As a photographer or creative business owner, it’s easy to get swept up in the demanding nature of the industry. We strive for perfection while juggling multiple projects and clients, not to mention our home lives! But neglecting your well-being leads to burnout, impacting not just your creativity in your work but your overall happiness. Find out the seven ways I avoid burnout so I’m the best version of myself for my clients and family!
7 Ways to Avoid Burnout as a Creative Business Owner
Find A Creative Community
Being a wedding photographer often means working independently, which can be isolating. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community makes a world of difference! Find community with other creatives, not just in the wedding industry, but with writers, designers, and floral artists. A home office can feel like the most isolated place in the world, but a coffee date with an understanding friend can give you a much-needed dose of reality and encouragement! Plus, friendships with other creatives are an incredible source of inspiration.
Prep Your Systems During the Off-Season
I learned this lesson the hard way as someone who used to wear all the hats in my creative business. Finding a system that took advantage of the slower months to support long-term growth saved my sanity! I began delving into the educational side of my business and used my time to create email templates, guides, and video training. This system reduced my stress during the wedding season by introducing a sustainable, organized structure to my business!
Delegating and outsourcing is another underutilized way to avoid burnout. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself! If a task would be better handled by another professional, whether it’s admin work, editing, or marketing: delegate it. While it can be scary to outsource as a creative, this will free up valuable time and energy so you can focus on your core strengths. Once you find the right professionals to partner with who understand your unique vision, you’ll thank yourself!
Schedule Restful Time
I recently started doing this, and it’s been a game-changer! Each month, I set aside one weekend to recharge with my family and do something “big.” It isn’t always a trip or something costly, but rather, an intentional time for slowing down and enjoying life! I schedule vacations and date nights with my husband in advance and set aside one a day a week just for me. Moreover, I set aside one hour each day for the hobbies that bring me joy. Because of this, I return to my business each day feeling recharged and ready to tackle the week’s work.
Be Selective About Your Work
I understand doing this can be difficult when you need to pay your bills. However, choosing clients whose vision aligns with mine and projects in locations that excite me always pays off more than latching onto any work that comes my way. Intentionality is vital to avoid burnout! Don’t be afraid to say no to opportunities that don’t align with your creative goals or values. You’ll maintain drive for your craft by selectively curating your client base than by saying “yes” to every opportunity.
Keep Seeking That Creative Spark
I step away from my photography hobby whenever I need to rediscover my creativity. Usually, I start painting until I feel ready to pick up a camera again! As a creative, it’s vital to explore artistic mediums that spark your imagination without the pressure of monetization. Whether you’re curious about sculpture, music, or another art form, this can bring a fresh perspective to your photography and reignite your passion for your craft.
I also limit my exposure to other photographers’ work—comparison kills creativity! Instead, I seek inspiration from artistic movies, books, and music. These diverse sources help me cultivate a unique and authentic style that my clients love.
Change Your Mindset
Being a business owner isn’t about being super busy all the time. That shouldn’t be your measure of success! If you’ve been a victim of hustle culture, it’s crucial to reexamine your mindset and discover what success means to you. How do you want to spend your working hours? Reflect on your values and priorities, then set clear boundaries to protect your well-being.
Start saying “no” to any commitment that drains your time and energy, whether it’s a toxic relationship, a demanding client, or excessive social media consumption. Limit your screen time, and allocate specific hours of the day for essential tasks. By setting boundaries and reclaiming control of your time, you’ll experience a greater sense of fulfillment and avoid burnout.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is the most necessary step to avoid burnout! Once you shift your mindset, boundary-setting should naturally follow because you’ll no longer have time for the things you once did. For example, I say “no” to toxic clients, social media scrolling, and empty tasks. I take time to get ready, even if I’m working from home that day, and eat a nutritious meal at the table. And, instead of answering emails at all hours of the day and night, I set aside specific times on specific days for responding to inquiries.
While it will look different for everyone, boundary-setting is about prioritizing your well-being in whatever ways make sense for you! Eventually, you’ll find you’ve achieved a healthy work-life balance.
Avoid Burnout and Thrive in Your Creative Business
Remember, your creative business is more than a means to an end. It’s a reflection of your dreams, aspirations, and unique talents! By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your well-being and ensure your creative spark continues to burn brightly. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, and remember that your well-being is just as important as your professional achievements. When you take a balanced approach to your creative business, you can overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and enjoy the journey every step of the way!
