Admitting to stuffing up is hard. No one likes doing it. But if you do, it’ll make you feel better.

I burned out and stuffed up.

I’m not happy about it. Nor am I proud. But I want to let you know that it happens to anyone and everyone at some point. Even machines get to breaking point so don’t let it get you down. If it does, own it and get right back up again.

April was a write off. I didn’t really feel like writing or pitching or doing anything of value for that matter. Everything I did do seemed like shit. It happens. More than some like to admit.

The worst thing was I didn’t respond to emails and that’s a big ‘no-no’ when you’re trying to get a business up and running. I simply didn’t know what to say and putting the words down felt like torture.

I burned out, and it felt like shit.

Burn out is going to happen. It’s the result on taking on too much too quickly, too often.

I have a habit of doing that…every day.

Am I ever going to learn?

Probably not. Doing too much is part of my personality. I want to be constantly achieving and striving for something bigger, higher, better. I don’t see that changing, ever

What I have realised that from time to time I need a break. A holiday. A few days of respite to recharge the batteries and get back to work quicker.

A short break can mean the difference between three days off or three weeks. I prefer to control my days off (go figure, I’m a control freak, duh!), and by controlling them I can figure out when I need it most and schedule it into my calendar to suit my needs.

So next week I’m going away for a holiday. The lap top is going with me but I have zero expectations of turning it on. I’m taking each day as it comes and hoping to simply do a lot of walking, running, swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, reading by the pool and building sandcastles with my son.

The three days before I go on holiday are going to be crazy. I”m scheduling two weeks worth of blog posts, sending out thirty pitches and publishing my third novel. Like I said I suffer from overachiever syndrome.

When you work for yourself, whether it’s full time or part time, it’s important to schedule off time. It may seem ridiculous but if you don’t pencil it into your diary, it’s likely that you’re going to work through it and before you know it you’re burning out. It’s like when you’re on a weight-loss plan and you’ve reached a plateau and need to change things up to keep improving. The same thing is with writing, running a business, or working nine to five.

I think it’s particularly important to have a breather after a big project or a hectic few days. If you know you’re going to be under pressure make sure to schedule a ‘recharge my batteries’ day or weekend or even week if necessary. You’ll feel better for it and when you get back to work you’re going to find you are more creative and productive.

Take fifteen minutes per day.
One day per week.
A weekend per month.
A week a quarter.
Two weeks a year.

You will be better for it. Saner, calmer, happier. Your business will thank you too.