Let’s sit down for a heart-to-heart about something many of us tend to overlook: burnout. Speaking as a recovering striver who’s donned the hats of a military spouse, mom, and author for the past two decades, I’ve danced dangerously close to the flames of burnout more times than I care to admit. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet corner, and let’s unravel the intricacies of sidestepping burnout while pursuing our publishing goals.
The Crazy Tapestry: Military Life, Motherhood, and Writing
Imagine this: 13 houses, 5 duty stations, 2 PCS moves, a deployment to the Middle East, and a 365-day short tour in Korea without my husband. That’s been my life as a military spouse and mom for the last two decades. Amid the chaos, I decided to toss the pursuit of publishing into the mix. Crazy, right? Through it all–the constant unpacking and repacking, the juggling of parenting duties, and the pursuit of writing books–I learned some valuable lessons, especially about the lurking beast called burnout.
What Burnout Has Taught Me
Your family is the work, not a hindrance to the work. It might sound counterintuitive, but your family is not an obstacle standing between you and your work; they are the work. Understand the season of life you’re in. Are your kids in their formative years? Are you contemplating retirement after a long career? Prioritize the season over the goals. Your family is the heartbeat of your life; and the work will always be there, waiting.
Do one thing at a time. Now, let’s talk about the temptation to do it all at once: build a platform, launch a podcast, and pitch a book simultaneously. Seriously, just don’t. The art of sustainable success lies in pacing yourself. Start by writing and engaging an audience. Grow this audience with consistent time and investment. Then, and only then, consider diving into the world of writing a book. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your literary empire.
Work from a place of rest in the Lord. In the whirlwind of deadlines, promotions, and parenting duties, it’s easy to neglect the rest found in God’s Word and the quiet moments spent in His company. If your pursuit of success has become a blur and your relationship with God has taken a back seat, it’s time to reassess. If you’re too busy for a relationship with God, your priorities have skewed dangerously.
In the pursuit of publishing, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, to let the goals overshadow the season of life you’re in. Burnout is a real threat, but it can be sidestepped with mindful choices. Your family is your foundation, not a roadblock. Pacing yourself is a virtue, and spiritual rest is nonnegotiable.
Let’s make a pact to pursue our goals with passion but not at the expense of our well-being or the wellness of those we love. The journey may be challenging, but finding harmony amid the chaos is the true art of conquering burnout.
What Do You Do When Your Technology Fails?
Thank you, Megan, for your wise words, especially prioritizing the season over goals and focusing on family. The latter I have always done, as well as move through each season for them. This latest season seems to drag on, but you have given me a needed perspective on where I am. Looking back, they all seemed to drag on, so this is also a good reminder of that and to keep taking things one at a time.
I can only imagine what you have been through and applaud you for being a great wife and mother through it all. Mine was a different road but with many opportunities for burnout. Thank you also for the reminder to rest in and spend time with the Lord. That thankfully is now something I try to seek daily.
Thank you for your peaceful perspective. While I was on active duty, I had to spend any free time I had being a mom. I know I missed out on events in my son’s life, but I wanted the time I did have with him to be special. As a result, I limited my writing to a medical group newsletter and patient notes. Now that I’ve retired, I have the time to write, but taking care of my son has been replaced with taking care of my aging mother and other later life issues. There are things in every stage of life that capture our attention. The key is to seek God first and have him guide you in the direction for each day.
Very good stuff. Definitely important for me to keep in mind as I’m stepping into new stages as a young adult!
I find it hard, now, every day
to motivate my action,
and there’s no longer any way
that I can call it passion.
Daily life just hurts too much,
and nights are things to dread.
It’s easy to yield to the touch
of blank despair, but I instead
tell myself it matters not,
that the wide world really doesn’t care
how I feel, but if I’ve got
the grit to fight with style and flair
I figure that what I still write
will live on past my fall of night.
Beautiful. Painful. Brought tears to my eyes, Andrew.
Keep persevering!!
Wonderful article Megan and beautifully written.
You’re so right : Family is first, our mission and calling. The Lord will make the space for us in His time for whatever else he wants us to do. “Paso a paso!”
God bless from Ireland
I’m standing and applauding right now. This was so on point and on time!!
Thank you, Megan, that was uplifting and it came at just the right time 🙂
So real. If you could still pursue publishing amidst so many changes and still prioritize family, it gives us inspiration and hope. Thanks for your wisdom.
Wonderful, encouraging post.
Really wonderful post! Especially love the last line about pursuing goals while remembering the well-being of our relationships – with our family, ourselves, and God. Thank you! ♥
“If you’re too busy for a relationship with God, your priorities have skewed dangerously.”
Yes, girl.