Creative Burnout Is Real—And It Doesn’t Mean You’ve Failed

Ever feel like you’re doing everything and getting nowhere? Yeah, same. Let’s talk about creative burnout—what it really is, how it sneaks up on you, and why it doesn’t mean you’re not meant for greatness.

Welcome to The Twisted Truth, where we unravel the stuff nobody wants to admit—and today, I’m getting real about burnout. Not just being tired. I’m talking that deep, soul-sucking kind of exhaustion that hits when your passion project starts to feel like a prison.

I Went All In—And Burned All the Way Out

When I first launched this podcast, I was on fire. I was recording, editing, learning how to do video, audio, thumbnails, algorithms—you name it, I was doing it. But here’s the thing: I didn’t know how to stop.

I forgot that creative energy needs space to breathe. And before I knew it, I was burnt out.

Fast Doesn't Always Mean Forward

You ever hear that saying, “Fast money ain’t good money”? I live by that now. See, in my book Empower to Lead, there’s a section about “Growing Empowerment”—slow and steady. That’s not just about leadership—it’s about life. And I had to take my own advice.

I was sprinting toward something I hadn’t fully defined. Watching YouTube videos, comparing myself to creators with teams and budgets. Information overload turned into doubt, and doubt turned into silence.

Burnout Isn’t Laziness—It’s Overload in Disguise

We don’t talk enough about how excitement can cause burnout. When you believe in what you’re doing, you go hard. You expect others to match that energy, but when they don’t? It messes with you.

People don’t buy, don’t share, don’t comment. And then you start questioning yourself. That’s where the real danger kicks in—not just fatigue, but self-doubt.

But here’s the truth: if you stay excited for your project—even when nobody claps—you’re already winning.

You’re Not Just Creating—You’re Learning

Every step you take on this creative path builds your skills. I don’t just make art. I’ve built brands. I’ve trained leaders. I’ve written books. I’ve launched fashion lines. I’ve recorded music as Rex Wes.

And all of that taught me one thing: creative people must become business people. But blending the two? That’s where the friction lives. And sometimes, the burnout.

The Power of the Pivot

Listen, just because something isn’t working right now doesn’t mean you’re not on the right path. It might just mean you need to tweak the process. Take a break. Read. Reflect. Maybe create a vision board (just be ready—it might manifest faster than you think…trust me).

Burnout might also mean you’re scared. Scared of success. Scared that you won’t be able to top your last idea. Scared people will actually want more from you. I’ve been there. And it’s okay.

Don’t Let the Noise Steer Your Ship

You’ll hear a lot of voices online telling you what to do. They want your attention… and your money. Be careful where you get your information. Everyone’s selling something, but not everyone’s selling truth. That’s why I created The Twisted Truth—to give it to you straight, with no filter and no funnel.

I’m not here to coach you into a funnel. I’m here to tell you: you got this. But don’t forget to breathe.

A Final Truth for the Road

Creative burnout doesn’t mean your dream is dead. It means your body, your mind, and maybe your spirit are asking for a pause. It means you're learning. It means you care.

So before you give up—pivot. Adjust. Reflect. And for the love of all things creative, don’t forget to have fun.

As I always say:

Love yourself. Trust yourself. Believe in yourself.

You’ve already got everything you need. You just forgot for a second. That’s all burnout is—a reminder to remember.

Stay blessed. You already are.

Want more truth with a twist?
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