It’s that time of year again.
Everything is winding down for the holidays, and everyone is in a happy, cheerful mood.
This is usually the time to take stock of all the successes that you’ve had, give thanks to those who helped you, and rejoice in your good fortune.
And originally, that’s what this post was going to be – a big “thank you” run down of all the great things that have happened over the past year.
That’s the post I was going to write – but I just don’t feel like it…
Don’t Get Me Wrong, There’s A Lot to Celebrate
The truth is that there really is a lot to celebrate. In the last year…
- My team doubled in size (and each member of the team is amazing!)
- Revenues have almost tripled, growing us to a multiple-six-figure business
- Engagement from Scratch! has been read by over 20,000 people, and is a best-selling marketing book, with over 100 glowing reviews on Amazon
- Write Like Freddy has accepted almost 1,000 amazing students over the past year, many of which are making major names for themselves in their own industries
- I’ve had the honor of working with some truly amazing clients (some of whom have become good friends)
- We even outgrew our shared HostGator hosting, and moved the blog over to WP Engine (which totally rocks)
And most importantly, we have the amazing privilege of serving a thriving, wonderful audience and making a real difference in their lives by doing what we love – it really doesn’t get better than that.
As great as the year has been, though, I don’t feel like celebrating, because…
The Truth is That I’m TIRED
Yes, I’m tired. Exhausted, actually.
And so rather than writing thought-provoking blog posts, or working on my next book, laying the foundation for our next big project, or being productive in any way, shape, or form…
…I feel like lying on my couch, curled up in a blanket, watching Scrubs re-runs. 
And I *hate* feeling tired – not just because you feel drained, wiped out, and demotivated (none of which are fun feelings), but also because there’s a long list of things in my head that *could* be getting done, but *aren’t*.
And for an entrepreneur like myself, that’s one of the most frustrating feelings in the world.
Which is why I’m very lucky to have a wonderful wife to remind me every now and again that…
It’s OKAY to be Tired
Yes, yes, we all know this in our heads – we know that pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion, and then continuing to push quite a bit further, isn’t the best way to get things done.
But usually, what we do is file that knowledge away as one of the many things that we’ll “get to” later, once we’ve made a little more headway on our to-do lists.
Am I alone in this reaction?
Maybe, but I don’t think so – I’m guessing that I share this particular trait with more entrepreneurs than would care to admit. 
And my gut feeling is that I’m not the only one who’s feeling a little bit burned out right now by all the work, all the writing, all the webinars, and all the time and energy we spend chasing after our dreams.
Not that I’m complaining, and I doubt many entrepreneurs would – we love what we do, and it’s a privilege to be doing it.
But still, it’s exhausting, and for us to be able to dive back in with renewed energy on January 1st, I hope you’ll all join me and…
Take a Break, and Enjoy the Holidays!
Yes, that’s right – let’s all take a break, and really enjoy the holidays.
Rest, relax, and recharge.
And come back energized and excited in the new year.
That’s what we’ll be doing – you won’t hear any more from us this year – not on the blog, and not in your inbox.
But come January 1st, we’ll be back with renewed energies, with the best information, most effective training, and most plain old fun stuff we’ve ever offered.
So on that note, on behalf of the whole team at Firepole Marketing, I want to wish you an *AMAZING* holiday break.
Happy holidays, and see you in 2013! 
Danny Iny (@DannyIny), a.k.a. the “Freddy Krueger of Blogging”, teaches marketing that works at Firepole Marketing. Together with Guy Kawasaki, Brian Clark and Mitch Joel, he wrote the book on building engaged audiences from scratch (available on Amazon, or as a free download).
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, Danny!
It’s somehow comforting to know that even the Freddy Krueger of blogging could use a nap once in a while. Maybe we can all take a break, try to refresh and restore and be ready to get back to work in the new year. Happy Holidays to all!
Danny, for sharing your personal story. It seems like people don’t realize that success in itself can lead to burnout. You’re giving us a great reminder to be compassionate with ourselves especially during the holiday and take a break.
Awesome!
Ben
Merry Christmas Danny. You are in good company. An army of blogging, writing friends have confirmed the same feeling. Are we standing on the brink of something BIG? Could be… Rest up, for the best is yet to come.
Thanks for this post Danny! I myself feel really burned out since I’ve been pushing myself for so long, but I think I do deserve a break!
Happy holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everybody!
I really couldn’t resist: you should eat more vegetables
More seriously, enjoy your holidays and eat some comfort food.
Happy Hollydays, Danny!
:>
No, you’re not alone.
:>
Happy Resting to all! And to all a FANTABULOUS New Year!
:>
Great post, Danny. Thank you for saying what we all feel about not really wanting to keep up with the holiday ho ho ho pressure to be merry and bright on steroids. Just read your post after sleeping so late today I was shocked when I looked at my clock; then just smiled because it felt so great. We just passed Winter Solstice; we’re in a natural turning of the seasonal wheel, a time when we naturally need to slow down, curl up, turn off our brains, and rejuvenate. Time to go into a seasonal chrysalis, followed by a new year and birth of all sorts of new great ideas and business prosperity. (PS: You watch your Scrubs; I’m doing “Meet The Parents,” “Despicable Me,” “Elf,” and Chevy Chase’s “Family Vacation,” solo, and with my kids, 24 and 26 : ) Happy holidays, Danny!
And I thought I was the only one who feels this way. Great post. Appreciate the honesty. See you in 2013.
Danny, you so deserve a break! You give so much of yourself to others. Thanks for all you’ve done for all of us this year. It’s been awesome borrowing your brain. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Danny and Team! Have a wonderful holiday break. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. See ya in 2013
Well deserved break Danny! Time for your family and wife to enjoy your company!
Thanks for all you do and best wishes for 2013 to you, all staff and family members!
Happy holidays.
Good advice, I always feel I can’t stop promoting my book because I am a one woman enterprise. I feel exhausted and tired of myself and need a break too, starting tomorrow till the 1st of January sounds like a plan for me too. Hang tough!
Thanks for confirming what I already knew Danny. It’s okay to rest. The hard part is actually taking the rest when you feel like there’s a million and one things to get done.
May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
So glad to have taken time to read this as I am too darn tired to do the planned work today! Think I will take your advice and rest a bit and do it later.
Danny,
Wishing you and your team a VERY MUCH deserved holiday break. Hope you and your wife enjoy some quality time together. Thanks for making the world a better place!
Cheers & a prosperous 2013 to you!
Gayle
Hey Danny,
Being tired for success is the best thing to be for!
I want to congratulate you for your accomplishments and I bet done all by very hard work!
I hope to reach to heights with my site Internet Dreams.
Thanks for sharing your news with us.
{ 1 trackback }