I know, I know……I am supposed to be doing the “Business of Quilting” blog series and I have missed quite a few weeks (obviously) I don’t really have any fun secrets to blame for my lack of quilting. The truth is a little less fun…I have been suffering from plain ol’ burnout.
One of the occupational hazards of any creative business (or hobby) is burnout. Not only does it make running a business harder, but it is just plain not fun! Burnout can be caused by so many things including: working too much (surely that can’t be my problem!), not feeding yourself creatively, or even personal situations that have nothing to do with quilting. I am probably guilty of all three on a massive scale.
The best way to cure burnout is to avoid it altogether, but sometimes the demands of the job catch up with the best of us. So in today’s Business of Quilting blog post, I am going to talk about how to overcome burnout.
I have a few go-to tips to get out of a creative slump. As soon as you feel that “burning out” kinda feeling coming on:
1. Clean your quilting room/work area
Sometimes I am not burning out as much as I am getting overwhelmed. Sometimes, taking a half day (ok, a whole day) to get my studio back in shape does wonders. I am still connected to my passion, but I am not “working”. Plus, who doesn’t feel better walking into a nice clean work area. I do want to stress that I am not organizing or purging my room or anything crazy, just straightening up and trying to find my machine!
2. Make something for yourself
When you can break away from the “business” quilts and make something for yourself (whether it’s a quilt or project or anything!). This can allow you to remember why you love your craft and why you do what you do.
3. Take a Break
Sometimes you just have to walk away! Even if you have customers’ quilts and deadlines looming, you won’t do any good if you are dreading it! Take some time off, walk away and come back with a clear mind.
4. Realize that it’s a phase
Since I have been quilting awhile, I have been through a few times. But now that I have been through it, I realize that it’s just a phase, that it will pass. Be patient, don’t stress yourself out and just know that soon you will be back to doing what you love!
I know that it’s a short list and that it may not be as simple as that. For instance, this last burnout phase was the worst! I tried all the things on my list…..I cleaned my room several times, took time off, I made something for myself, I even tried to pep-talk myself out of it. Finally, thankfully, it passed. Just remember, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed and burnout, it will pass!!
After such a downer kind of blog post, I feel like I should do something fun!!!! How about one heck of a giveaway??
I just happen to have the whole season (series 1100) of Quilting Arts TV on DVD! I had the honor of having a short appearance on a few of the episodes talking about machine quilting and they so kindly sent me a copy. Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw a winner next Monday!
Good luck and Happy Quilting!
