What Inspired This Episode?

Truth be told, we wanted to wait until after Liz got back from her vacation to chat about this week’s topic. Last week preparation for her vacation ramped up to it’s peak, and it just seemed like the appropriate moment to go ahead, record and take the opportunity to be as transparent as possible.

Avoiding burnout is a serious and real thing. Without trying to sound like a public service announcement, it’s a newer issue we all face in light of our always connected culture. Most of the time we don’t want to take a break, even when we know we should. Taking the time to take time for yourself is a difficult thing to do, but a necessary one.

In this episode, we’re talking about the do’s and don'ts of vacation. Having been on a vacation back in August I had some wise words for Liz who, at the time of recording, had a serious countdown going on. In contrast, Liz had some advice for me on how to stay motivated on the daily, especially when project and retainer work collide.

So, how do marketers, entrepreneurs and really anybody in our constantly connected world stay motivated and avoid burnout? What tools can help? What boundaries do you need to set? And does it all come into conflict with the work/life blend mentality?

So, What Did We Talk About?

• The magical productivity mode that comes right before reaching a major milestone
• What burnout really feels like
• What does constant connection do to our psyche
• We like who we work with and we like what we do, does this deter us from taking vacation?
• What boundaries do you need to set to have an effective vacation?
• Setting vacation expectations, both personally and professionally
• Lying to yourself about the breaks you are and are not taking
• Limiting distractions to stay motivated
• Tools that help keep us on track
• Staying motivated when your workflow changes (project versus retainer work)
• Remembering your "why?" to stay motivated

Here’s What We Had to Say: Jessie-Lee

“You want to be able to relax on vacation, not recover.”

“Don’t have a working vacation. Don’t tell anyone you’re going to be accessible. Don’t put yourself in that position.”

“If I’m feeling super unmotivated, I’ll leave. A change in environment is a huge help.”

“It’s very hard to turn creative on at 9:00 AM and turn creative off at 5:00 PM.”

“You don’t have to take a week off to get the full effects of vacation rejuvenation.”

Liz

“It’s getting harder and harder to unplug and step away.”

“Don’t lie to yourself and say you’re going on vacation when you’re not.”

“My biggest downfall to burnout is distraction.”

“I think we come to work and just expect ourselves to be into it.”

“A vacation is a microcosm of what you should be doing on a daily basis.”

Here Are the Resources We Talked About:

• 1st Meal by RAR Brewing

• Liz’s Instagram (since she is actually in Europe at publication)

• Teamwork

• Liz’s epiphany about her personal brand

• Beware the Busy Manager

• Jessie-Lee’s cat Woody in a bowtie

• Forest

• Noisli

Get in Touch and Spread the Creator’s Block Love

What did you think of this episode? Is there another topic or question you want us to take on? Or do you just want to say hi? Reach out to us on Twitter at @CreatorsBlockHQ or using the hashtag #creatorsblockparty. You can also say hi to me at @jhyphenl and Liz at @naptownpint. You can also join us in the Creator's Block Podcast group on Facebook, where you can ask questions and get inspired.

And don’t forget - whether you love us or hate us - we would really appreciate you reviewing our podcast on iTunes! 

…until next week!