Tips for Avoiding Burnout

TAKE BREAKS

Constantly pushing yourself – although it IS really something we need to do (pretty much) in order to make it in this music business – can really wear you out. It’s really important to take breaks: while you’re working on a particular individual project, after finishing a really big project, as well as periodically (between projects or during your regular work week/routine). Plus, after taking a nice break or rest period, when you get back to working on your album or maybe your social media strategy, you’ll be re-invigorated and more enthusiastic about working on your tasks at hand again.

 

REALIZE THAT YOU CAN’T DO/ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING

Important! And the more you try, the more counterproductive it can even be… One way to counter this is to choose to only do all of your work within a set time block of hours: do all you can during that block of time, then “punch out for the day.”

 

DIVIDE UP BIG OR TIME-CONSUMING PROJECTS INTO PARTS OR STAGES

Doing this will allow you to get more done, because you’ll get caught up in the actual “doing” of smaller, more manageable waypoints, rather than feeling overwhelmed by how big or how much work your total project will involve.

 

FOCUSING/ ELIMINATING DISTRACTIONS

Again, this one comes up… Multi-tasking may be something we NEED to do from time to time, but can really become counter-productive over time (not to mention another significant contributor to burnout). Constantly checking your instant notifications on social media, comment replies, IMs and emails throughout the day can really contribute to a feeling of being overwhelmed, and contribute to counter-productivity… (Consider cutting the frequency you check your social media updates to maybe every two-four hours, or even only at set times in a day, instead of constantly viewing them as soon as they arrive. This will take discipline though, I know! You really have to be dedicated to it to see if it helps bring you better results).

Focusing on doing one thing at a time while you’re working has multiple benefits: it can make you more productive, increase the quality of your work, while also conserving your precious energy!

 

DON’T FEEL AS THOUGH YOU HAVE TO RESPOND TO MESSAGES, EMAILS OR COMMENTS RIGHT AWAY

If someone is a professional, they’ll respect your time, appreciate that you are very busy, and won’t freak out if you take a little while to get back to them…. **The messages and posts will be there when you get back to them!**

 

RE-INSPIRE YOURSELF REGULARLY

Change things up, maybe try listening to a different type of music than you would regularly, or maybe a cheesy retro pop-hit you like from yesteryear…. Read books, try a different type of food or drink, watch a different type of show or movie. Take walks and get out in nature. All of these things can help refresh your spirits.

 

KEEP YOUR EYES ON “THE BIGGER PRIZE!!”

Remember, things are going to take time (a LOT of time), and that YOU are your biggest asset!! Be sure to take the time/steps you need in order to recharge your creative batteries and put into place the “best version of yourself.”

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