I’m going to be honest with you: I’m freaking exhausted. My body aches. And some days I want to curl up on the couch and do nothing but watch Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix.
Something’s not right with my body and hasn’t been for a few years. Doctors keep uncovering another “reason” for my ailments, but they’ve yet to nail exactly what’s going on. Treatment protocols, fancy diets, a hundred hours of bodywork, and thousands of dollars in medical bills, and I’m still looking for the root of the issue.
As a result, I can’t work a full day, and some days I can’t work at all.
Of course I always follow through on my commitments to clients (I’m uncompromising in that way), but I don’t push beyond what I know my limit is (and I make sure not to commit past my limit).
Beyond my set commitments, I don’t do much else. I’m not working to grow my list. I’m not hosting free calls. I’m not creating a new digital product. And I’m not pushing myself to churn out the four part post I’ve been scheming for 3 months that just doesn’t seem to want to come together.
Sometimes, the best thing I can do for myself and for my business is to take a break. Rest. Watch Netflix. And take a day (or two or three) off.
I don’t imagine life will always be this way. I’ll figure out what’s been ailing me. I’ll have the energy to give to another big thing.
For now, I’m just going to do what I can within my known limits.
I have a feeling you can relate.
Maybe you’re not sick (or maybe you are). Maybe you have little ones at home. Maybe you’re going through a divorce, moving, or planning a wedding. Or maybe you’re trying to build your business while working a full-time job.
The one thing that’s clear is you’re trying to do too much.
When you feel the burn of over-working, I want to tell you that the best thing you can do for yourself and your business is to stop (or at least slow down, a lot). Put that mega blog series on hold. Take a break. Watch TV. Read a book. Get a massage.
Magic happens when I let go and work less.
I sell more copies of Get Your First 1000 Subscribers. My husband steps up and does more around the house. And when I do work, everything gets done faster than if I had pushed to make it happen. In fact, that’s how this blog post came to be.
I was trying to work on my four part blog series (it’s going to be awesome!), but my energy kept dropping, and I couldn’t piece the ideas together like I wanted to. I said, “Screw this. I don’t care if it’s supposed to go live in 2 days. I’m going to eat lunch and watch TV before my massage.”
The moment I turned on the TV, I thought, “Ah, this is what I need to write about.” Seven minutes later, this very post was drafted. It’s the perfect message for you as we head into the holiday season, a time when everyone tries to do way too much.
When you’re tired, stop and rest. When you feel that cold coming on, stop and rest. When you’re trying to hard to do that next thing in your business but it’s not coming together, stop and rest. When you’re getting snippy at everyone because your to-do list is a mile long and you have no idea when you’ll get it all done, yes, stop and rest.
The best thing to do when pushing, forcing, and efforting stops working is to rest. Resting means you’ll come back stronger than before, and you’ll get more done faster. (And who doesn’t want that?!) Tweet that!
Most importantly, there is always — and I mean always — more work to be done. You need to be the one to check yourself. No one but you can stop you. Tweet that!
Tell me…. can you relate?
Spill it in the comments below.
Also, this is an excellent indication of how well your systems are sustaining your business!
Wishing you a full and complete recovery!
Yes, systems have be essential. Hence, my undying love for them 🙂
This is so timely Jenny coming into the holiday frenzy. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Both my kids are sick with colds right now and my daughter’s bummed about it. I’m encouraging her to listen to her body’s needs now and look at it as an opportunity to just kick back, relax as much as possible and enjoy that contrast when she eventually gets her energy back. Hearing me tell her this and now reading this post I’m reminded to take this approach into the every day and pay attention to the natural cycle of energy ebbs and flows. Thank you!
Love that you teach this to your kids, Kathy. That’s pretty cool!
Yes, big illnesses remind us to pay attention, and you’re right — we should do this all the time!
Genius, Jenny. Pure genius.
I’ve been thinking about the same thing lately. This morning I took an hour walk outside even though it’s raining and I have a very long list of tasks to accomplish. It was so refreshing. I picked up so many awesome, colorful leaves off the ground!
Us entrepreneurs love being inspired to take action, but sometimes we just need to take a lesson from the book of “Being”.
I full on support your Netflix-fueled relaxation!
You got it. We must balance doing and being… or else! 🙂
VERY good points, Jenny. Love this idea of giving your business a break. I recently wrote a blog post on this myself.
As entrepreneurs, there is never any end to our days. There is never enough time to “do it all”. Sometimes I just want to watch Netflix and take a nap. And I’ve given myself permission to do that because I know I’ll come back to my work way more refreshed.
You’re right about that — there isn’t an end. Especially in the online world where I customers are around the globe. We really have to be the ones to make ourselves stop.
Yeah. Top reminder about the importance to taking time to rest – most of us tend to put rest at the very end of the list, but it should be right up there, if not at the top, very near the top!
Wishing you all the best with figuring out your health.
claire
Yes, I’m learning that resting rocks. And thanks for your well wishes!
I can definitely relate. I was feeling very low energy for the past few days and I finally let myself watch Legally Blonde on my computer and painted my nails, while wearing fuzzy socks and turning off my phone for a bit. It was really awesome but I think as entrepreneurs we beat ourselves up for being “unproductive.”
Sending you so much love and healing Angels Jenny! Enjoy just taking care of YOU.
Much Love,
Diana
Legally Blonde is hysterical! Maybe I should add that to my tv list!
And thanks for sending the healing angels. I’ll take everything I can get! xo
Jenny,
when we can be honest with ourselves and own our weakness (no, I can’t do another thing on my list today), we not only find rest, but often sympathy from others who are suffering the same thing. It’s scary to take off the armer, be vulnerable, un-able – but it also lets others in – to help and support us. Good on you. Way to be a good role model.
One step at a time. (or nap).
Susanne
You must be a coach, Susanne (or a coach-like person). You’re so spot-on because the more and more I step back and do less, people are showing up in my life to do more. My job is to actually step back (so hard for me!) and release the guilt of not doing. But oh, the lessons I’m learning. And I’m finding that letting help in is wonderful!
Thanks for being here!
Jenny, thanks for sharing with us. Hope you feel better very soon. I have been very worried about my health last weeks but happily everything is going better. I am doing some relaxation and acupuncture treatment and is helping me a lot to be more in balance (mind and body) I feel a lot lessstressed.
Take your rest and do not be worried about your business.
You have helped me so much even though we do not know each other personally !
I am not going anywhere, once you recover I will be just here.
If you need any help from us just ask, I am sure everybody will be willing to help.
Muchos besos,
Sonia
Aren’t you incredible? My biggest fear: if I stop, you’ll all disappear. Thanks for telling me you’ll stick around. You rock! 🙂
Yes, 100%. I lost a dear friend not so long ago, and I’ve been finding it so difficult to throw myself into things in the same way as before. My friends and family are on a completely different continent and, well . . . I just think I should cut myself some slack.
Thanks for this post reminding us that we all go through this kind of thing!
I’m so sorry about your loss, Nikki. That is incredibly challenging to handle. I’m writing you a permission slip to not throw yourself into things as you did before. You can take as long as you need (and as many trips overseas to family as you need) to heal your heart. Sending oodles of love and light… xo
Since my separation / divorce, I’ve been hearing this from my family, good friends, therapist! But hearing it from you – it’s finally sinking in. Without a doubt I still have passion for what I do, but over the past several months it’s been a major uphill struggle to get stuff (for business – and in general) done. “Not how a life organizer should be handling things,” I’ve been telling myself.
Your post has given me the permission to set some stuff aside and put myself first. Thank you for sharing. Wishing for you good rest and healing… xoxo
I find it funny that we have to hear the same thing from several people before we listen. I had something happen last week where I asked 3 people what I should do and they all agreed but I wasn’t convinced. The fourth person tipped me over the edge. But more than that, she explained it to me in a way that clicked. Sometimes we need to hear it in just the right way for the message to get through.
I’m happy that I got that message through for you, Angela 🙂 You certainly have been through a lot and deserve some much-needed downtime. xo
I love how when you take a step back, allow yourself the “luxury” of rest and give yourself permission to nurture yourself rather than drive yourself, the Universe just slides in and offers you exactly what you need–a new and different blog post, for example, that really resonates with your readers and just flows out of you like water flowing downhill. Effortlessly.
Thanks for the reminder that we all need to give ourselves more permission to just allow the work flow through us rather than always try to force it out of us. Who was it that said “Business doesn’t have to be so hard?”
Feel better, Jenny! You rock.
Funny that you called it luxury because it feels like hell! 🙂 I’m half-joking of course. It is nice, but as a do-er, it’s really hard to slow down and rest. But I am getting better and better at it, and as I continue to get evidence that it’s the right thing to do, I’m willing to sink deeper into it.
Thanks for being here!
Good reminder, thanks Jenny. I have my fingers crossed that you find your way through to full health and well-being with great joy!
I suspect we all make what we do look easy. Or we look as though we have it all together. When I step back, when I say it’s too much for me, people rally. They WANT to help. They LOVE to help. And as long as I keep up the “look good”, they don’t feel they know how.
I’m getting better at admitting when it feels like too much, and letting go and trusting… Other people love to help us as much as we love helping them. It’s what makes the world go around. Giving others a chance to see us as vulnerable and needing them, needing the help, is as much a gift to them as it is to us. It’s a gift of being real with one another. It’s a blessing all around.
With love,
Silvia
Thanks, Silvia. I know I will find myself to the other side. I don’t yet know when or how, but it will happen!
You’re right that it’s easy to make things look good online. We can project almost any persona we want. Part of the reason why I was happy to share this story today is because I do talk a lot about taking action and moving forward. And, that’s only part of my story. The other part is tired! And laying in the couch! Unless I share that, everyone thinks they should be able to go-go-go-go-go all the time. And that’s just not possible.
I love that you’re getting better at letting go and getting help, too. I think we as women need to do this, as we’re so good at giving to everyone else!
Jenny, I can so relate to this post. Many years ago I ignored the signs that I was putting myself through the wringer with regards to my son and literally worried myself sick. Eventually my stress and anxiety got the better of me and I was signed off sick for nearly 6 months – what a kick up the backside that was to ensure I always put my health first. Yes, I forget every now and again and push myself more than I should but I will not run myself into the ground again. This post is a wonderful reminder that your health is very precious.
Last week I took a long weekend and took my grandson for a little caravan adventure to celebrate halloween. He played and made new friends. I relaxed, read books and chilled out and we enjoyed playing snakes and ladders and having fun!
Wow, Anne. 6 months! That’s intense. I’m so impressed that you found your way through it and took the lesson to heart. That says quite a bit about you 🙂
And what a lucky grandson to have sun an adventure with you!
Oh how I can relate to this. I’ve struggled for years with low energy and an array of health problems. Most of which I’m convinced can be directly attributed to working my buns off WAY too hard. And even if I do rest (which I’m lately quite good at), I mentally kick my buns all over the place while I’m watching Netflix, so it negates the relaxation effect. No bueno.
I’m sorry to hear you’re not well Jenny. And I’m so glad that you’re taking the time you need for yourself to heal and rest. I’m sending love + hugs your way!! xo
Sorry to hear you’re not well either, Stephanie. I practice releasing the guilt in small doses. I watch tv, notice the guilt, and talk myself down. And repeat over and over. The hardest one for me is when I’m watching tv and my husband is doing chores. The childhood-instilled guilt of “must be working” takes over… and I’m practicing letting it go.
Bit by bit, you can release it too. I know you have mad coaching skills!!
Best of healing to you!!
Hi jenny,
I know someone that might be able to help you. His name is Marc Ching and he’s an herbalist. He works with dogs with allergies, disease and cancer but he actually specializes In humans. He works with a lot of celebrities so he’s not a fake. He can smell cancer on people.
Anyway if you are interested you can contact him at his business thepetstaurant.com
Hope you can find out what’s wrong and heal soon.
Sorry you’re not feeling well, and this is a great article. Very timely for me as well. I worked my butt off for the better part of a month getting my new website done, changing my email newsletters accordingly & getting those designed, and bringing all of my social media efforts in line with that new vision. Also, attended some trainings for how to grow my list. I realized a few days ago once i had time to stop and breath, that I’m exhausted. I can barely get myself to do anything productive. So, I took yesterday off to just read and be, and I’m planning to take it easy the rest of this week as well and hopefully reset my body alittle. Thanks for being so honest & vulnerable in your post!
Jenny, it really is challenging in our culture today to not try to do too much. I did my life that way and I burned out and was in chronic pain for a very long time. Now I’m doing my life different. I am working to build my coaching practice but in order to balance what my body and soul also needs, I’m giving myself lots of time to do that and practicing patience with it. I can only sit at my computer for about 4 hours a day. I just accept that it’s going to take me longer and that’s okay. I’m grateful that my husband is making good money right now. I’m grateful that my retirement benefits from my old job pays for our health insurance. I’m trusting that my future is also bright while I take exquisitely good care of myself.
Jenny, you are so wonderful!
In the world of online marketing and business development we get so many newsletters full of big ticket items and the long list of must do’s … I always appreciate your specific, step by step small assignments that get the job done.
Of course this email would come from you!
I’m sorry that you’re experiencing health challenges. I’ve always loved the fantasy that you were just someone who inately knew how to create a perfect balance between life and work. The fact that you’re figuring it out through necessity, while sharing with us, just is further validation that you’re providing authentic content that can apply to all of us. Keep taking good care of yourself and thank you for continuing to share your gift with us! Your newsletters is one of the few I save. You’re awesome!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Jenny. You are someone I look up to. While I hate hearing that you are struggling with your health, it is very reassuring to the rest of us that we can still be productive and contribute even when we just want to watch Netflix. I’ve had a number of health issues and body injuries that have knocked me on my ass but I still keep going, or Becoming a Badass, as I call it. You are in my prayers. Thanks for all that you do.
I am Bi-Polar with Dissociative Disorder. I just came off of a 4 week depressed cycle. I spent a few nights in the hospital, a few nights with a friend, and was on what is called outpatient suicide watch where the police checked in on me at times.
Yesterday just as quick as the depression started, it lifted. I woke up so euphoric and manic that I felt I could whistle Zip pity Do Dah out my butt. I would never wish this illness onto anyone and while I have been known to do stupid things during my manic, (shoplift, permmiscuis behaviors, go days without food and sleep) I would have to say it was still a welcomed change to be able to shower, dress and clean my apartment all in the same day without a total emotional strain. Being Bi-Polar much like any chronic illness comes with it’s own set of rules. But as we learn to live with our illness and adjust to the needs that come with it we are able to accomplish so much more even though it may not always feel that we are. I am so proud of you and the work you do on your site. But Even God rested on the 7th day and no one is capable of more than HE is. God is using me to help others with mental illness through art therapy and I know for a fact he is using you too. Thanks for your great article. And keep up the great work…AFTER YOU REST..
This is so very brave and TAO ( transparent, Authentic and Open).
I know that I can always count on you for saying how it is for you and also supporting us to move beyond our blocks to be the greatest we can be.
I salute you!
Love,
Susan
Hi Jenny, great post! I hate to put this exclamation mark but it really deserve it. You know best that your posts have this strong, energy inducing vibe and to admit that you are running so low on it it’s brave, and it shows me that you are at the point where you really realised that you have to stop whatever is/was the rithm you had so far. It is almost like, stuff it all, i need to stop and take care of my self real good. I can and do relate to what and how you are feeling now. In the last few years I went through divorce and my x husband’s bankruptcy, which left me almost in constant state of anxiety and chronic pain. I have a son that is just becoming a teenager but in a best possible way, developing his beautiful careing personality and weird sense of humour. This is what I have learnt from last year or so: when you think you are being reasonable and taking less (things to do) but still experiencing health problems-reset your self! That may have been your limit at some point but now your threshold is way less (at least for some time, not forever). Also after setting different routine with more manageable to do list-you must start doing again what you use to do (that is if you love what you are doing and I know that you do). Only this time very small portions at the time, small little, almost laughable task at the time. It will give you some continuity and it is like exercising a muscle that was injured, teaching it to do it’s job again but being extra careful not to injure it again. With a time you will discover what is your new limit that allows you to function most days without any serious problems. Among other things I am a Iridologist, and when I looked at the picture of you/your eyes I knew you would have to hit this low at some point. People with your type of eyes have a common problem with working too hard and not paying serious attention to small worrying signs, they almost always come to the point that you are at-exhaustion and burn out, where there is no other choice but to take time off and rest. You will find your “big” message sent by your body when you are ready, just trust that will come and don’t fear it. It is there for your benefit 🙂 We are all here and will continue to be as this is also a process for us (learning and developing business and our selves ) and you are very important and valuable part of it. For my part, I will be thinking of you as someone who is on self discovery road and will always see you in that bright light and good energy aura that you are radiating, whether you feel it or not. So let your self find the best way to relax and recharge and heel what needs heeling. Looking forward to any post you feel like sharing, till then much love and respect from me to you. Tatjana
Thanks for the timely reminder!
I am about to go away, and have been planning to work whilst I am, to keep momentum of a few exciting things happening in my business.
BUT your reminder that “there is always — and I mean always — more work to be done” is letting me feel that maybe I can take at least *half the time off, to enjoy where I am…
Thanks!
Hi Jenny – I’m so sorry to hear that you are dealing with illness. Just wanted to send you some love & good vibes! Similar to some of the other comments, I work myself to exhaustion and then beat myself up for spending a day binge-watching Netflix, even though I really need the rest.
It would be great if we could all be super women and have the energy and time to do every single thing we conceive of, wouldn’t it? It’s a challenge to unlearn the cultural concepts of overwork and cut ourselves some slack for taking a break! I’m learning to focus on simplicity – accomplishing the most important things, working smarter-not harder, and ensuring there is time for self-care.
Big hugs!
Stephanie
Hi Jenny, yes… I am building my business while working full time. It’s exhausting. I did this exact thing last month, in fact like you I blogged about it. I stepped away for two weeks, from everything. And when I came back it seemed like I had more confidence, realized I had everything I needed to answer almost all of my questions. I had plans, clarity, and peace of mind. It was the best thing I have done for myself since I started Bschool earlier this year. I quit a soul sucking job, and found one (that pays less) but am so much happier with. Overall, I’m a better me, and if it took 2 weeks from everything to get that back then it was well worth it! I hope you feel better soon, I really want to read that 4 part series 🙂 Just kidding Jenny, take your time so you can be your best you.
Funny – I get a lot more signups when I enjoy myself too. I’ll be out in the garden… and people are signing up for our raw food jump-start. Feeding the baby goats banana peels… and receiving signups. Snuggling with Lilla during her nap… and signups continue…
It’s great to give yourself permission to enjoy life and do more than just work!!
My heart goes out to you ! I’m so glad that you are allowing the time to relax, and take care of yourself. When I lost a good friend to suicide in 2005, it sent me into total depression (well: something worst than I could manage), and I didn’t have a choice. For the first time, I worked normal hours — not because I wanted too, but because I just couldn’t. Funnily enough that’s when I got the best evaluation ever (and a really huge bonus). What I noticed is that no one cared that I worked the extra hours. The more I worked, the more my boss gave me. The reason that happened is because I never said no!!!! Well, at lest aloud! GOOD FOR YOU! If you want your name added to a healing circle, on Sunday; let me know. I will be glad to make you the primary recipient!
Love this, Jenny, and thank you for sharing it! It’s a great reminder. I always remember a line from the late Richard Carlson: “LOWER your resistance to stress.” I loved how he talked about flipping the cultural idea that we need to “get better at being under stress” to seeing stress as a sign to slow down and take some things off our plates. I’ve taken it to heart in my family. Just today we pulled out of a field trip on Friday to save our energy for an event on Saturday — we’ve learned that if we push, we pay & it’s not worth it! Wishing you healing & energy, and I’m enjoying following you & seeing your offerings.
Thank you to all of you who have shown up, shared your stories, commented, sent love, and added to this conversation. The response to this post has blown me away!
In the spirit of honoring my energy, I realized that I can’t reply to every comment, although I love to do that. I have read your words and deeply appreciate the time you’ve taken to be here and be a part of this community. How lucky am I?!
Thank you!! And keep ’em coming…
xo
Jenny
I was hoping you’d say something like this once I saw how many comments there are. Honoring our energy flow is so freaking hard when we think we need to operate in a certain way as entrepreneurs. Bravo to you for listening and committing to yourself again and again.
Hope the mystery is solved soon. Wonder if it could be anything to do with adrenal fatigue?
Sending you much healing energy!
Sara
Hi Jenny,
First off, take care of yourself and thank you for sharing.
I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for awhile now and I can really feel the strain. I crave sitting down and watching a movie with my husband but end sitting at my computer until late at night. You have reminded me that we NEED to stop and pay attention to our body, rest, enjoy our family and our life (and Netflix!). I hope you get well soon. xo
my two year old and four year old will (accidentally) suck my soul if I let them! So I’m always watching out for that to happen, and then try to give myself the break only I know how to ask for!
Get well soon!!
XO
Sylvia
Thanks for sharing Jenny. Definitely not TMI. I really hope that they can find out what the problem is and that you start feeling better soon.
Thinking of you.
Cat xo
I totally can relate. I’m pretty tired most of the time. Not always, sometimes I’m in a better shape.
I know it has a lot to do with how stressed I am. For instance I have been exhausted since spring and it must be because I’m now committed to a website/company with which we are working really hard to get things on the fly. Last night I dreamt about this work, about how I work way too much on it. I think that tells a lot about what’s going on.
The last couple of days I have been ill. A little cold I’ve caught, mild fever, sore throat and the whole thing. This always comes with the stress. The fact that it’s autumn isn’t helping much. Around here this time of year is gloomy, winter is coming and everything is getting darker.
The illness is forcing me to stop. Forcing me not to work (so hard), to take a break and just be. Listen some music, watch some television, sleep in.
I agree, rest is the only way.
I hope you will find out what’s wrong and get better. I hope we all do.
Hi Jenny. That was sooo refreshing to read. Not that I want you to suffer, but that you were able to share it. I’ve been working on a similar post because of what I’ve been through recently.
Over the last 2 months I’ve only been doing about 10% to 20% of my work and in my case, I couldn’t honour all my work agreements and I had to let some clients go, but don’t regret it for a moment. Ironically during this two months I’ve made more money than the rest of the year!
I chose to reduce my work purely because my eldest daughter needed me … She had started having daily anxiety attacks and leaving the house or doing her hair became a major traumatic event. I was planning on homeschooling my children next year but with her, I brought the timetable forward and starting homeschooling her a few weeks ago, which has meant adjustment and taking it really easy.
Thanks for sharing and letting more women know … It’s not always about how hard we can push ourselves. Tomorrow my family depart on a 10 day cruise and then I’ll soon be back into a fuller swing of things (maybe at 70%). In the meantime, I’ll watch shows, scuba, probably eat too much, laugh and enjoy more family time.
Oh Jenny I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through all this. I can totally relate and, at one point, was so ill I couldn’t do anything except recover (5 surgeries in 3 years plus a divorce and been challenging and a definite learning experience!). Definitely did a number on my business, which dropped to nothing and am scrambling to rebuild AND we all need to take time to care for ourselves. I’ve noticed a trend, although admit I could be biased!. Women seem to keep on going, kind of like the Energizer Bunny, whereas men chill when they want to and my partner was definitely one to do that and boy, if he wasn’t feeling well, the world knew about it!
Definitely take time for you, you’re so very precious!
Laugh Lots, Love More!
MamaRed
Thanks for sharing, Jenny. xoxo
Hi Jenny,
I discovered you a week ago and have been enjoying your content. I downloaded your free e-course on making money online and am considering buying your Get 1000 Subscribers e-course.
Regarding your health, I highly recommend finding an integrative/holistic physician. There are some things Western medicine can’t figure out, and I’m a firm believer that we need both practices in order to heal. I have a ton of knowledge in holistic medicine, and with the work of my integrative physician have successfully treated adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, a broken metabolism, etc. And this was after years of doctors telling me nothing was wrong with me, and spending money on people who didn’t know what they were doing.
If you would like to contact my doctor (and now my good buddy), please feel free. He’s located in North Carolina, but works with people by phone. Dr. Jade Teta – (336) 724-4452.
Best of luck to you~
Ramona
I can totally relate. I, too, have health issues, actually chronic pain issues (at just 27) and I work a full time job, am recently married and started a blog in July. I try to get a head on my blog, so when there are those days that keep me from working I still have something to post. But sometimes there are days I’m exhausted after work, and it just doesn’t seem to click.