The Means Is An End In Itself

Do you feel burned out? I think burnout happens across age, profession, and country. That feeling of giving and giving and still feeling like you need to give more; of your brain turning into mush; and of imagining your hairs must be standing on end because that’s how fried you feel.

While working for a national television network, there were days–weeks, even–when I felt completely frazzled and at the end of it, burned out. Now, even working for myself, I still find myself flirting with burn out. Turns out working for yourself is not an antidote to burnout. So what is? How do we keep from driving ourselves crazy?

It’s important to remember that the means are an end in themselves. Am I writing a blog, making a movie, building websites, and traveling around the country to achieve some other future end? Or am I doing these things because I love them and the opportunities that they provide in and of themselves? Is every moment of every task going to be blissful every day of my life? No. So then what? Then, I can learn to say no, or to say yes slowly, or to take time out, or to make intentional decisions.

Soak it up

While in Michigan, I rediscovered that I have “a thing” and that I love traveling, supporting young adults, and telling stories. Sunburnt and sleeping outside is an end in itself for me–and I plan for it lead to other ends as well.

I was introduced to a few songs which I play constantly these days. They are fun songs and they also remind me of the good times–and the amazing people–I spent time with. I listen to these songs as I do routine administrative work, as I tear up my family’s porch (my dad and I replacing the floor of the porch… more updates on that later), and even as I compose this post. Music helps me remember to cherish and appreciate the means as much as I anticipate the ends.

Take a break

I am slow coming to the practice of taking breaks and naps, and I am learning nonetheless. Every few hours, I will take a long walk or a nap or both. Sometimes I ride a bike, other times I grab my camera and take photographs of my neighborhood. Today I blocked out a few hours to run an errand with my mom and treat her and my grandma to lunch. These are moments to connect and reconnect with myself and those around me and serve as a reminder that I am more than what I do.

The world will not end

The world will not end if you take a break or turn off your cellphone. If you’re a doctor or a firefighter, I recommend making sure someone can cover you while you’re out though. You can slow down and cool off before you hit burnout. And if you do, you’ll be much more productive and your life and work will be more sustainable. Really, you can’t afford not to.

Free Stuff from the internet

I’ll leave you with a few songs from my current playlist. Enjoy them while you treat yourself to a break today!

OneRepublic “Good Life”

Needtobreathe “Washed By The Water”

Tracy Chapman “Talkin bout a revolution”