The Show Must Go On - But So Should Your Sanity

The Show Must Go On — But So Should Your Sanity

I first heard the phrase “the show must go on” back in high school. But now, many years (and hats) later, I’d like to add something to it:

“The show must go on — but so should your sanity.”

Let’s talk about that.

These days, I’m a:

• CEO of my own business
• Artistic/Managing Director for a community theater
• Community volunteer
• Wife and partner of 41+ years
• Mom of three grown kids (born within 24 months of each other while I was working and getting my MBA!)

I’ve had a full plate most of my life. And what I’ve learned is that buried inside that phrase, “the show must go on,” is often a quiet message we tell ourselves:

Keep pushing. Don’t stop. Get it all done. Even if you’re exhausted.

Sound familiar?

Burnout Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Let’s be honest. The word “burnout” gets thrown around a lot. Sometimes it even makes us roll our eyes.

But if you’ve ever found yourself thinking:

• “Why am I so tired all the time?”
• “I used to love this work… what happened?”
• “I feel like I’m doing everything and getting nowhere…”

…then you know burnout is real. And if you’re a leader, a creative, or a caregiver (or all three), it can sneak up fast.

That’s why I want to share three tools that can help protect your energy and bring your joy back:

1. Scheduling
2. Delegation
3. Boundaries

You probably nodded just now, right? Because these sound obvious. And yet—how often do we actually use them?

Why We Skip the Simple Stuff

I think it’s because we start with big dreams. Big goals. We want to make a difference, create something beautiful, or lead in a meaningful way.

But instead of breaking those dreams into small, doable steps, we try to do it all. Right now. On our own.

Been there?

Flashback: My First Big Theater Moment

Let’s go back to high school for a minute.

I was cast in my first mainstage play. It wasn’t a huge role — I played the housekeeper — but I was thrilled! I soaked up everything: blocking, costumes, lighting… I was in heaven.

But then, just days before opening night, our lead actor dropped out. She was overwhelmed. Exhausted from balancing school, work, and the show.

Our director sat us down and said, “Cyndi, you’ve been in all her scenes. You know the blocking. Can you take the lead role?”

Without blinking, I said “YES!”

I was terrified — but I was ready.

That moment taught me a lot. Not just about performing, but about what happens when someone pushes too hard. When they don’t rest. When they try to

do it all.

Questions I Ask When I Feel Stuck

Over the years, I’ve learned to check in with myself when I lose motivation. Here’s what I ask:

• Why do I feel off right now?
• Is this still important to me?
• Does this help me reach my bigger goal?
• Where am I stuck?

And often, the answer leads me back to one of these things:

➤ I’m trying to do it all.

Can I delegate something? Can someone help?

➤ I’ve taken on too much.

Can I break it down into smaller steps and put them on a calendar?

➤ I’m distracted.

Did I say “yes” to something that doesn’t really fit my bigger purpose?

Real Life: Directing a Big Musical

Here’s a real example from my role as Artistic/Managing Director.

The first time I was asked to stage a full-length musical with a big cast, I said yes — without fully realizing what I was getting into.

I had directed plays before. But this was different. There was casting, choreography, music direction, costumes, production… and more.

And I tried to do it all. Alone.

Add in some personal life challenges, and I hit a wall. Sitting in a hotel room in Tucson, I had a moment of truth:

 I can’t do this by myself.

Once I admitted that, the right help showed up. It always does — when I stop pretending, I can do everything.

Now, every time I start a new project, I make sure the right team is in place. I ask for help. I plan ahead. I set clear boundaries. And I protect my love for what I do.

The New Motto I Live By

The show must go on — but so should your sanity.

This phrase reminds me that doing what I love shouldn’t cost me my health, my peace, or my joy. And when I use tools like scheduling, delegation, and boundaries, I can keep going in a way that feels good — and sustainable.

What About You?

Has any of this hit home for you?
Do you find yourself juggling too much?
Is there something you need to say “no” to — or ask help with — so you can keep loving what you do?

I’d love to hear what you’re discovering.

Email me anytime at: coachcyndi@cyndithomsen.net

Huzzah!
Cyndi