and make money and ways to express your creativity. Sometimes they don’t coincide and sometimes they do.
Remember, sometimes we have to look backward to go forward.
