In the last few years, I’ve been privileged to attend SEMA, the world’s largest automotive convention. One of the biggest draws is the burnout competition. There’s a flurry of energy and applause—the crowd goes crazy! But when the smoke clears, those tires aren’t good for much after the burnout. I see a lot of this in today’s work culture.
One of the core values I hold and celebrate among my Creative Team is:
HAPPINESS OVER SUCCESS.
And while this might sound a bit ‘soft’ to the ‘Rise and Grind’ and ‘Hustle’ culture, there is quite a bit of psychology research to support the fact that when we are happy, we are more productive. This concept is summarized well by the TED Talk delivered by Shawn Achor.
One way (of many) I practice this core value with my team is by allowing each employee to take off two hours early once a week for a “Clarity Break.” There are only two rules during your clarity break:
- You’re unreachable.
- No technology.
We even check in with each other each Monday to ensure we took advantage of this opportunity. Clarity breaks are a time to recharge and focus on yourself to avoid burnout.
Burnout is one of those things that doesn’t seem real until it hits you. As business leaders and creative professionals, we’re passionate about our work and constantly striving to create impactful creative solutions that resonate with our audiences. But as we juggle tight deadlines, complex projects, and the ever-changing digital landscape, it’s easy to experience burnout.
Managing marketing burnout is crucial for both personal and professional success. From prioritizing self-care to setting boundaries, taking time to recharge and refocus can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Whether taking a mental health day or simply disconnecting from work after hours, it’s essential to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to address them. Investing in ourselves and our well-being ensures we can bring our best selves to our work daily.
If you’re struggling with burnout, know you’re not alone. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or other resources to get the support you need. Call to action for all my business leaders: Let’s work together to build more sustainable and fulfilling environments that foster growth rather than burnout.
