Do Less: 3 Books to Beat the Burnout
Does anyone else still feel like it’s March? I keep walking around looking at pumpkins trying to remember what month this is. For once in a lifetime the whole world is on edge, especially the creative community.
Does any of this apply to you?
You can’t shut your mind off.
You feel busy but not productive.
You have difficulty sleeping even when you are exhausted.
Creativity feels more like a chore than a passion.
Little tasks related to your art seem impossible.
Mental health within the music industry is not discussed as much as it should be. We’re all looking for some relief and I’ve found a few good books to help beat the artist burnout.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Essentialism is the backbone of Do Less. Greg McKeown talks about how essentialism isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. I loved this book because it let us create space for the things we actually love to do. In the book we walk through exactly what is essential and eliminate everything else. “By forcing us to apply more selective criteria for what is Essential, we can reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy—instead of giving others the permission to choose for us.” As artists, this book gives an incredible perspective of how to create space for the things you really want to do (i.e. you have permission to not do it all)
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
I’m pretty sure this book just transcends time. It’s a beautiful look into daily artist living. Originally created to help people with artistic creative recovery, it also teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills. Reading this book gave me the space to write, create, and take myself out on “artist’s dates”. If you are feeling any type of creative burn out….this is the book that will get you back on track and discover the artist within. This 12 week program helps overcome ourselves, inhibitions, and fears.
You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
I almost didn’t include this one, but I thought I might. A big part of burn out is also feeling like you can’t get ahead financially. This book helps uncover what’s holding you back from making the income you desire. Financial wealth comes from within and you are capable of it. I sped read through this little book to help me get over my internal mental blocks. After reading, I highly recommend this one to artists!
So go make a cup of coffee, sit in your studio, and enjoy some down time with these three books. #DoLess