I’ve been writing a lot for the Alzheimer’s newsletter here in Florida. My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all died from the disease. I’m sharing some of our experiences in the hopes that they’ll help other families dealing with many of the same challenges.
One of the most important things for every caregiver to recognize is the need to take care of themselves. It’s so important to recognize when you need respite. Running your own business is no different than caring for a loved one. In this case, the “loved one” is your career path.
You can’t build a successful business if you’re burnt out. You need to develop a plan that lets you take breaks when you need them. If necessary, you need to walk away from the business completely for as long as it takes, whether just an hour or two or several days.
However, it’s easier said than done. But with a little planning, keeping your battery fully charged doesn’t have to be a challenge. For example, set up your business with backup plans and the people you trust most in your network.
When I was a kid, there were always fire drills. Everybody knew what they had to do and where they had to go when the fire alarm sounded. Your health and business are no different today.
Creativity doesn’t come with an endless supply of energy. You need to get the right amount of sleep your body demands, eat right, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. When you’re feeling down and approaching burnout, you need to take a break and change your environment and thought process.
Looking back on my younger days in this industry, inspiration always came from workshops and conventions. It came from conversations with exhibitors, managers and photographers. It came from speakers who inspired me to view various challenges from different angles.
At the same time, to this very day, my wife Sheila is my muse. There are times when I just can’t seem to get my act together, and she sees the signs and my need for a respite before I do! Who’s your muse?
Here’s my point: Just like a flight attendant’s pitch to put your mask on first before helping the child you might be traveling with, you can’t help them if you’re not focused on your own care first.
