Fighting Burnout: How to Identify, Prevent, and Recover with Maegan Megginson

Burnout. It’s a word that hits home for so many entrepreneurs. As a business owner, I’ve felt its weight, pulling me down, dimming my passion and creativity. In the latest episode (Episode 18) of the Create to Convert podcast, Maegan Megginson and I dove deep into the heart of burnout, exploring its causes, impacts, and the crucial steps necessary for recovery.

The Overwhelming Reality of Burnout

Burnout is a sneaky beast.

It doesn’t slam you all at once… it creeps up as you juggle endless deadlines, high expectations, and the constant pressure to succeed.

Did you know that 77% of people feel burnout in their current job?

For entrepreneurs, the numbers are probably even higher.

Burnout manifests in various ways. According to Maegan, the first red flags are often psychological—losing passion for your work, feeling resentful, and a mounting sense of frustration. These emotional responses can evolve into physical symptoms like chronic fatigue and even isolation.

Maegan opened up about hitting a breaking point where she couldn’t ignore the signs anymore. She took a sabbatical to reclaim her mental health. Her bravery in admitting she needed a break really hit home for me. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to step back.

A big part of our chat focused on time and the unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves as entrepreneurs. Maegan talked about how society forces us into a hyper-productive mode, leading to inevitable burnout.

We live in a world where time is treated like a commodity.

Every minute is supposed to be optimized for productivity. This mindset is dangerous. No wonder we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we’re never doing enough. Maegan’s insights made me rethink what productivity really means and how to manage my expectations.

Shifting the Blame and Focusing on Well-being

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was Maegan’s advice to externalize the blame for our struggles.

Society often creates toxic environments that push us beyond our limits. Recognizing these pressures is crucial and instead we need to shift our focus to well-being above all else.

This perspective shift can change how we approach work and life. By acknowledging that not all struggles are self-inflicted, we can start focusing on what’s truly important: our health and happiness. This concept might seem abstract, but it’s groundbreaking in the journey to recovering from burnout.

Making Space for Rest

Rest is crucial in fighting burnout, and it’s not just about getting enough sleep.

Maegan shared that rest looks different for everyone. For her, it might be a calming bath or some quiet time. For others, like her friend Annie, it could be a high-energy activity like riding a Peloton.

What struck me was Maegan’s suggestion to schedule an hour a week during work hours specifically for rest. It sounds simple but can be profoundly transformative. The challenge is sticking to it. Committing to these rest periods and gradually increasing them over time can help change our work culture, making our businesses more sustainable in the long run.

Social media often trivializes self-care, making it seem like it’s all about spa days and pampering. But true self-care is beyond that, it involves reconnecting with our bodies and prioritizing our fundamental needs.

As business owners, we need to redesign our businesses to serve us, not the other way around.

This means creating space for our bodies to settle and finding ways to recharge. For me, painting by numbers brings immense joy and comfort. It’s about finding that balance and honoring what truly brings us peace.

A Lifelong Commitment to Recovery

Recovering from burnout isn’t a one-time event… it’s a lifelong process.

The societal and cultural pressures we face won’t disappear overnight.

However, by taking proactive steps, as Maegan advised, we can create a healthier entrepreneurial environment for ourselves, our teams, our community and circle.

Conclusion

Check out Maegan’s website to learn more about her and her work. And if you’re ready to take a step further in your fight against burnout, sign up to her free 10-day email series dedicated to going from burned out to deeply rested.

Let’s make a pact to prioritize our well-being, redefine self-care, and build a future where our businesses serve us. It’s high time we honored ourselves and embraced a healthier, more sustainable way of working.