I see it time and again in the photography forums and Facebook groups this time of year. Tired photographers drowning in work, tired of missing out on family time, and struggling to keep up with edits, emails, and contracts. Not to mention all of those last minute print and album orders you’ve been chasing around throughout the slower summer months. You swear it will be different next year, ever year.
Does this sound familiar? I know a few years ago it did for me.
It took lots of practice and trial and error but over the years I learned to develop healthier business habits that keep me from drowning during busy season as well as prevent BURN OUT.
You too can find balance and avoid burnout! Here are my 5 biggest and best tips to keep your heart feeling light as a feather.
1. PROTECT YOUR PEACE
Whatever time you need to stay sane, block it off on your calendar and DON’T LOOK BACK. I spend 2-4 days at my Crossfit Gym, it’s a 35 minute drive one way. When you add class time and drive time, it totals up to 6-12 hours of my time weekly. The weeks when I stick to this routine are some of my most productive, despite the “loss of time” in the studio!
2. TURN OFF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA / PHONE NOTIFICATIONS
It’s cliché because it’s worth it! Close those browser tabs too while you’re at it!
3. DESIGNATE CERTAIN TASKS TO SPECIFIC DAYS
This has been one of the most helpful changes I’ve made this year, especially if I’ve fallen into the habit of procrastinating a certain item on the to do list. I take the tasks I’m the least excited about, but that will be the easiest to accomplish and I write them into my weekly planner. When I open it up I know exactly what needs to be done and I don’t question things!
4. FIND AND USE A GREAT PLANNER
I have been using a yearly planner from Ink + Volt for the last four years now. I can honestly say that these four years have been the most productive and peaceful years in my business.
5. OUTSOURCE
One of my best years I outsourced editing to help keep things moving. I trained a previous mentee how to edit “my way” and paid her well to do it. My clients were happy, I was happy! And I was able to keep my focus on doing the things I love most in my business – shooting and working directly with clients!
Outsourcing tasks can actually yield you BIG returns in your business. Here are a few tasks you might consider hiring help for: blogging, social media, editing, and bookkeeping.
Is there something I’ve missed? Share it with me! E-mail me directly, anytime!
I look forward to hearing from you!
xoxo
Gabby
