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.
