Are you having fun?

I have a friend who’s on the edge of burnout.

Actually, I have a lot of friends headed that way.

It’s no surprise. After all, with so much going on in the world — and so much good work you want to do — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To say “yes” every time someone asks for help. To end up on more boards and committees and campaigns than you can handle. To try to do it all.

If that’s you, please stop for a moment and let yourself take a deep breath.

Ask yourself what Havi Brooks asks of entrepreneurs:

Are you having fun? Are you getting enough sleep? This stuff is important. It’s investing in your business [or your cause]. The urgency monsters are very emphatic about how this is not a priority. But actually? It’s the thing that turns everything else around.

Ahh. Another deep breath.

Permission to have fun.

And sleep.

And every once in a while, say “no” to “serious” things and play in the garden instead.