Owning your own business and being your own boss, all centered around your creative passion–a dream come true, right? While being successfully self-employed is what we crave, the reality of paying bills often keeps us in full- or part-time jobs in order to make ends meet while we juggle a multitude of responsibilities that can become overwhelming at times. I’ve personally experienced a few close calls with burnout. Some suggestions from observant friends helped me recognize what was happening and how to avoid what could have destroyed the passion that motivated me to begin with. Finding balance is vital to your success and happiness. Here are some suggestions that are working for me…
Organize your time by setting a work schedule and sticking to it. This is extremely challenging for me and I’m still in the process of getting this right. Be willing to work at this until you find a schedule that works for you and don’t be discouraged if it takes several tries.
Take time for yourself everyday, even if it’s just 30 minutes for a soak in the tub or a quick power nap. I enjoy getting lost in a good book. Exercise is an excellent stress reliever and is the perfect way to grab a few minutes just for yourself.
Spend time with friends and family. Have a meal together or see a movie. Make phone calls to people you’ve not seen or spoken with in a while.
Avoid procrastinating those necessary tasks that you don’t enjoy. For me, it’s bookkeeping. I’ve discovered if I’ll just get on with it, it’s not nearly as bad as I’d let myself think and it’s a huge relief to mark this off my list.
Take a vacation.This can be as simple as a weekend away or as elaborate as international travel. This past weekend, I spent a wonderful day in Miami Beach with Zibbet’s CEO Jonathan Peacock and his wife, Jaime. For me it was that simple weekend getaway, while Jonathan and Jaime, in the US from Australia, are enjoying an international vacation. It was refreshing to leave my computer at home and not think about it for 24 hours. Jonathan is still in touch with Zibbet but he’s stepped away a bit to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. If overnight travel isn’t in your budget, plan several day trips to local points of interest. You’ll be amazed at how therapeutic this can be.
The web abounds with articles containing suggestions for avoiding burnout. Do some research of your own to find ideas that work for you. And please share tips here from your own experience for finding balance.
Best wishes for much success on Zibbet!
Vicki is committed to assisting her fellow Zibbeters improve their shops for successful online selling. She is the owner of five Zibbet shops: LOC Design Studio, Denim and Pearls, A Stitch and a Prayer, Black Creek Crossing and Think Like a Fish. You can follow Vicki on Twitter and through her LOC Design Studio blog.
Tags: Family, Finding Balance, Friends, Schedule, Success on Zibbet, Vacation
