“…he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone…” (Mt 14:23

When I co-founded Prestige Prose over four years ago, I didn’t know what running my own business would actually be like. I had always worked for others in jobs with salaries and benefits. When I left one of those jobs to run Prestige Prose full time, reality set in quickly. I have no sick leave, no annual leave. For a while, I worked so many hours that weekends, too, were just two more days to work.

It didn’t take long for me to figure out this pace wasn’t sustainable long term. In spite of the long hours, I enjoy the work and feel called to run Prestige Prose and help other writers become better at their craft. I know the statistics for small business success: About two-thirds of small businesses survive the first two years, and about half survive for five years. Only about a third make it to their ten-year anniversary. And so I continued to push myself.

Earlier this summer, I noticed tell-tale signs of burnout: a lack of motivation, apathy toward activities I had previously enjoyed, and physical and mental exhaustion. Honestly, I was surprised it hadn’t hit me sooner. After a couple of months, I finally admitted I wasn’t just almost burned out—I was fully burned out. I even briefly searched for a “real” job with stable hours and steady pay.

And then I took a road trip to Minnesota with a friend. This vacation—my first in over three years—changed my perspective and re-energized me. Thinking about something other than writing for the majority of the four-day trip allowed my brain to renew itself, and I came back ready to pour myself into my projects again.

Sometimes, all we need to keep from giving up is a short break. Even though research shows we’re more productive when we take breaks, I’ve struggled to adhere to a schedule that incorporates regular breaks. Now that I’ve seen the benefits firsthand, taking breaks has become a priority.

These breaks have shifted my perspective and lifted a burden I wasn’t aware I was carrying. As my company’s only employee, I sometimes believe (erroneously) that creating a successful business is all up to me. In fact, this type of thinking is very prideful.

When I put Jesus at the center of my life, which includes my business, I’m never alone. By praying, studying his word, and spending time with other believers, I can keep my focus on him and beat back burnout. Even Jesus took breaks from the crowds to spend time with his Father and rest. He helps carry my burdens, giving me wisdom to run a successful business and surrounding me with people with whom I can brainstorm.

Stopping to recharge means I’m at my best. I’m thankful I continue to learn and grow, no matter how old or set in my ways I become. It will be a challenge not to fall back into my old patterns, but with God’s help, I know I can keep moving forward.

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me the necessity of time away from work to recharge and renew my mind. Thank you for helping carry my burdens and for putting people in my life who are generous with their time and ideas. Help me to take each opportunity you provide to rest and grow. Amen.