Your Antidote to Burnout: Community

If you're like me, I've kind of become a hermit since the pandemic. 

When I spent so much time at home, that became my safe space. I found my flow, the rituals that lit me up, and energy within the bubble I'd created. 

When you add in entrepreneurship, the journey to success and building a business that lights you up can feel like a lonely road. 

The demands, the pressure, and the burnout seem to loom on the horizon.

I write this blog for women, specifically female entrepreneurs, teetering on the edge of burnout. 

It took me a couple years, thriving inside of my bubble, to realize that there exists a powerful solution that not only renews energy but also fuels personal growth: plugging into a community of like-minded women who are all on a journey of self-expansion.

The Burnout Conundrum: 

I was in Network Marketing from 2015 - 2020 when hustle culture and non-stop productivity was "in". I mean, I was that entrepreneur that put the kids to bed, grabbed the glass of wine, and flew into hustle mode with my laptop in my lap until 2 am.

Burnout has become an all too common companion for anyone working full-time, including parents. 

With the demands of having a successful career, family, and personal growth, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and on the brink of exhaustion.

Let's add in the fact that most of us are recovering people pleasers and/or struggle with the traditional "go it alone" approach, we are often fueled by the fear of falling behind, which can exacerbate these feelings. Then we're in a full blown cycle of declining mental and physical health.

The Transformative Power of Community

In 2023, I vowed to pop my bubble and get out into the world more. As a single parent and entrepreneur, I felt it - the urge for connection. 

I signed up for riding lessons twice a week, throwing me into an equestrian community that would ground me.

I enrolled in one yoga class & week, which turned into 3-4 days/week of pilates that introduced me to a wellness community that would energize me. 

I attended the weekly Farmer's Markets & signed up for local community events that put me outside my comfort zone.

All of this became a source of inspiration, support, and rejuvenation.

Surrounding yourself with people who share similar ambitions can make a world of difference in your journey to success and well-being. It's also introduced me to women who I would now call best friends. 

1. Shared Experiences, Enhanced Understanding

Being part of a community means you're not alone in your struggles. Other women in the same season or next season of life will understand the challenges you face and can offer valuable insights and solutions. This shared understanding fosters a sense of belonging and can help alleviate feelings of isolation. 

You've felt it, right? That feeling that you're all alone and no one else could possibly understand what you're going through?"

Through open discussions and shared stories, you can gain fresh perspectives on managing your responsibilities while pursuing personal growth.

2. Collective Wisdom and Networking

A community of ambitious women brings together a wealth of diverse experiences, skills, and knowledge.

I attended a 2-day women's event recently. I was nervous going into that type of environment and left feeling incredibly expanded and recharged.

Engaging in conversations, workshops, and events within this community opens doors to learning opportunities that can propel your personal and professional development.

I sat there as someone feeling like I needed to "heal & recover" from hustle mentalities, and left realizing that I can do both, hustle and recover. One of the women said: "It's okay to hustle, as long as the energy you put into hustle matches the energy you put into recharging."

That reframe changed everything for me.

Networking within the community can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and mentorship, all of which contribute to a more holistic approach to growth. 

It's wild, reflecting on the people I've met who have simultaneously catapulted me into growth financially. 

3. Accountability and Motivation

When burnout seems imminent and exhaustion creeps in, having a supportive community can be a powerful motivator.

Some of the women I've met serve as my therapist, my business mentor, my life coach, and my personal trainers. Haha, really. They wear a lot of hats. 

Not in a draining way for them as we all play a role in the flow as a whole. There are days where I'm the same to them, even if it just means offering an ear to listen or tough love to give them a different way of looking at things. 

Members of your community can serve as accountability partners, encouraging you to prioritize self-care and personal growth amidst your busy schedule.

Their unwavering support can keep you on track and prevent burnout by reminding you of the importance of pacing yourself. And you'll do the same for them. 

Like attracts like. You'll find yourself surrounded by wellness-focused expanders that won't drain your energy, instead they'll fuel it. 

4. A Safe Space for Vulnerability

In a community of women dedicated to growth, vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.

Sharing your challenges, fears, and moments of doubt in a safe and non-judgmental space can be incredibly liberating. It allows you to release pent-up stress and gain valuable insights from others who have walked similar paths.

During the 2-day, female-led, event I mentioned, that was the focus: using your voice and telling your story. Story-telling changes lives and impacts ones that otherwise wouldn't. 

The act of supporting and being supported in times of vulnerability and create deeper connections and emotional resilience within your circle. 

5. Celebrating Wins Together

In the relentless pursuit of success, it's easy to overlook your achievements. A community of growth-oriented women ensures that your victories, no matter how small, are celebrated.

I don't know about you but I've always been someone who struggles to celebrate myself. I've hit some of the biggest goals and found myself unable to take a moment to soak it in. In fact, I found myself faced with disappointment because it didn't feel like I had hyped it up in my head. 

Have you ever been there? 

I've been intentional with surrounding myself with a community that will force me to celebrate my wins. Even on days when I don't allow myself to see it, they shine a light on it.

This culture of celebration not only boosts your self-esteem but also reinforces the idea that growth is a journey worth cherishing, even in the face of burnout.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Community

As a busy entrepreneur or a mom on the verge of burnout, plugging into a community of women dedicated to their personal expansion can be a game-changer.

The shared experiences, collective wisdom, accountability, and emotional support that such a community provides can act as a powerful antidote to burnout.

I've witnessed this first hand. 

Instead of treading the path of self-improvement alone, you can journey alongside others, harnessing the collective strength to rise above challenges and embrace the highest version of yourself.

Remember, together we rise, and together we thrive.