Let’s be real—if you’re in the insurance and risk management industry, the end of the year hits like a freight train. Renewals, last-minute client requests, wrapping up year-end action items—it’s no wonder you’re feeling burned out.
But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a signal to shift your strategy. And if you think you can just grind your way through it, guess what? You’re doing it wrong.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re bad at your job—it means you need better tools to protect your energy. Let’s fix that.
1. Set Boundaries That Stick
You’re not a 24/7 hotline. Let coworkers know your availability. Set an internal automatic reply/OOO that says: “I’m focusing on year-end renewals, so I’ll respond to internal emails within 24 hours unless it’s urgent.” That’s not selfish; it’s smart. You can’t take care of your clients if you’re running on empty.
2. Delegate Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a hero. Look at your workload and ask yourself, What can I hand off? Junior team members, interns, admin staff, or even technology can handle some of those repetitive tasks. Your time is too valuable to be digging through emails.
3. Prioritize What Really Matters
Not every task is created equal. Use the 80/20 rule: focus on the 20% of your work that drives 80% of the results. Ask yourself, What’s going to make the biggest impact for my clients and my agency? Everything else can wait.
4. Take Care of YOU
Burnout isn’t just about work—it’s about neglecting yourself. Take 10 minutes to step outside. Grab lunch away from your desk. Shut down at a reasonable hour. Go play for a few minutes with your kids or pets. Read a humorous book while you’re on the treadmill. These small resets aren’t luxuries; they’re survival tools.
Why This Works
When you’re burned out, your performance takes a hit, and your clients notice. But when you take control of your time and energy, you not only survive year-end chaos—you thrive in it. Clients love working with someone who’s calm, confident, and focused. That could be you.
Your Next Move
Stop. Right now. Take 5 minutes and write down:
- One thing you can delegate.
- One task to prioritize.
- One boundary to set.
Then, act on it. Because when you manage your burnout, you manage your business—and your clients will thank you for it.
The year’s almost over. Let’s finish it strong, not stressed. You’ve got this.