As we close out 2024, it’s important for us as creatives to take a moment and reflect on the body of work we’ve created this year. Too often, we find ourselves rolling straight into the next year, just as we might jump from one project to the next without pausing to process, celebrate, or learn from what we’ve accomplished.
On the other hand, some of us reach this point in the year feeling drained, unable to pinpoint exactly why.
Which brings me to the one key topic I want to focus on today:
Your creative burnout isn’t what you think it is.
Let’s talk about that unmotivated, often heavy feeling you’ve been dragging around. You know the one.
You sit down to edit, and instead of inspiration, you feel like your creativity packed its bags and ghosted you. Those passion projects you actually want to work on are laying around gathering dust.
How about those important deadlines? Remember that project you’ve been “working on” for the past month? Why is it taking twice as long to get done as it should?
The world calls it burnout. But here’s my take:
Burnout isn’t just about working too hard, it’s about working in the wrong way.
As creators, we thrive on vision. We’re wired to chase ideas that light us up.
But when you’re stuck in a loop of projects that don’t excite you or aren’t aligned with your goals, that creative spark fades.
If all you’re doing is grinding out work for clients, chasing deadlines, and forgetting why you started this in the first place, of course you’re going to feel burned out.
Creativity needs room to breathe, to wander, to dream.
What’s Missing From Your Process
Play. When was the last time you created something just for fun? No deadlines. No expectations. Just you, your camera, and an idea you can’t stop thinking about.
Boundaries. Not every project is your project. It’s okay to say no. You need space to focus on the right work, the kind that fills your cup instead of draining it.
Rest. Creativity doesn’t thrive on 18 hour days fueled by caffeine and stubbornness. It’s born in the moments when you slow down, step away, and let your mind wander.
Reconnection. When you’re stuck, look back at what made you fall in love with creating in the first place. That fire is still in you, you just need to fan the flames.
How to Reclaim Your Creativity
Here’s a 3-step reset plan:
Create for you. Pick one passion project. Just one. And give it an hour this week. Start messy. Start small. Just start.
Audit your work. Take a hard look at your projects. Are they aligned with where you want to go? If not, start planning your exit strategy and your goals for 2025.
Block out rest. This week, carve out one day (or even half a day) to step away. No work. No guilt. Just rest and recharge.
Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re weak. It’s a sign that something needs to change. It’s your creativity whispering (or maybe yelling) that it’s time to reimagine how you’re working.
You’ve got the spark. You’ve got the work ethic. Now give yourself the space to thrive. Take care of yourself, because the world needs that creative genius inside of you.
Have a great day and amazing New Year. I’ll see you in 2025!
Best,
Blake