In 2024 I too was in burnout, though it was autistic burnout which is not quite the same as 'normal' burnout, it's a long story which I gave the petname name of 'shitshow'. Literally the most challenging year of my life, where I had to keep showing up to do the work despite every minute causing me more anxiety. I knew the alternative of not showing up would have had worse consequences.
As part of trying to climb out of it I held onto a phrase of "creativity replaces anxiety". And it really did help. Creativity can be many things, for me it was spending time with friends, knitting, drawing and painting. It's a right + left brain thing. When you activate your creative side the other anxious side has no choice but to go elsewhere.
Ahh looked like 2024 was tough for so many of us. Are you better now?
I so agree with the "creativity" part. I think a big part why I got lost was because I was too focused on the business side of things, completely ignoring the creative part I started with.
The important thing is to move forward - so let's do that 💪
Thank you for sharing your experience and lessons.
Glad to see you're getting back into the swing of things again. Often times trying new things without expectations or a "plan", but simply exploring curiosities is a great way of getting out of the funk.
I thought I was the only one who had the worst year in 2024!
I also came to the realisation that meaning is experienced through community. And I had stopped building my personal community (both online and offline).
This year I’ve made it my intention to reach out to friends and organise catchups. And I’m loving it. I feel like I’m coming alive again.
having the right partner makes all the difference. my wife gave me the same energy and insights as well whenever I was lost. she was there to lift me up every time. hands down. this piece is much needed in today's world when we are with our screens all the time and think we don't need anyone else.
In 2024 I too was in burnout, though it was autistic burnout which is not quite the same as 'normal' burnout, it's a long story which I gave the petname name of 'shitshow'. Literally the most challenging year of my life, where I had to keep showing up to do the work despite every minute causing me more anxiety. I knew the alternative of not showing up would have had worse consequences.
As part of trying to climb out of it I held onto a phrase of "creativity replaces anxiety". And it really did help. Creativity can be many things, for me it was spending time with friends, knitting, drawing and painting. It's a right + left brain thing. When you activate your creative side the other anxious side has no choice but to go elsewhere.
Ahh looked like 2024 was tough for so many of us. Are you better now?
I so agree with the "creativity" part. I think a big part why I got lost was because I was too focused on the business side of things, completely ignoring the creative part I started with.
The important thing is to move forward - so let's do that 💪
Yes, better now thanks.
I'm really enjoying life and work is fun, even if the market is 💩
Thank you for sharing your experience and lessons.
Glad to see you're getting back into the swing of things again. Often times trying new things without expectations or a "plan", but simply exploring curiosities is a great way of getting out of the funk.
And great to see you here on Substack!
Thank you Janice :) It is definitely good to be back!! Appreciate friends like you who've helped.
I thought I was the only one who had the worst year in 2024!
I also came to the realisation that meaning is experienced through community. And I had stopped building my personal community (both online and offline).
This year I’ve made it my intention to reach out to friends and organise catchups. And I’m loving it. I feel like I’m coming alive again.
And I thought I was the only one haha! Last time you told me that you're doing well now and that's really amazing to hear :)
Agree re community - the most powerful thing!!
Ohh awesome to see you here too Ev!
having the right partner makes all the difference. my wife gave me the same energy and insights as well whenever I was lost. she was there to lift me up every time. hands down. this piece is much needed in today's world when we are with our screens all the time and think we don't need anyone else.
Can admit I was one who thought I could build a great business inside my room with virtual connections 🤣
Loved this piece! Related so much on the motion part and really focusing on making new connections and having new convos
Love to meet you in-person at some point since we're both in Hong Kong! Let me know if that sounds like a good motion haha.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been a bit off for the last year too. Hang in there
This was a really great post! Thanks for writing it and I am glad you are feeling more empowered and connected these days!