Internet Marketer Burnout: What should we do about it?
Edition #75
Lately I’ve been experiencing what I would consider to be “moments” of burnout.
My self-diagnosis is basically that I’ve been working extremely hard this year with much too little rest.
Do you know the feeling?
It’s not that I’m on the verge on a nervous breakdown or anything like that (yet)…
It’s just that I’m starting to lose a bit of an edge… I’m becoming more easily distracted and slightly less efficient in my work. For example, I’ll sit down to do a task, and before I know it, I’ve spent nearly an hour watching funny videos on YouTube.com.
Then what inevitably happens is I just stay up later finishing the work that I should have gotten done during the day, which in turn compounds my lack of sleep 
I think I need a vacation, but maybe I just need to get into a better sleep/exercise routine… what do you think?
During one of my momentary brain drains earlier this week, I tried something that seemed to help. I went out and did some good old fashioned yard work to my overly neglected yard, and worked up a nice sweat. I focused on the task at hand (pulling up saplings that were invading my yard) and forgot about marketing for a little while. After that I was able to focus better for the rest of the day.
I’d like to hear your ideas…
What do you do to keep your mind fresh? And what’s the best cure for Internet Marketer Burnout?
I want YOU to be the teacher of this lesson… there’s no tip from me today. I want YOUR tips, so we can ALL learn from them…
As always, you can leave your comments here in the blog.
Have a great day!
Eric,
Sounds like you did the very best thing possible which is to get as far away from a computer as you can. It seems to be much more real than strictly onlind doings. Pull saplings more often..
Eric;
For me, that one is easy. Whenever I get to that point, I get both of my grandsons and we go play golf. Use to be more fun a while ago than it is today, because they beat me up too. But, I love every minute that I get to spend with them. Frustrations can be taken out on a golf ball. Carpe Diem!
Best regards,
Jim Kelley
I am a big fan of weight lifting to clear the cobwebs. Short term and intense way to keep healthy. I know of a GREAT gym in your area run, oddly enough, by a couple of younger guys in a basement. Not sure about membership costs.
Get some walking boots and walk 4 miles (about an hour) at least three times a week. You’ll work better, sleep better and live longer! Appreciate the world, listen to the birds sing and let your mind go free. You only have one life - enjoy it!
peter gilbert (aged 67)
Hi Eric; Well I have the product for you that will make you feel better It`s called Fruta Vida or Fruita of Life, and It comes from the Brazilian Rain forest. My wife and I are drinking Fruta Vida and if it didn`t work I wouldn`t be promoting it. just go to my wed site and read what others are saying there is nothing to join just buy a bottle once a month, and you can make big money as Fruta Vida has a seventy to eighty % repeat sales.
http://frutavida.com/2279710//product.htm
http://tryfrutavida.com/2279710//media.htm
Geesh - you came to the right place; I think I must be the burnout queen. Two years working on the ‘net obsessed with making a full-time living. I can’t stop until I have reached my goal. I was on my way to becoming a shut-in! I also found I was getting frozen to the chair; pretty hard to walk after sitting in one position all day!
Since I have a background in IT, I can do the technical work but find marekting extremely difficult. I love what I’m doing and can’t wait for the next day to get back on the computer and make something happen.
Early this year I started a new business with a partner. She has actually saved me from myself. She’s much younger than me and a health nut. She got me to take 30 minutes to go exercise. It took a lot of starts and stops, but I’m finally starting to enjoy exercise and look forward to Gail time.
I also realized I wasn’t eating regular meals (too much time away from the computer). Natural popcorn, fruit and cereal are not daily meals (shocker, huh?).
The result of eating healther and getting exercise has had the same result for me. I come back to the computer more focused and more creative.
You need a vacation AND a better sleep routine. Although, I haven’t taken my own advice on the sleep routine yet…
I just returned from a week’s vacation in Jamaica at an all inclusive “couples only” resort. After sleeping a good portion of my vacation and spending the remainder of it doing FUN activities with my husband and being well pampered, I returned home with a new attitude and outlook. It was a great cure for marketing burnout, entreprenuer burnout, customer burnout, parental burnout and I REALLY NEED A BREAK burnout! Besides, does your wife remember what your face looks like … or just the back of your head as sit looking at the monitor?
Call the grandparents to keep the kids and book a vacation at one of these resorts: http://www.couples.com - I recommend Ocho Rios - It’s FABULOUS and you can thank me when you get home. =)
Eric,
Whenever I feel the “computer blues” I take a 3 day vacation to L.A. In fact, I drive my hummer 6 hours through the Arizona desert and into hollywood and finally L.A. (Agoura Hills.)
The scenery is what does it and the destination is even better.
Incentives for going to L.A.?
- Malibu
- Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles on Sunset Strip
- Driving On The Pacific Coast Highway
- HangingOut With Those Crazy Californians! (They Rock!)
-Anthony Tomei
Eric, you know nothing about it, when you are at this end of the proceedings life is not any the easier.
I an 73 years old, never been a saver, always the worker.
Since the begining of this year I have been trying to get a little something financial from the internet.
I have not spent a lot of money in trying, but what I have spent means that I still have to bend my back
to make ends meet.
I know exactly how you feel, been there, done it, got the scars to show it, beware, you may be a lot younger than me. STOP, take stock, bugger off somewhere even for a few days.
By that I do not mean that we an do without you, what I mean is some of us are patient, what we are due is what we will get.
Listen to an old man, take a break or it will break you.
Look after yourself sunshine.
Regards
Norman (normanuk)
as a fitness professional i will tell you exercise is a great stress reducer among other healthy benefits…get back on the fitness track.
Eric,
You have already found a good solution…change of focus and physical activity. There is one thing I’ve discovered in my case, though. If I have a lot I want to get done and am in a hurry I will sometimes throw together a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. For me, this is not a good idea, because the protein really slows me down…especially my thinking. I do much better with a lunch that involves carbohydrates. The carbs give energy and I can more easily keep my thinking sharp.
A’ha….
I will say, have a vacation! Specifically to Malaysia…It’s a great peaceful country.
You already got yourself one hell of a tour guide for sure…
Eric,
You hit the nail on the head! Whenever things get overwhelming, no matter what it is, the best solution is to give yourself some down time. Take some time away and indulge in something you enjoy that will keep your mind and preferably your body occupied and off what is getting to you.
Bottom line… take a break! Sounds like you need it and if your not giving your best then we’re not getting your best.
Too many of us out here looking to you and listening to you…. and on top of that and even more importantly, we care.
D.
The best thing in those moments is to get away from the computer. Either go for a walk or grab the family for some fun activity. This can help to clear the mind for some great new ideas.
At other times, when I need to get something done, but my brain is blocked, I just get away from the computer (preferrably in another room or outdoors) with a piece of paper. This can work miracles. All in a sudden, fresh ideas start flowing from the brain onto the paper.
Dear Eric,
Flattered as i am to be asked my advice bt such a self-motivated expert as yourself but here goes!
In the days before the computer when everyone worked for someone else the condition that you describe was easily cured by a couple of weeks off and away on holiday, every 6 months or so.
Nowadays time off is even easier, your job is secure and works by itself and in reality you don’t have to study the job as hard as when you first started therefore you have more than enough time to spare so my advice is to take up the game of GOLF, once or twice a week. It is a challenge since it is a damn site harder than it looks and the fresh air and long walks will entirely refresh you. The company within the golf club will soon welcome you with open arms and the contacts made there will surprise you!
Wish you well and Kindest Regards
Howard
Exercise is critical to help reduce stress and maintain good mental health. But I think one thing is just as important– don’t forget to DREAM. What I mean is, dream about your future, focusing on what you want. Envision what it would be like right now if you had what you want, as if you already have it. Spend a few minutes in the morning and evening visualizing that you’ve obtained your goal and are so thankful and excited about it. If you’re a Christian, commit your dream to prayer, thanking God that he is going to help you get your dream.
Putting yourself in a positive and optimistic frame of mind will allow positive things to come to you. Don’t worry about how, just know it will happen. Working frantically can’t bring you what you desire, because it is not good for your health. So, RELAX and enjoy the journey.
If you think you need some time off then perhaps that is what you should do. But if you can’t do that then make the best use of your time by creating a list of tasks that you must accomplish and then prioritize that list putting what is most important at the top to the least important at the bottom.
It is tempting to put those things that are easiest to do first to “get them out of the way” but that is a way of actually avoiding doing those important tasks because there is something distasteful about them; they are too big, too complicated or just plain boring or some other characteristic that causes you to want to avoid doing them. In other words, those little tasks seem to allow you to convince yourself that you are getting things done when, in reality, you are avoiding doing what you really have to do. Those little jobs are tension relievers rather than goal achievers.
That is not to say that small tasks are unimportant. If you are building a house you can’t just launch into framing the floors, walls and roof. You have to start with a good foundation that is properly constructed, plumb and level. Then, and only then, can you start the framing.
So, what does all of that have to do with internet marketing? Well, I’m probably not the best person to ask but I do think it is a valid analogy. I’m new to internet marketing; so new, in fact, that I don’t have my first website up yet. I’m still haven’t gotten to laying out that foundation. In fact, I’m still in the design phase, trying to find a good architect. I think I may have found one and I’m looking at his work to see if he is the right one for me and my project. And, perhaps, I’m engaging in a bit of that “tension releiving” activity to which I refer above.
But I know that about 98% of those who launch into internet marketing either fail or quit within a year having not made so much as a dime. In fact, they spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars buying this e-book or that course or some other “system” without understanding just what it is they are attempting to do; IE, they lack a vision.
So, if you have your vision, if you know what you want to do or get accomplished then break it into smaller tasks, make a list of those tasks, prioritize them and do them in order of importance, not ease of accomplishment. The sense of accomplishment at having completed a particularly difficult or distasteful but necessary part of the overall job will energize you to take on the next segment.
And I thought I was the only one with not enough hours in the day. It is a vicious circle when it comes down to it. Get distracted doing something else and then feeling guilty because you haven’t done half of what you thought you should have done during the day. Answer - stay up later only to find that you are probably too tired to get anything done anyway. Then it is time to start the next day.
My answer is to take my 4 year old grand daughter out for the day. Like today, baked cakes with her, went to the local town for ice cream and generally spoil her. Do some shopping in the local supermarket and then take her out and home on her bike. Great fun albeit hard work sometimes (I wouldn’t change it for the world though) but a break away from these computer screens which themselves make your eyelids come closer together. It also pays to take regular breaks away from the screens - for me that means drinking too much tea and coffee but it is better than trying to do everything in one sitting which doesn’t happen anyway.
I have had this problem before, but I have a great solution that works wonders for me.
Have you ever heard of Qi Gong (Also spelled Chi Kung)? It’s a sort of active martial arts meditational practice that generally involves very simple body movements aligned with mental relaxation. Many martial artists practice Qi Gong as a warmup and cooldown before and after martial arts practice. It helps align and balance the chi flow along your energy meridians.
I find that it works wonders to take a 10 minute break or so from my work every hour or two to do some simple Qi Gong exercises to balance and align my energy meridians and relax my mental processes.
A hypnotist friend of mine wrote a book on SuperLearning that mentions how you can vastly improve your learning ability and work efficiency by taking small 10 minute breaks every hour or so.
Tai Chi would be equally good, and here is a link to a Tai Chi video you can order online if you’re interested: http://affiliatesupernetwork.com/taichi
If you want to try Qi Gong, you could always order a book from Amazon, or find a local teacher in your area and take some lessons.
I hope that helps.
Peace & Prosperity,
Jambhala
http://JointVentureNetwork.net
Hi Eric,
Try this:
http://falundafa.org
You will NOT find anything better!
I’m speaking from experience .
Dave
DEAR FRIEND ERIC:
GOOD TIMES.
DON’T WORRY MY DEAR.
THAT HAPPENED TO ME FROM TIME TO TIME,SPEICIALLY.WHEN I WANT TO WRITE NEW MATERIAL ON MY NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE.THIS TIME,LIKE THE HARD BORN,NEED SOME QUITE.
I GO TO THE RIVER BANK,THE NILE,AND SET VERY CALM.LOOKING TO THE SUNRISE,AND THE BOATS FLOATING VERY SMOOTH,ON THE BRIGHT WATER
DRINK COLA, ICE CREAM.FORGET ALL MY PROBLEMES FOR AN HOUR OR MORE.
AFTER THAT I COMMENCE TO WRITTING AND LOOK
TO THE NICE VEW,THEN I COMPLET THE MATERIAL,
HURRY TO THE NEWSPAPER TO PUBLISH MY PAPERS.I HOPE MY FRIEND ERIC DO THAT SOON AND,TELL ME THE RESULT,MY ADVICE TAKE YOUR
FAMILY WITH YOU TO THIS SHORT TRIP AND YOU WILL
FEEL BETTER.
WITH MY GOOD WISHES .
These are all ‘nice’ suggestions Eric, but in my opinion, YOU NEED A GOOD WOMAN! It doesn’t work for me
and I’m not available, but looks like you need some ‘lovin’ to drag you away from your PC!
Hi eric,
I have been a owner of bfm since day one,back in jan.
Eric,
Sounds like exactly what I am experiencing right now. BURNOUT! But it happens about twice a year. What works for me and I plan on beginning this afternoon is I lay on the couch, watch TV and sleep ALL DAY and into the night. I don’t think about work … I stay AWAY from computers and I just RELAX. Then the next day I have been RE-Energized and ready to go….I call that my “CRASH DAY” and it works every time.
Have a good day.
Sheryl
Hey Eric!
I’ve got four kids (ages 8,6,4 & 5 months) all at home for the summer while I’m trying to simultaneously work. I know what you mean.
The answer is simple dear brother. Take the time to inquire of The LORD and find out what he would have you do at THIS moment.
You will crash & burn when you’re operating in your own strength, using your own wits and understanding to make decisions on time management. I should know. But if you are doing what God wants you to do minute by minute, you’ll discover he gives you the strength to accomplish His will for your life.
Sometimes, He may want you to buckle down and do some marketing. Other times, it may be time for you to give the new baby a bath, and still other times, it may be the Lord’s will for you to call a sitter and take Melissa out somewhere… You’ll never really know what you ought to be doing unless you remember to ask.
Perhaps my viewpoint is a little elementary; nevertheless, I’ve discovered that it’s accurate and true. Pray. Read the Bible, listen to it if that works better for you. Stay plugged in, connected and in tune with God’s agenda.
In His Service,
Sabrina O
Hey Eric,
When I was in the service going to training after boot camp, I had to do a lot of inside “book” learning. The rule was simple, for maximum productivity in the learning environment, everybody, and I mean everybody had to get up from their desks and spend 5 minutes out of every hour. It might be going to the rest room, getting a snack, but it was “WITHOUT FAIL” everyone doing anything except more deskwork.
That lesson has served me well in the years after that. Every hour, without fail, I take a 5 minute break. If I am making a news ite or writing copy or whatever, it doesn’t make any difference, I stop and get up and do something different.
I never get burnout and I get a lot of great ideas when I am not thinking about them.
How cool is that.
And then every day I play with my collie dog. That works great too.
Michael
Eric,
Have to agree with an earlier writer. For me when that starts to happen it is time to go beat the little white ball into submission.
I do however always carry my little pocket notepad and pen with me. Some of my best ideas come when golfing, fishing or even doing yard work.
The hours spent doing something else always seem to come back due to increased productivity when I return.
Mike
In my opinion, exercise is not the answer for you. After such a long time of letting your body and muscles atrophy, it would probably harm you more than help you. And I would only be out in the sun for short periods of time, seeing as your skin is not used to the excess amounts of ultraviolet rays that could hit you at any given moment. What I will say though, when is the last time you went fishing? I know I have not been fishing near as much as I would like to be this summer, and I’m sure you have not been in quite a long time. Maybe, you should pick up something like that again, and do it fairly regularly, even if just for a few hours. Also, I know Josiah would probably love to go fishing again sometime…
Hi Eric, I can definitely relate…today i’ve been pulling a 16+ day and i’ve still got a few more to go.
there are many ways to go around this…
have you tried mark joyner’s simpleology course?
at least that helps you focus and work more effectively the time you are working.
for myself, i don’t believe that watching some funny videos on youtube is that bad really, it might sometimes be just what you need to get the inspiration flowing. a holiday is always good, even though it’s sometimes rough to come back from a holiday, if you manage the pace, i recommend distributing time towards business for just a while longer.
now I know how hard and demanding it can be having to be able to dip into the deep pits of creativity as I’m both a musician and an online marketer(consultant). For a few hours every day, i let myself distract. i do the chitchat with my friends or whatever, because i need the input. or just a simple relaxation. And there is nothing bad about it, not at all, it just helps me focus on target objects more! There are probably a million different ways of finding ways to relax.
I know a few very successful business owners and they say they sleep only 3 hours a night, but they say they feel GREAT.
And nothing seems to stop them whatsoever.
But you’ve put the question out yourself, and just like a prayer, it will reveal itself over time(or right now) and you will find your answer…the easy or the hard way. to make it easier i still suggest you give yourself that hour together with youtube or whatever gives you fun and value. just organize it, so you have enough energy to go on.
wishing you all the best and I think you’re doing JUST FINE!
Get thyself to a good massage therapist. However, Instead of requesting a sports massage, go for a lighter relaxation massage which supports the restoration of the autonomic nervous system balance — so necessary to restore true vitality. Second most important thing is to make sure that you are well hydrated. Thirdly, for your adrenal health, try to get to bed as early as possible…because many of the body’s maintainance functions are naturally scheduled for much earlier in the evening…and you must be asleep for that to happen…so burning the midnight oil denies you of that much needed self-repair work. Last but not least, learn to take power naps of about 10 minutes…any longer than that and you may not feel refreshed, but instead just feel “groggy”. Doing that will help the brain to discharge some stress on a more frequent basis, helping you to stay calm, cool and collected in order to work more effectively instead in a half-hearted way. Be well!
Have 2 jobs, one on the computer and another that takes you away from it, ok so the other job may not pay as much, but for me running the part time motorcycle courier business is great, gets me out, takes me to new places and I dont feel guilty because I am still making some money and enjoying riding the bike.
Cheers
Dave
Eric my friend,
I live in Bermuda. The water is a beautiful blue. The sand is a fine grain and almost pink. The weather is fantastic. Come on down! Contact me through my email. I will give you a tour of my lovely Island home that no tourist will ever be able to get. Bring your family. Contact me with your dates.
Clef
Eric, you’ve found one solution and Sheryl has given you another. When I find myself reading emails I normally skim, or staring at a blank screen, I just turn it off for as long as it takes. I do NOTHING. But I do it actively.
What I mean is, I force myself to take naps, watch mindless TV, go to the movies, go to the beach and count the waves, whatever. Usually by the end of the day, or two at worst, I’m so bored I can’t wait to get back to work.
If a day or two of actively vegging out doesn’t stir you up again, then it really is time for a longer vacation with real down time and relaxation…
Hi Eric,
Sorry but I can’t help I have never experienced burnout. Kids, family, friends, love and happiness sit at the top of my list and they can distract me anytime. Here’s some food for thought though. When you are distracted and end up working late, have you lost sight of what you are working for? What I’m saying is, your goal is probably to spend more time with family and friends so by wasting time looking at videos and working late you are missing the boat so to speak. The next time things aren’t clicking you should think seriously about the better choices you have.. and it’s not funny videos! Remember, time is the one thing we are always losing so don’t waste it!
All The Best,
Mike
Eric,
I’m a psychologist, a kinesiologist, an NLP practioner and a tai chi and qigong teacher - and qualified in all the above after 50!.
Before that I was a computer whizz kid back in the 70s when it meant that you could ‘read’ the holes in puched cards and counted in units of 16!.
I know how easy it is to become immersed in problem solution and product delivery.
And I well remember 16hours a day tracking down intermittent bugs and inexplicable failures. And it was fun …
But, its a bad life style …People - or rather bodies - are just not built to sit all day in chairs in front of screens. And brains are not built to concentrate without breaks.
Productivity, creativity, imagination and logic all go out the window with repeated sets of long hours. More mistakes get made and more wild gooses get chased.
People are built to move and the need to move to keep the body healthy - half of the circulation system (the lymph system) does not have a pump it needs movement in the major muscle groups to work effectively.
Ideally you should stretch your entire body for a couple of minutes every hour . A five minute break will improve circulation and help clear brain fog.
Try “flying like an eagle” http://www.everyday-taichi.com/qigong-exercises.html
Then you could try the 2nd move from the shibashi pattern - opening the chest - the slow breathing and arm movement promote a sense of well being http://www.everyday-taichi.com/taiji-qigong.html.
People learn and concentrate in short burst - about 20 - 40 minutes is ideal. If you are going to do a couple of hours - you need a longer break 20 minutes at a min. If you really can’t afforf the time take at least 5 minutes every couple of hours and do deep diaphragm breathing concentrating on the process of breathing to help clear out toxins and refresh your powers of concentration.
If you can afford longer - over 20 minutes - try qigong see http://www.everyday-taichi.com for exercises you can do (nothing to buy!).
It might be useful to know that it takes 20 minutes of relaxation, meditation or tai chi before the relaxation response kicks in and allows your body to “stand down” from the flight and fight response. Watching exciting movies or reading thrilling books is not relaxing - your brain is still doing all the flight fight stuff.
And all the standard things - avoid coffee and other stimulants they just cause a crash and burn cycle.
If all this seems too much just get out and smell the roses. ( grass, trees ……)
Oh and did I mention playtime? Laughter is still great for you …
If you would like to talk more just drop me a line - after your next break of course!
When I experience burn out, I do something relaxing such as watching a movie, hanging out with friends or do something around the house that I’ve been neglecting to do.Just need to re-focus and expend energy on something other than the marketing & computer.
What’s the best cure for Internet Marketer Burnout? A lap full of kittens sure takes the edge off for me. Just be sure to unplug your keyboard and hide your mouse first.
Hi, Eric!
As a busy, homeschooling, entrepreneurial mom, I know all about what you’re going through. I’m ADD to boot, so that makes it even worse!
However, my business specializes in self-care for moms, so let me share an article with ideas:
http://www.mom-defrazzler.com/vmt/articles/Simply-Defrazzle.html
While you’re not a mom, stressis universal, and there might be something there to help you out!
Darlene
Hi Eric,
I think you did the right thing by doing som physical work. When I get to the point of burn out or have too much on my mind, I’ll do something physical like workout in the gym, go for a walk or some other physical work.
I suggest that you take some time each day to do something else than just sit in front of the computer.
Have a nice day
Lennart
P.S. The idea of buying the butterfly marketing manuscript for us was one of the coolest thing you could come up with for your “people”. That other marketers are giving you a hard time about it comes with this kind of “crazy deals”, but we just love it. Keep up the good work.
Eric,
I have to drag myself away from my computer every day. I absolutely can not get enough of Internet marketing because I love it and it has been good to me.
I used to work from early morning until late hours at night almost driven to keep putting up more web sites.
But I found if I drag myself away for a few hours, I actually get great ideas. It seems like I can still build just as many sites too.
This morning I got on my elliptical crosstrainer for thirty minutes and I keep a note pad and pen handy because the ideas flow like crazy when I’m on it.
I know that sounds crazy but it works for me and another benefit is those crosstrainers are great for keeping your weight off.
Later on today I’m going swimming and I have learned to keep a pad and pen handy on the table. Getting away from the computer for awhile seems to work better for me than if I had just worked all day at it.
It also balances your time better and I actually feel like I have a life again. I also found that outsourcing a few small jobs really frees up a lot of time too.
Anyway, it works for me and I hope that helps you.
Gary
I do Dahn Yoga and special breathing exercises. Hard physical exercise is good. Look at this website: http://www.dahnyoga.com
Pauline
Hi Eric,
I believe you have a cooking timer at home. Why don´t you use it?
I have 3 blogs, 2 websites of my one, some 5 or 6 with my name on, 80+ daily e-mails and no auto responder. I am going to be 53 years old next month, so, I know it works!
There is a maximum period of 10 to 15 minutes a normal person can stand his concentration focused, more if he or she is a trained thinker (as I suppose you are). Setting the timer for an extra 15 minutes longer than the individual standard should be enough to feel some (self) pride…
Gardening is good for the soul (and body, to), but cleaning the house from old papers and/or photos with no more interest or perfect the ideal future, are some options with long term benefits for an intermission. Besides doing some physical exercise, of course!
As I use to say to my friends: be cool, be happy, keep smiling to the people next to you.
Best Wishes to all. PT
There you are in this well constructed hut that is like a small custom home but made to look exotic. Strange thing is engineers have created it to sit in 10ft to 20ft of water off shore in Tahiti. It has a glass floor that allows you to see to the bottom of the ocean in some of the clearest and warmest water on the face of the earth. At night the bottom of your space lights up so you can still see through to the bottom; like walking on water. This place actually exists, and personally I feel that everyone only has so much time in life that…. it’s just about time to have some fun. I’m traveling on the regular now at such cheap prices…it’s a crying shame. Besides…I get more ideas that I actually implement, when I go on these trips. I just got back from Vegas and the week before that, I was in Florida. You could say…I get paid to travel. Anyone can and you need it, …right about now. Book a trip… You’ll never get burned out again.
Hi Eric,
When that happens to me I just switch off and go away on a trip.
It;s amazing how you feel when you have done that. I take my daughters and we just take off - no plans no routes at all. Point the car and end up wherever we end up.
You realise the the computer and your business continues when you return.
I saw the picture of your baby - beautiful. Now that you have a beautiful baby girl- and your business is booming - take the time off and cherrish it.
My daughters have now grown up a little now but they always remember the times when we spent doing those little simple things in life.
Spend time with your loved ones and its amazing how therapeutic it is.
Take care
All the best
Hamant
Hi Eric,
A new baby in the house - believe it or not and as nice as it is - always creates stress. I think this is often overlooked by new parents in their fraught intentions to do everything right for the new Bub. Family additions simply need readjustment time. To get enough sleep each night will make this a lot easier but is often the thing most disrupted.
What works best for me is a bit of ‘regularity’ in my day. I try to walk for 1 hour each afternoon, and if there is a teleseminar I want to listen to I put that on my MP3 player and slug it out. If I need some extra marketing, I also take a handfull of lesser-quality business cards with me and slip them into mailboxes where I see a Tradesman lives. They are easily picked because they usually have ladders, tools etc clearly visible. I actually get to talk with them sometimes too and this always rejuvenates me - I love hearing about their business or their ‘wish list’ because I know I can often find a solution for them.
Then each Monday night I go to Belly-dancing class just to do something really different. Here I meet a lot of other people whom I would not otherwise meet. And the exercise is unbelievable - much more interesting than going to the gym. It also puts me in touch with my feminine side and I feel great afterwards. It is teaching me to appreciate myself and my body better.
Then on Wednesday Nights I go to Rotary. Here again I meet a ‘family’ of very nice people from an eclectric range of different industries - all of which gives me different views of life. And Rotary allows me to participate in my community by helping others. Not only my community but we do things to help make the world a better place - like the PolioPlus programme to assist with the eradication of Polio from around the world.
It is these little things that act like ‘mini-holidays’ for me and I look forward to them. Sure, it’s only a few hours but they are “my hours” where I get re-energised.
So, perhaps its not really a vacation (holiday) you need but a new way to get re-energised on a more regular basis?
Perhaps it sounds silly but I can honestly say for the first time in my life I am peacefully happy.
Your’e a really nice bloke Eric and I hope our thoughts here help you.
Jan
On second thought, fishing would be good, but it seems like maybe you should bring yourself and your family to one of these luxurious vacation spots people are offering you.
Eric, read my essay at
http://www.sam-freedom.com
I worked 30yrs in my father’s company
which recently sold off 1 division for $10M
(I think I’ve told you this before). And that’s
not to brag, but to illustrate a point. Even
with that money in my family, and even with
some of it coming to me and buying me some
nice things and some breathing room, it doesn’t
increase my sense of freedom.
I know, consciously and subconsciously, that unless
I put it to work for me, it will dwindle to nothing fast
enough. Just ask Mike Tyson. Or Michael Jackson.
(”Heeee…Heeeee!” My best impresonation of the
latter.)
But everything changed for me when the wisdom
shared by Robert Kiyosaki sunk in - a simple formula
really, that goes like this: “When your passive income
is equal to or greater than your monthly expenses, you’re
free (out of the rat race).”
In the cashflow quadrant, Kiyosaki lists the 4 categories
of being a money-earner. What you are is a business owner.
To become free, you need to be an INVESTOR. You can easily
translate this into “investing in web real estate.” But bottom line
is to get your residual income up.
THIS CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED.
Yet, quite often, it is…even very intelligent people who grasp
the concept intellectually still have some excuse for not putting
it into action. They just keep doing big sale after sale (or trying
anyways) thinking that they just need to “wash-rinse-repeat”
their money-making formula.
But do you, or anyone, remember what it was that got us all
into internet marketing in the first place? I don’t mean POVERTY
or DREAMS OF RICHES, but it was some kind of an ad telling
us that we could make like little cash machines on autopilot.
AUTOPILOT! Residual income…!
Anything you can do to increase yoru residual income brings you
closer to financial FREEDOM. Again, we grasp it intellectually,
yet here you are buying people BFM manuscripts in yet another
clever marketing maneuver….yet disrupted by YouTube…yet
disrupted by [fill in the blank].
When you are financially free, you can’t be disrupted because
your expenses are covered. Even when a man gets his residual
income up to half of his expenses, he feels a corresponding amount
of him breathe a huge sigh of relief. And it sounds something like
this, “Whew…that’s another $800 I won’t have to work for each and
every month…!”
But the business owner, the self-employed and the wage earner all do.
Over and over and over again, with growing responsibilities. So when
you tally up your monthly expenses, make sure to add in the cost of a
bookkeeper/accountant, a financial planner and a tax preparer, so that
you don’t have to be distracted by those things either!
But by now, I think you get my drift. You can get all sorts of advice, but
only when you follow the principles of financial freedom, however that
should occur, can you begin to feel a kind of “peace that surpasseth
all understanding.”
If you’d like to talk about this some more, please drop me a line.
And I’ll be contacting you anyways regarding my initial contact with you
about 2 months ago…!
Alright bro, wishing you the best!
Sam Freedom
http://www.sam-freedom.com
I too am burned out! My father died in Feb. and my mother is elderly. The job I do is increasingly hectic and demanding. I am a case manager for the MR/DD population and I contract with my state to deliver my service to this population. Hey sometimes just working with these folks can be stressful, and I have several that are over the top. The state cut our funds in Nov. 05 to the point I can barely make my house payment & car payment. Yep, that leaves little room for all my other bills and buy food too. Then in May I found out I had cancer. I have no medical insurance. To get the treatment I needed I had to max out the rest of my credit cards. By this point I am practiclly living on my credit cards and desperatly looking for a homebased business to supplement. Three days after I am told I am cancer free, I go to the hospital for an unrelated emrgency surgery. Two days before I go to the hospital I find out my current job ends Sept. 1 I must get hired by a new Case Management Co if I want to continue to work as a case manager, which I am very good at, by the way. Thing is they keep jacking me around and I find out the are only paying 1/2 what I get paid now, which remember I can’t live on anymore. My bill collectors are phoning every 5 min. so I filed bankruptcy. So I have no more credit cards or money for that matter and I have no way to purchase any of your products to help me out of the screaming crazy stressfull circle.
Everyone, have a God blessed day and continue to prosper.
Fonda
Hi, Eric,
Boy oh boy can I ever empathize. I got to the place where I was developing R.S.I. in both wrists and shoulders from being on this machine so doggone long each day. I knew this elder bod needed a break and I had a difficult time figuring out how.
Then I decided that using my alarm software just for affirmations was not putting it to work at its fullest potential, so I started adding little “break reminders” to the software. Now, every three hours a message pops up that tells me it’s time for a quick break. You can get it free at http://kirbyfooty.com and he’s recently also come out with a pro version for under $25 and either one does the job. I’ve been using Kirby Alarm for over five years. No spyware, adware or other rotten stuff.
Your break can be anything but like so many of your wise readers say… the best is exercise, fresh air, walking, relaxing, meditation, ANYTHING but computer! Get completely away from it, and concentrate on something else. You’ll be amazed how much better your days go.
Bless you, Eric, you are appreciated… but if you need to publish less often, none of us will hold it against you!
Donna
Eric,whenever we get burned out with something we need to justwalk away from it and do something that we really like and enjoy doing–whether it be spending time with our grandchildren,gardening,or pursuing one of our favorite hobbies.Have a great day.
Hi, Sunshine!
Sabrina O’Malone hit the nail on the head.
I was always one to push myself to the brink of exhaustion in my attempts to “just finish this one last thing…” and always ended up falling short of my goals.
Then my pastor reminded me to allow God to help.
Whenever I get distracted with online videos, games, etc., I click on my personal homepage where I have a link to my “religious” website. Here I read a scripture, and comment in my blog about what this scripture means to me. This servs to focus my mind on something uplifting at the same time as removing my “work” from my head completely for a time.
Afterwards, I always feel good and am ready to refocus again.
Hope that helps!
Warmest regards,
Lisa Preston
Without trying to be unkind let me say that I had a little smile at Trish’s answer. With a new baby in the house and a bunch of kinds besides, a good woman and a lot of loving is probably NOT the best plan at the moment.
Eric, the first thing is to take care of your health. This is not a sob story, everyone though my husband was a healthy man and he literally dropped dead last June 24. He just turned 60. If you smoke quit immediately.
Vacations aren’t cheap and like most people you probably live at the level at which you produce.
Families and housing is expensive so you have to devise a sensible daily routine that you can live with and make money.
A little self discipline is called for - If you start work at seven thirty in the a.m. grab a coffe (beverage) at ten and take five. Be sure to get lunch and repeat a break in the p.m. At 6 p.m.
get up from the computer and enjoy dinner and the evening with the family. Take Sunday off and
treat it like the seventh day - remember, He rested.
It’s way too easy to forget that what Eric Holmlund does is just a job - not a life sentence. Take time to play with the kids, take your wife out for dinner and a show. Get back into a regular routine. If you don’t know what’s outside your office door, then open it and get some inspiration from what you have around you.
Many of your friends have made sensible suggestions but so many have been just for Eric. Go fishing/golfing but take the kids, maybe wife would like a break away from them.
Hey, the sun is shining get out into it, get your daily dose of Vitamin d, and remember you’ll be dusting off the snow blower soon!!
Hi Eric,
The Computer Blues are easily corrected, you take the sweetest tranquil music, you can find, from your collection.
Place them on your ipod and then go into your private place and relax.
Laydown close your eyes, concentrate on the music, allow your breathing to equalise and slow with the highs and lows of the selected music.
Centre yourself and let your mind relax and watch the colours in your mind begin to dissapate away from muggy colours into bright light bluey to white haze.
Now that you have reached this level, stay awhile and let your mind absorb the refreshing colours, which by now will have allowed your muscles to also relax.
Many people who practise this type of meditation, will fall asleep, thats ok as well because your system as allowed the sleep to take over from the body’s natural relaxation function.
I always thought that this was purial funk, but some years ago I found that I was going down hill fast. This little sequence of relaxation as given me new found strength and better health.
Good luck and may your God go with you.
Andrew Smith UK
Oneway 4 Marketing
” Stop chasing Butterflies” Eric!
You have your “Motivation” with your own product.
If something gets hard it means your energy is not flowing with you.
Think back to the time when you were passionate about what you were doing and go back there.
The definition of success is to “reach a pre conceived goal”
Being an affiliate is a lot of preassure, the motivation is purely for financial gain or fullfilling some one elses expectation of you.
Life is yours, do what you love and it will all come to you:)
Kindest Regards
Sharyn
PS try finding the Butterflies in your own garden.
DEAR ERIC; my best advise to you is that your mental capacity is getting overloaded and when that happens you get burn out just like a electrical short. So what you mind is trying to say is that is needs a change from what you are doing and a change is a needed break,do something different and relaxing and enjoyable for a while and see how that works and rejubinates your mind and thought process , my best caddilacman
Hi Eric,
Reading over everyone’s responses it seems the common theme is to take some time out - some time away from ‘work’ - time to stop and smell the roses. (There are a lot of responses - hope you don’t suffer burnout reading them all!!
I fully agree with that - our minds and bodies need time out from the daily activities to recharge.
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned much is the importance of sleep. I’d certainly recommend Kacper Postawski’s Powerful Sleep (www.powerfulsleep.com) - this is a really clear and insightful work on how sleep works, and how to maximise the benefits that you get from sleeping correctly.
To my understanding, it takes good sleep habits, good eating habits, and good exercise habits to fully realise our potential.
All the best, Tim
Hey Eric,
I know exactly how you feel. Mine is sort of the opposite. I have a regular job and by the time I get home, get dinner done, clean up, and just try to unwind a little it’s already 8 or 9 in the evening. Then my soon-to-be-ex girlfried starts bugging me about stuff. So I wait till she goes to bed which is about 10 or 11. I signed for some of this stuff but had to cancel cause I couldn’t ever focus on what I was doing. I was waisting money. So I have the same problem you do and the only thing I can suggest is try and step back from it once in a while. Doing the yard thing is a good idea or take your new baby for a stroll. I know from being in the Air Force for 20 years that when things get hairy and you cant seem to figure out the problem just step away and forget about it and the solution will come to you. I think one of the things that might be effecting you is that you’ve been pretty successful and money isn’t really an issue so you tend to slack off a little. Plus you have a new baby and want to spend more time being a new dad and all. I’m a divorced twice father of 3 beautiful girls myself so I know what its like. This is another good thing to do—when your watching tv in the recliner make sure your baby is with you. They love it and it forms an unexplainable bond between the two of you. When they get older they will still want to get up there with you and watch tv. It’s fun and a great way to bond with your child. I should now because now I don’t have that anymore—-so don’t lose what I did.
I hope this helps and sorry for the length of this. Glad to be of help.
In my last episode of webmaster, i.t. guy, concept administrator, marketing director, acountant, shipping department supervisor, and customer care representitive BURNOUT, I decided to install Vista, Office 07, and Microsoft Expression Web Designer (frontpage 07) betas on all of my systems at the same time.
I would not recomend this as a burnout cure.
Hullo Eric,
My sympathy to you for what you are feeling. Burnout can occur to people in any walk of life and appears to be related to any of the following. 1)Too much time spent at the “job” which creates imbalance in one’s life. 2) Disillusionment with ones work causing stress, tiredness, impatience and other nasties. 3)Some other factor enters ones life which has more appeal than does the “job”. Any of these situations leaves one feeling unmotivated to get down to work again. Looking at my first point. Over the past months, consider the amount of time that went into IATemplates. I wonder, did that task alone cover the 2 of the 3 points I mention above? Look back through your ETips archive and see how many other tasks you have carried out for members just over the past 3 months. That will also cover 2 of the points. Let alone the time you have spent maintaining your existing online businesses. Finally, little Isabelle has arrived. Possibly covers point 3, but sometimes a parent needs to escape from the demands of having a new baby plus the needs of 2 other young children as well.
From personal experience I know that forcing oneself to keep working is not the answer. Switch off the computer for a couple of weeks. If it makes you feel easier, let all your members know first that you will be offline for at few weeks and will be in touch when you return. (Believe me this is a short time that you will be offline compared to what will happen if you ignore the problem!) Go and do the other things you love doing. First of all go and have a health checkup. Being a man, you will probably tell the doctor there is nothing wrong with you, so get in touch with your feminine side and tell him/her exactly how you are feeling. Do as he suggests. Then, get a babysittter and start dating Melissa again., just the two of you. Go out too as a family. Read books. Spend time in the gardern…great place to be at peace and talk to God too. Go for very long walks that make you so tired you will sleep soundly at night. Find things that make you laugh long and hard. Reconnect with friends…go out for coffee or a drink with them. After you start feeling refreshed, (if it hasnt happened in 2 weeks then you need more time…take it!), try writing a book on something that interests you. (Dont write it on the computer…it is switched off!) I suspect that once you start writing you will begin to feel the motivation to be back online. Ignore it, because it isn’t strong enough to be sustainable. Keep tossing ideas for the book over in your mind. Keep jotting points down. In time, ideas for developing online tools will occur and the motivation will be overwhelming and then it may be time to flick the switch back on. Above all, be patient with yourself. Wrapup in cottonwool for awhile but dont stick it down with adhesive.
Look forward to hearing from you again in 2,or 3, weeks or however long it takes.
Love, prayers and respect,
Veronica
Hey, you did the right thing. Nothing beats a get away from the computor for awhile. My favorite pass time when I really want to relive stress and burnout, is to go to my sewing maching and create. Yard work is similiar. When you get tired of doing that, just take a vacation get away. Your family will loveit.
Hi Eric:
Sounds like ol’ home week here. Burnout is the bane of many good marketers, and has destroyed more than one good career.
First off, I would really commend the folks that have responded here. It shows a very real concern and empathy for your situation, and some very concrete advise.
I would like to have you seriously think about a couple of things, however, that you will need to answer, for any solution to have lasting value for you.
1. You are concerned about the fast pace of things moving online, and your place in keeping up with them. Knowledge is power, and you can not retain your place in the internet business world, if you do not keep up. Things are moving at such rapid rate, new SEO tactics, SpyNet, Google redux on spidering, automated and organizational systems, etc, that most of us may miss the fact that these are “new” each and every month now. How much of it is actually essential to your business? About 7%. Sorry if that deflates anyones idea of “keeping up”, but since you can’t, most of this will be out-dated by the time you learn it. Stick with the essentials first, all the rest is pure entertainment and fluff for the heavy hitters.
2. You have asked your readers to help with possible solutions to something you are becoming very concerned about. I not only admire that, but you obviously are to be commended for exposing this part of your life to the “public”. I understand that this is not an easy thing for anyone because we would rather see things as a “weakness” instead of the problem it is. You are certainly responsible for your readership, and that is the kind of respect that does not come out of a “how to” manual.
3. As alusive and intangible as it may seem, you once had a life before Internet. It may be difficult to remember that after 18 hours at the keyboard, but it happened. When you were younger, did you see yourself as “slaving” away at the computer to become “free”? Did you see yourself spending hard earned dollors to give everything away? Did you want to give up your yard and garden for keeping up on the latest SEO? Was it your intention as a child, to drive away your friends and companions, your family, because you were at a point on your new site where you just could not stop until it was complete?
Not what we envision Eric, we just progressively fall into these things. They are part of the price we pay for our “freedom”.
Now the real question. Please take the time to seriously think about this as it has a lot to do with your future, and your future with us:
If you are not at your optimum in health and mental clarity, what is the result that will occur when you are doing business? Is it really serving the better interest of your online adventures, if you are tired and fatigued? Or is it simply taking more hours and stress to produce second-rate results? We have time, if you wish to do those things for yourself that produce the best results in YOU, you are doing those things which will produce the best results in, and for, US. Take a flight of fancy, choose I, or 10 things from this list, and do them.
If you worked every day for someone else, until your death, you would die owned. If you worked every day for yourself, just a few hours, you will die free. Cory R. did not think about dying, none of us actually have time for such matters, but he did leave us with a legacy that will live forever in Internet Marketing. I have been personally referred to as a very good “bad example” in life (inherited, for the most part :o). When I go, I would like to think that my best mark here, was that I left a legacy that others could follow, and benefit from. Until then, we are RESPONSIBLE for doing those things which keep us at our optimum, functioning at our best, so that we may be the best for those we serve.
Eric, be well, serve well,
Patrick
I’d second the vote for Kasper’s Powerful Sleep system. It’s more to do with getting better quality sleep rather than more sleep, which is great for us busy IMers. It involves a combination of different things (e.g exercise, diet), and all I can say is that it really worked for me!
Here’s my splash page for it, if you’re interested:
http://www.markfarrar.co.uk/powerfulsleep/
I can also recommend the Peaceful Mind Wizard (http://www.peacefulmindwizard.com/) that Kasper sells. I’ve tried other similar products, but they didn’t work anything like as well as this one does.
Best wishes,
Mark.
Eric: I know this may sound rediculous, but I have been using two things, something called:
Brain Entrainment found at http://sorellas.qmpower.hop.clickbank.net
Now you might laugh, but I was totally facinated with this stuff. Not only did it clear up my brain fog, but allowes me to sleep better, longer, deeper, than I have ever slept before. And, coupled with a few memory enhancing cd’s that I play from time to time, I now get more done than most people in one day.
I have gone from writting interesting articles, to writing fabulous articles about subjects that I am no expert at, but, after you read the articles, I certainly sound like an expert.
And lastly, get a hold of some Maca from a health food store. You will be amazed at what it offers, and, you might even find a reason to go to bed early from time to time. Maca is one herbal product that offers just about every vitamin and mineral needed by man/woman including zinc and iron, and, it also balances your hormones. If your overworked, you have a greater chance of crashing your thyroid and maca will balance your hormones enough to prevent that from happening during busier times of your life.
Hope you give them a try. Both are really good for you and, both come with a money back guarantee so what have you got to loose?
regards,
Mary
Hey Eric -
Thanks for you tips and making the effort to educate us. I do a short, but intense workout every day when I wake up. I used a book called Combat Conditioning for the exercises and it normally only takes about 15 minutes a session to achieve beneficial results. The author is Matt Furey in case you decide to google it. When I am at home I also try and eat small , lower carb meals to combat blood sugar spikes and crashes that can cause you to feel tired. A good book, with a ton of research references, that describes how this works is “Natural Hormonal Enhancement” by Rob Faigan. I find that when I can muster the self discipline to combine the two, I have more energy, lose weight, get stronger and am able to think more clearly and faster. Works for me, you might want to check it out.
best regards,
Jim
Eric,
When I get that way, I find that just getting away from the computer is the best. I have been spending more time with my daughters, and doing work around the house as well. Not only do I feel better about myself for having accomplished something, but I found that my brainstorming really came back with a vengeance. I was setting up a couple of websites for some new members, and as I was registering the domains, a sudden idea shot into my brain, like a whisper from God. And suddenly it was clear, I was focused like never before, and I had registered a brand new domain and already had most of the plan for it on paper. I am thinking this will be the NEXT BIG THING. I wish I could tell you about it, but right now I just have to find the dozen JV partners that I will need to make it happen. My plan is to launch on October 1st, but I may change that depending on how quickly I can find the right partners.
Just imagine a new method of motivation. Inspiration. All in a membership site that will give you more tools to help you build a team, a friendship, a family! Relationship building gone viral!!!
If you know any great motivators, let me know, because I want to talk to them. I am excited! But then again, you probably couldn’t tell, eh?
All I can tell you is I am going to do more yard work, so that my brain can get clearer yet!
Have an amazing day!
Micheal Savoie
Permit me if you will Eric, since I’ve already posted once. I could not sleep for this running through my head.
In addition to having a house full of cats, I’m also a volunteer fireman and First Responder. Whether I’m here at the keyboard, or on my pillow with the wheels still turning trying to catch a few winks, when the call comes in, my mind is instantly cleared of internet thoughts of any kind. Whether it be a fire, automobile accident, drowning or someone having a heart attack, when the bell sounds, the adrenaline starts flowing and I’m on my way.
So, if you want something to take the edge off (or maybe replace it with another), why not volunteer, be it your local volunteer fire department if you have one, or perhaps the American Red Cross, your local homeless shelter, the SPCA, etc.
Why do I volunteer? When someone reaches out for help, I want to make sure someone is there to help them.
Peace be with you.
Consider Mark Joyner’s Simpleology and
find some good tunes to listen to in between!
cheers ~Tim
I have a small vegetable garden. Weeding, watering, pruning, harvesting, all of these provide a different thing to focus on that isn’t so stressful. Trying NOT to think about something is a sure way to thinking about it, but focusing on something that requires your attention naturally shifts your focus away from the grind.
You have a new baby, get one of those child carriers that you wear in front of you, then you and your wife go for a walk and YOU carry the baby. Great bonding experience and just having that tiny body against you will help you relax.
Go fishing, nothing elaborate or that becomes stressful, just a simple rod and reel light tackle. You can even catch and release if you don’t want to hassle with cleaning them, though in conjunction with that small garden it is a stress reliever, exercise, and provides a healthy diet.
Peace!
HI Eric,
I think you need a so call a good time management between work and leisure. Spend some quality time with your loves one and make your biz auto pilot for a short period and go out to the world to explore the freshness of air.
Like Chinese proverd said “Take a break is because you need to go a longer road ahead in your life”.
Hope that will help you in a way.
cheers,
flwong
How can you get any sleep with a new baby? and two other children? You probably have financial anxiety - like the rest of us. First, put that new baby in bed between you and your wife and share feeding times. Then feel your blessings. Get your exercise by working in the yard. Design one project at a time so that when you complete it, you can see the success of your exercise program. Finally, chunk your internet work. Try to prioritize building block projects. Sometimes it is best to spread out and gather all sorts of new and interesting ideas. Then work on one at a time until you have completed your new project. Tonight I hope to complete putting you on my website. Later I hope to buy more from you. Good luck!
Eric,
Try some crazy antics, you can do cartwheels and sommersaults in your front or backyard until your head spins. Then drop yourself silly on the lawn and guzzle on some beer cans. If thats fun, mow the yard, and then repeat.
When everything’s done, head for the swimming pool or the beach.
Getting back home, check up with your freelance marketer, whom you engaged to stand in for you, for such moments of near burnt-out.
This half-day vacation may just quickly put you back up to speed again
Eric,
I thought you were talking about me…sounds just like me. I bet you even have “piles here, and piles there” on your desk(s). Boy, my wife(the organizer) hates to come in my office and see that, knowing she had better not touch my piles. When she does ‘try to help’,
I can’t find anything. I also like to head to the yard/garden and do some work…or better still, go fishing, which I seldom do anymore. I guess we just need to keep God more in the forefront.
take care,
Mike
Eric,
I rarely leave comments here, but I thought for this one, I would. As a freelance writer, I go through this myself, a lot. Here’s what I do. Take a “mental” vacation. I’m not saying that this will work for everyone, but this is what works for me.
Put on your headphones with whatever music you enjoy listening to and sit back and let your mind wander to whatever destination you’ve always wanted to visit. If you’ve always wanted to go to Jamaica, try slipping a nature tape or cd into the player and visit the islands in your mind. Visualize the ocean just barely lapping over your toes as you and your wife lie in the sand together. Mentally smell the aromas that surround you in your mind and just allow yourself to let all other things slip away for a short while.
Hope this helps in some small way.
Mate, I’m not sure whether you’re pulling my leg. Nonetheless I shall ride with it. Why don’t you face yourself in the mirror and laugh at yourself real silly. And, as someone says, “dance like no one’s watching”. Phhhleaaaassse don’t take yourself too seriously.
My man,
Take a flight over to Malaysia like Saiful said, then eat all you want and relax!
lol, it’s a heaven of food over here.
As for me, every evening I go to either:
1. Gym, or
2. Lake Park for jogging.
At least for that 1-2 hours, then have dinner, get back to work.
All in all, a big go away vacation should do it. ; )
If you’re excited, have a party and invite people to your house — the few beers with close pals always makes the day.
Keep rockin,
Seth
Eric,
I was losing focus too.. getting tired and sore eyes, and disappointing wifie… she complains of “always doing computer.. ”
I realized I had to re-balance every aspect of my life and do things ‘in proportion’ and ‘in moderation’ - - we really are Internet Marketing ADDICTS…. computer-addicted.
I restarted exercise - 30 minutes a day, mostly fast-walking, enjoying the endorphins. Natural world of fun chemicals inside.
I restarted meditation using the “Holosync Solution”… it works FAST. Reference is now made to the Holosync on my site:-
http://www.psychologypower.com/
Thanks for the opportunity to share this, Eric.
Geoff Dodd
Western Australia
Hi Eric
They say that if you injure yourself eg your back, you should rest for 3 days, and then return to work albeit gradually because the human body responds and starts its own healing process. I imagine that the rest of you would respond similarly (the human body being a reflection of your soul & spirit). So where does it go from here? I suggest you take a break - by that I mean a rest and not a holiday that requires planning and more work not to mention the added unnecessary excitement. I would rest for a period and then slowly get done only what has to be done (let the other things go). You would have to seriously sift out everything except the absolutely essential tasks. And what if the essential tasks are mountainous? Ever been in a work situation when someone comes around to collect a contribution for an empoyee who’s leaving; and you wonder that anything decent can be bought at all because the amounts donated are pittance. But, surprisingly, at the end of the day those small amounts added up. Well, that’s how I tackle the seemingly impossible. Make one contribution each day. And as the days go by they add up and soon each new day you face becomes easier because half the burden is gone. Well anyway, that’s my bit for you.
Hey Eric,
Sounds like you body’s trying to tell you something is not in balance.
Some people with the symptoms you describe are simply “in a rut”. If that’s the case, you can reverse it by changing your routine–aerobic exercise(walk, cycle, or swim) ~ 30 - 45 min /d, play( with your wife, your kids, your dog, your neighbors), laugh( not just chuckle, but a deep belly laugh) multiple times per day.
If getting out of the rut doesn’t work, some of the symptoms you describe could be very early signs of depression. Depression, as you probably know, is a chemical imbalance which is hereditary. It doesn’t have to follow a loss or any bad thing happening.
Earliest clues for depression:
1) Early awakening–falling asleep okay but waking up early and being unable to easily go back to sleep,
2) Finding yourself unable to have fun–you can fake it at times, but do not actually enjoy yourself like you used to.
3) Problems staying focused
4) Being more irritable than is normal for you–little things that never bothered you seem much more important and are very annoying to you
5) Other sx include: being sad, crying easily, loosing or gaining wt for no reason, oversleeping
6) Later signs, and of course more serious: thoughts of death, dying or of hurting yourself.
If you meet these criteria for depression–it’s easily treated, but requires medication(which is safe and not habit-forming)
I love your “Eric’s Tips” and hope you find these “tips” helpful.
Keep up your great work,
Jerry
Dr. Jerry Is Online
Dear Eric
I have the same feeling as you have. Your brain is overtired and it needs some rest. you’d better go to the mountains or to the sea and not think about your business for a wile and enjoy your life. As our life is very short. And we all are born to be very happy. I have a school and have many financial problems and work hard and try to improve it, than’s why I became interested in homebased business, but I feel that if i don’t rest I will die so I am going to the seaside for a weak or so. Do the same.
respectfully
Lia
Eric, we are the same. I had the same problem from time to time. Now, I have much less time with this problem. ‘How can you handle the problem?’ you may ask. Be honest, through reading the Bible. From the Bible, I know I unconciously tried to act like God, and tried to control everything in my life. But I am not God. No matter whether I like or not, I have to let many things go. I take time to read the Bible, and pray to God. Many things are not as bad as I imaged. And some things are better than what I expect. I do not try to sell Christianlity to anyone, or to augue with anyone. I just tell you of real life experience of mine since you give me questions. Hopefully, it help you a little bit. And I hope you can enjoy each day no matter whether you work or take rest.
Blessings,
Alex
Eric I think everyone feels the way you do at one point or another. My suggestion is to take a breather. Go spend some time with your family or friends. You are doing a wonderful service to people that (I’m sure) is totally Expected not Appreciated in some cases. You will be NO good to yourself or anyone for that matter if you keep pushing yourself so hard. You true believers and friends should be telling you it’s time to take care of yourself first. Go away, if there has been something you’ve been putting off and wanted to do for a long time but, never seemed to find the time, well here’s your chance, go enjoy yourself AND LEAVE YOUR WORK AT HOME. Once you have had some time to forget about work and the biggest decision to make will be “What do I want for dinner tonight?” you will be surprised at how fast your mind and body will respond to the change. When you feel 100% and are starting to miss your work, you will find yourself coming up with so many new thoughts and idea’s you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven. Your body and mind are giving you a warning, heed it , we would hate to lose you because of a heart attack or stroke. Listen to your body and let go, we’ll all be here when you return. You health MUST always be your first priority and when your body starts sending warnings signs Listen to them. Only you can make tht decision. Please take this advise from someone who didn’t listen to their body and live with the consequences every day.
God Bless,
Wendy
Yeah, sometimes I feel burned-out as well.
I’ve had those crazy working moments where I’d be on the internet from 7.30am - 11pm … sometimes even waking up at 5am to write something or read an ebook…7 days a week for a month non-stop…
If I’m tired, I’d just walk outside, breathe the fresh air. I think it helps to have an air purifier and an air ionizer by the PC, just to get that ‘fresh air’ sensation…
At the end of the day, you just have to get your butt off that chair and leave your PC! Go on vacation, jog along the beach, go cycling or rollerblading… stay away from that PC for some time. After a while, when you return, you’ll be fine.
Hello Dear Eric i am Hamed we are very very poor i am in afghanistan can you help me