I won’t lie – I’ve been through it. Or I still kinda am.
Building an online business felt exhilarating at first, like I had finally stepped into the life I’d been dreaming of. But somewhere along the way, I fell into the hustle trap. I was working non-stop, showing up daily, and pushing through exhaustion because I thought that’s what it took to grow. So many nights my husband needed to tell me to close my laptop and be done for the night, as I clearly couldn’t set that boundary.
And that definitely sent me to burnout.
If you’re here, I know you might be feeling the same. That constant pressure to keep up, the fear of losing momentum, and the anxiety of “not doing enough.” It’s exhausting.
I remember waking up one day and realizing I wasn’t creating from a place of inspiration anymore – I was operating from fear. Fear of being forgotten, fear of missing out, fear of not being “successful enough”, and definitely fear that I just would never have an income again. And that’s when I knew something had to change.
Why Burnout Happens
The online space glorifies productivity and fast growth. We see people going viral, hitting six figures, and scaling fast – and we think we’re falling behind if we’re not doing the same. But what we don’t see? The sleepless nights, the failed launches, the endless content creation that drains creativity and joy from the process.
I had to unlearn the belief that success only comes from doing more. In reality, sustainable growth comes from doing things better – with intention and alignment.
What I’m Doing Differently Now (That’s Actually Working):
✅ Rest is part of the strategy – I’ve learned that creativity flows when I slow down. Prioritizing rest allows me to show up with more clarity and energy. For the last two weekends, for examples, I have given myself some time offline – and it feels so good (and challenging for sure!).
✅ Systems over hustle – I have been finally batching content, automate tasks, and create workflows that support me, not drain me. Because if I can do it for my clients, why leave my own content and personal brand for last-minute-deadlines?!
✅ Depth over reach – Instead of chasing visibility, I’m focused on nurturing my community and building trust. That’s what leads to long-term clients and loyal followers.
✅ Clear boundaries – No more being available 24/7. Protecting my energy allows me to be a better creator and service provider. Setting boundaries, saying no, and knowing when I have done enough from my side.
✅ Redefining success – I’m working on myself to no longer measure my growth by external milestones, but by how aligned I feel with my work and the quality of connections I’m building.
The Shift I’m Feeling
I won’t pretend I’ve fully “figured it out.” I’m still navigating this phase, learning to listen to my energy, and making adjustments along the way. But I can already feel the shift. I’ve regained some of my creativity, I feel more present with my audience, and I know I’m building a brand that’s rooted in authenticity – not in pressure. And this is where I want to be in full.
If you’re stuck in the cycle of hustle and burnout, I want you to know this: You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to build something meaningful. The growth you’re craving comes from alignment, not overworking yourself.
Take a breath. Slow down. And trust that the right people will find you when you create from a place of clarity and purpose.
And if this resonates with you, I would love to connect <3 Send me a message and let’s chat how this process has been for you!
xoxo
Ingrid from The Lab
