I took a break! Yes, you heard me an actual, guilt-filled, much needed break. 🤯
If you know me, you know I’m always doing something. Whether it’s working on a business idea, taking some kind of class (or five), volunteering, running my Etsy shops, or juggling Instagram and TikTok accounts, my plate is never empty. And honestly? I hit a wall. I was running on fumes, so I made myself stop.
If you’ve been on my IG lately, you’ve probably noticed I’ve barely posted. My Etsy shops? Let’s just say a very serious update is needed. And yes, stepping back felt weird and came with a big side of guilt. But it was time. I needed space to let my brain chill, to stop pushing myself to always be “on,” and to just be. Here’s what happened when I finally hit pause: I got a clearer picture of what I actually wanted, versus what I felt like I had to do.
My Brain = A Messy Browser Window
Taking this break gave me a chance to finally tackle some of my half-finished house projects, like organizing my cluttered workspace at home and work. It’s not Pinterest-perfect, but now I can actually find things! Similarly, I started making lists for work tasks and only focusing on one thing at a time. I realized that constantly running on empty wasn’t sustainable, and burnout was preventing me from even completing the basics.
Picture this: a browser with 107 tabs open, all playing random YouTube shorts. That’s my brain on a normal day. I’ve got so many ideas bouncing around that nothing ever feels done. My house? Pretty much the same, a bunch of half-finished projects that I swear have potential, but they’re just… not done. Letting myself take a break gave me the perspective to prioritize, declutter, and focus on finishing, instead of just starting. Sound familiar?
Forget the “New Year, New Me” Nonsense
Let’s be real, letting go of perfectionism is easier said than done, but it’s been a game-changer. It’s not about having a picture-perfect setup, but about finding a system that lets me actually finish what I start.
Can we all agree that “new year, new me” is just… crap? It’s a hard pass for me. I’m not about to wake up on January 1st as a whole new person. What I am doing is recognizing how perfectionism was holding me back whether it’s rewriting my to-do list three times or refusing to finish something because it wasn’t “perfect.” Learning to embrace imperfection has allowed me to focus on progress over perfection.
Then there’s the dreamer in me who starts 10 things and finishes… half of one. Instead of fighting this part of myself, I’ve started working with it, breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps so I can actually get things done. It’s a process, but one worth starting.
Actually Finishing Stuff
Okay, real talk one of my biggest goals is to finish what I start. Sounds simple, right? LOL, no. For me, it’s like climbing a mountain. It means planning which I’ve always hated, but I’m starting to see that a little planning can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be some intense, color coded master plan which is the idea I have in my head where I want to make the planning not only cute, but aestheically pleasing and also perfect. Which to be real just complicates it for me more. I am realzing I just have to do it in a way that works for me.
I’m learning to find balance with simple planning strategies that work for me.I might even try a bullet journal. Will it stick? Who knows. But I’m willing to give it a shot. Baby steps again!
Why Breaks Are Actually Productive
During my break, I rediscovered my love of reading and set a realistic, guilt-free goal to enjoy books without the pressure of hitting a quota.
Here’s the thing, we live in a world where “busy” is basically a badge of honor. But taking a break? That’s where the magic happens. Giving your brain some room to breathe allows you to return to things with fresh energy and ideas.
During my break, I picked up reading again…like, real books! I’d forgotten how much I love getting lost in a good story. It’s such a simple thing, but it made a huge difference for me.
Spoiler alert: I set myself a reading goal of 100 books last year. When September rolled around, and I was nowhere near that goal, I stopped reading. I know, it makes zero sense.
So, I decided to toss the goal and just read for fun with no quota in mind. Just me, my book, a good cup of coffee, and a cute bookmark.
Perfectionism Is the Enemy of Done
If you’re waiting for the perfect time, the perfect idea, or the perfect setup, guess what? It’s not coming. I’m learning to let go of perfection and just get things done. Getting it done feels better than waiting for it to be perfect, trust me.
Doing Things Your Way
The world is full of advice on how to do everything “the right way.” But you know what? That doesn’t work for everyone. Find what works for you and own it. Stop comparing yourself to Instagram perfection and just do your thing. Deal? 🙌
Here are five ways to make things your own without stressing about how others do it:
- Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to redo everything at once. Small wins add up!
- Embrace “Good Enough”: Perfection isn’t the goal. If something makes your life easier, that’s a win.
- Add a Personal Touch : Whether it’s colorful sticky notes or fun baskets, make it yours.
- Set Your Own Rules: Use tools and methods that work for you, no need to follow trends.
- Celebrate Progress: Every step forward counts. Organized one shelf? That’s a win!
Planning Isn’t as Scary as It Sounds
Planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not naturally into it. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Here are three simple ways to make planning easier and less intimidating:
- Start with One Thing at a Time Don’t try to plan out your entire life in one sitting, that’s just asking for stress. Pick one project or area to focus on, like organizing your week or tackling a single goal. Keep it small and manageable.
- Use Tools That Work for You Whether it’s a paper planner, an app, or a simple notebook, use whatever feels easiest and most natural for you. Don’t feel pressured to buy fancy tools if a basic setup works just fine.
- Set Realistic Goals Be honest about what you can actually get done. Break big tasks into smaller steps and give yourself plenty of time to complete them. No one’s perfect, and progress is still progress!
Even a little bit of planning can make a huge difference in how you handle things. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember, baby steps are still steps forward.
I’m not a natural planner, but I’m learning that even a simple plan can make life easier. It’s not about micromanaging every detail, it’s about giving yourself a starting point an
So, What’s Stopping You?
If you’re feeling tired, stuck, or just over it all, take this as your sign to hit pause. I promise, the world won’t end if you take a break. You might even discover something you love or find a better way to handle something old.
Here’s to embracing the chaos, taking a breather, and doing things our way, messy, imperfect, and totally worth it.
Cheers to relaxing! ❤️
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