Overcoming Burnout: My Journey Back to Creativity

Let me tell you a story. It’s personal, raw, and maybe a little too familiar. From October 2023 to September 2024, I found myself staring down a reality I never thought I’d face: burnout. For someone who has always been driven by passion; teaching, creating, and helping others; losing the motivation to do those very things felt like losing a part of myself.

I wasn’t short on ideas. In fact, I had a flood of them. Blog posts, YouTube videos, workshops, client projects; they were all there, swirling in my head. But every time I thought about executing one, I hit a wall. My energy was gone, my creativity felt blocked, and the spark that usually fueled me was nowhere to be found.

The Impact of Burnout

Let’s back up a bit. Before burnout hit, my life was a whirlwind of activity. I was studying for my Accredited Financial Counselor exam, working full-time, and running a full-time content creation schedule. I served clients, volunteered as a financial coach with two organizations, and mentored in a business program. And, as if that wasn’t enough, I was deeply involved in my church—singing on the praise team and teaching Bible study. Oh, and I had just finished my doctorate. A journey that required immense dedication and energy.

For three solid years, I also committed to a weekly livestream on YouTube, pouring my heart into creating value for my audience. Growth was happening on YouTube, on LinkedIn, and even in the form of podcast invitations and article contributions. The momentum was undeniable. But so was the exhaustion.

I was torn. Part of me felt immense pressure to keep going: to ride the wave of growth and seize every opportunity that came my way. Yet, another part of me was screaming for rest, for stillness, for a break I felt guilty even considering. For years, I gave and gave without ever refilling my own cup. Eventually, it caught up with me.

Recognizing the Need for a Break

The realization didn’t come overnight. At first, I tried to push through, convincing myself I could just “power through” the fatigue. Spoiler alert: that didn’t work. What did work, however, was giving myself permission to pause. I started setting boundaries around work, learning to say “no” to commitments that didn’t align with my capacity. I embraced rest; real rest; and let go of the guilt that came with it.

I’m not going to pretend it was easy. It wasn’t. And honestly, I’m still on this journey. But I’m getting there. Slowly but surely.

Reigniting the Spark

Something shifted when I allowed myself to truly step back. With time, the spark started to return. I began to feel excited about creating again. Ideas that once felt overwhelming started to feel doable. But here’s the truth I want you to hear, even at my lowest quitting was never an option.

Teaching and transferring knowledge aren’t just what I do; it’s who I am. Helping others understand personal finance is my passion and calling. That conviction, that sense of purpose, was my anchor during the toughest moments. It reminded me that this is bigger than me. I just needed time to find my way back.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, this season of burnout taught me some valuable lessons:

1. Recognize when you’re at capacity. It’s okay to admit you’re doing too much. You’re not a machine.
2. Rest is non-negotiable. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.
3. Your passion will wait for you. Stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. It means coming back stronger.

If you’ve been struggling with burnout, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s okay to take a step back, to prioritize your well-being, and to trust that you’ll find your way again. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is rest.

Let’s Talk

Have you experienced burnout? What helped you overcome it? I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below and let’s support each other. Because the truth is, we’re all in this together.

Fun Financial Fact: Did you know that Benjamin Franklin is often credited with creating the first American savings bank in 1816? His philosophy of "a penny saved is a penny earned" still holds true today!