What should I do if I feel overwhelmed or burnt out?

First off, let me say I get it. Burnout is like that sneaky guest who overstays their welcome. It can hit you hard, especially when you’re juggling the transition from corporate life to freelancing or building passive income streams. Here’s how you can tackle it step by step:

1. Acknowledge and Reflect: The first step is admitting that you're overwhelmed. Reflect on what specifically is making you feel this way. Is it workload, lack of clear direction, or perhaps financial stress? Sometimes just putting a name to the problem can be a relief.

2. Prioritize and Simplify: Look at your current projects and commitments. Which ones are truly essential? Use the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to identify tasks that deliver the most impact. When I was feeling burned out, I realized I was spending too much time on tasks with little payoff and not enough on strategic work that would move the needle.

3. Capture, Develop, Expose: This is my content creation framework, but it applies here too. Capture your thoughts and feelings in a journal—don’t bottle them up. Develop a plan that includes realistic, bite-sized goals. And expose yourself to new perspectives—step outside your usual routine to gain fresh insights.

4. Set Boundaries: As a freelancer or entrepreneur, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal life. Set clear working hours and stick to them. Log off, and don’t feel guilty about it.

5. Recharge Creatively: Find something creative that isn’t linked to income. Cooking, painting, even just doodling can provide a much-needed mental break. When I took up photography, it was purely for fun and gave me new energy for my work.

6. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone if you need help. A mentor, friend, or therapist can provide guidance and reassurance.

Remember, redefining success means understanding that it’s not always about pushing harder; sometimes, it’s about knowing when to ease up. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you, and make adjustments as necessary. You've got this!