Blog Post Written By: Melrose Michaels
Burnout is so real, and I have been there more times than I can count. Creator Burnout, in general, is a struggle, but you bring that into the adult creator space, and it's something hardly anyone is talking about. This is my own personal formula for how I deal with burnout, and maybe it can help you, too.
Understanding Burnout: Recognize the Signs Before It's Too Late
The first part of tackling burnout is really understanding and knowing when it's coming. In a recent Twitter space discussion, I asked my colleague Brynn if she could tell when I was about to experience an episode of burnout.
Interestingly, she pointed out three key indicators:
Post-Travel Exhaustion:
This includes cases where I'm jet-lagged, get sick, or face a mountain of work I've fallen behind on after trips.
Lack of Delegation:
I often struggle to let go of control in my business, which only adds to my stress.
Neglecting Self-Care:
Whether it's minor surgeries, seasonal colds, or even serious illnesses like Covid, my health noticeably suffers.
These insights were eye-opening for me, illustrating the need to be vigilant about recognizing burnout before it fully takes hold.
Step 1: Identify Your Burnout Triggers
The first thing I want you to think about is, what are the indicators for you going into burnout? If you have someone to bounce that idea off of, get their feedback. This could be a spouse or partner, a colleague, or a close friend. Understanding these red flags allows you to create a mental roadmap to navigate the tricky terrain of burnout.
Week One: The Self-Care Phase
When burnout does strike, my personal plan of attack typically involves setting aside two weeks to get things back on track. The first week is all about self-care—no work, just rest and recharge.
Rest and Recharge
During this phase, I focus on doing things that make me feel good and bring me joy. Whether it's spending time with friends and family or indulging in a Netflix binge, the goal is to step completely away from work. I deliberately avoid work-related activities, limiting my professional engagement to basic interactions like DMing fans.
Everyone's self-care looks different. Identify what truly relaxes and rejuvenates you. Don't judge yourself for needing what may seem like 'lazy' time; this is your sanctuary.
Week Two: Setting Up for Success
In Week Two, I switch gears to prepare myself for diving back into work. This phase involves carefully planning and scheduling so that I’m not immediately overwhelmed when I return.
Evaluating and Scheduling Content
For me, week two is about evaluating my content publishing schedule. I aim to shoot, edit, produce, and schedule enough content to cover an entire month. If you're an average creator who publishes one video a week, your goal during this second week is to prepare four videos.
Having this content ready means that, once the two-week hiatus is over, you don’t have to scramble to meet deadlines. You're already a month ahead and set up for a more manageable workflow.
Using Rerun Content Strategically
You might be thinking, "What's happening on my fan sites during these two weeks?" Here's the secret: Schedule reruns. Your audience can enjoy throwbacks, 'bestsellers,' or classic hits from your archive. You can position these as nostalgic content, allowing your fans to revisit their favorites. It's a minimal-effort strategy that keeps your fan engagement high while you take the time you need to recover.
Adapt, Implement, and Thrive
I know this roadmap might not work for everyone, but it has been a game-changer for me. This method helps me manage burnout without losing revenue or fan engagement.
I'm about to embark on a new wave of travel, and I'll be putting this blueprint to the test once again. You can follow my journey on our vlog, "Seducing Success."
Remember, burnout recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. Adapt this formula to fit your needs, and always know that you can lean on the SWCEO squad inside CEO Society for support. You're not alone in this battle against burnout.
I'll see you in the next course video. Thanks for reading.
Looking for more inspiration? Join CEO Society, our exclusive private community for adult creators. In this supportive space, you can connect with me and fellow creators to exchange ideas and strategies for your business. By joining CEO Society, you'll gain access to invaluable insights and practical tips that can help you take your adult content creation to the next level. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow with a community dedicated to success.
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