Let me share a story with you. It’s personal, raw, and maybe a little too familiar.
From October 2023 to September 2024, I faced something I never thought would happen to me: burnout. For someone who has always been fueled 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. Oh no, 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 actually doing something, I hit a wall. My energy was gone, my creativity blocked, and the spark that usually kept me going? Nowhere to be found.
The Impact of Burnout
Let’s rewind. Before burnout hit, my life was a nonstop whirlwind.
- I was studying for my Accredited Financial Counselor exam while working full-time.
- I juggled a full content creation schedule with weekly YouTube livestreams, serving clients, and volunteering as a financial coach in two separate programs.
- I mentored in a business program, taught Bible study, sang on the praise team, and recently finished my doctorate. A journey that required relentless focus.
For three years straight, I committed to delivering weekly livestreams on YouTube, pouring my heart into creating value for my audience. The growth was undeniable—YouTube, LinkedIn, podcast invites, articles… The momentum was exciting. But so was the exhaustion.
I felt torn:
- Keep going and ride the wave of success?
- Or rest, even though it felt like a guilty luxury I couldn’t afford?
For years, I gave and gave without refilling my own cup. Eventually, it caught up with me.
Recognizing the Need for a Break
At first, I told myself, “Just power through it.” Spoiler alert: that didn’t work.
What did work? Giving myself permission to pause.
Here’s what I did:
- Set boundaries around work.
- Learned to say “no” to commitments that didn’t align with my capacity.
- Embraced real rest…without guilt (easier said than done, but worth it).
Was it easy? Nope. I’m still learning. But slowly, the spark started coming back.
Reigniting the Spark
When I finally gave myself room to breathe, something shifted.
- The ideas that once felt overwhelming? They started to feel exciting again.
- The spark I thought I’d lost? It was waiting for me all along.
Here’s the truth: Even at my lowest, quitting was never an option.
Helping others understand personal finance isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am. That conviction anchored me during my toughest moments. It reminded me that this work is bigger than me. I just needed time to find my way back.
Lessons Learned
If you’re navigating burnout, here are some lessons I hope will resonate with you:
- Recognize when you’re at capacity. It’s okay to admit you’re doing too much. You’re not a machine.
- Rest is non-negotiable. Taking time to recharge isn’t a weakness. It’s wisdom.
- Your passion will wait for you. Stepping back doesn’t mean giving up; it means coming back stronger.
If You’re Feeling Burned Out
You’re not alone. It’s okay to:
- Take a step back.
- Prioritize your well-being.
- Trust that your spark will return.
Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is rest.
Let’s Chat
Have you ever experienced burnout? What helped you overcome it?
Share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear it. Let’s support one another because, truthfully, we’re all in this together.
Fun Financial Fact: Did you know Benjamin Franklin is often credited with creating the first American savings bank in 1816? His timeless advice, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” still rings true today!
