When we become so enraptured in what we do that we become creative entrepreneurs, we quickly get caught up in the nonstop business (and never-ending to-do list) that it feels like we’re up against. In this post, I’m diving in on truly taking a vacation or break as a creative entrepreneur.
If you struggle to take a break as an entrepreneur, you’re not alone. Statistics show that only about 33% of entrepreneurs take sustained breaks to alleviate burnout … it’s time more and more of us change this statistic and embrace the necessity and beauty of taking a well-deserved break!
Embrace this Truth of Entrepreneurship
Let’s start with a core, yet sometimes difficult, truth that may be hard to accept initially. It took me burning out to realize this one key lesson of entrepreneurship that I feel like is the mindset of entrepreneurship in a nutshell… there will ALWAYS be more to do. The ‘to-do’ list of running a business will never truly end, because there’s always another client you could sign, or a new project you could undertake, or a new venture you may embark on.
I don’t share this to be discouraging… in fact, it’s the total opposite. It’s something that is meant to encourage you to release the stress of feeling like you always have to have everything done before you give yourself a break.
I share this to show you that when you radically accept this fact, you begin to see that you must schedule in breaks or periods of time off, or your business will run you over.
Experiencing burnout? Check out this guide on burnout, specifically for creative entrepreneurs!
Cultivate a Resilience Mindset
A resilience mindset is the ultimate belief that no matter what happens, you, your essence and your spirit will always be okay. Adopting a resilient mindset is one of the best things you can do as an entrepreneur to remind yourself that although you feel like your business is your baby, no matter what happens, YOU will always be okay.
A strong and resilient mindset also helps you improve your abilities to:
- Problem solve
- Bounce back from setbacks
- Build trust in yourself and your creations
All of these are incredible resources for an entrepreneur!
New to the concept of a ‘resilient mindset?’ Start here.
A simple way to cultivate a resilient mindset is to start a journal to capture your thoughts… and challenge them. If you’re new to journalling, using prompts is a great way to get started. Here are a few:
- Consider one of your greatest fears from your past that you successfully overcame/. What did you do to overcome this fear? What can this teach you about life today?
- Imagine you’re sitting with your 13-year-old self. What advice do you give her?
- What would you do if you knew you could never ‘fail’?
Plan Breaks Before You Think You Need Them
Each month, when you sit down and look at the calendar ahead, think first of the times you’d like to take off. For example, special family events, dates with your significant other, or a day off during your peak of menstruation.
Then look at when you’re available to clients once you have scheduled this time in for yourself.
If you wait until you desperately need a break, you’re more likely to burn out, which is actually less sustainable for your business in the long run than if you were just to take a break!
Aim For 1-2 Extended Breaks Per Year (Minimum!)
Here’s the thing: your creativity needs breaks from your business to restore itself. I suggest aiming to take at least 1-2 extended breaks (around two weeks each) per year to:
- Detox from technology and social media and recharge my creativity
- Fill my own creative and self-care well
- Connect with loved ones and friends
Because I know that I like to do this, when planning out launches and cycles of my business at the beginning of the year, I can plan around these breaks well ahead of time.
Create a Fulfilling Life + Business.
Get started by watching the Fulfilled masterclass – this free masterclass allows you to…
- shift your focus from outward success to inner fulfillment
- dedicate yourself to your most creative + fulfilled self
- understand how to create sustaining life-changing habits
