407 | Tired, Frustrated, and Unmotivated? Here’s How to Lead Anyway

School Owner Talk

Episode Overview In this honest and heartfelt episode of School Owner Talk, Duane and Allie open up about something all martial arts school owners experience—but often don’t talk about: burnout. From feeling exhausted and frustrated to questioning motivation and drive, they dive into what it means to hit a wall and how to keep leading when energy is low and emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt like tapping out, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s a path forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode • Burnout is real—and common. Even passionate school owners feel mentally and emotionally spent. • You don’t have to be 100% to still make a difference. Sometimes just showing up is enough. • Setting boundaries is essential. Whether it’s around your time, energy, or availability, you need to protect your peace. • Comparison is dangerous. Judging yourself based on others—especially on social media—can drain motivation and cause self-doubt. • Delegate and offload. Hand off what you can, especially tasks that drain you the most. • Mental maintenance matters. Whether it’s a walk, time with family, or a favorite TV show, scheduled downtime helps you recharge. • Reignite your why. Your purpose can evolve, and reflecting on it can help restore energy and passion. Action Steps for School Owners 1. Revisit and redefine your “why.” What drives you now may be different from what drove you five years ago. 2. Create a reignite list. Write down small wins or tasks that help build positive momentum. 3. Pick one task to delegate this week. Offload something that drains you. 4. Schedule your mental maintenance. Block time in your calendar to rest, unplug, and recharge. 5. Connect with others. Reach out to fellow school owners for support or even start a monthly meetup to talk shop—and life. Final Thoughts Being tired doesn’t make you weak. Being frustrated doesn’t mean you’re failing. And losing motivation doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose. It means you’re human. And just like any black belt will tell you—progress often comes through perseverance. You’ve got this, and we’re right there with you.