Imagine juggling a startup, multiple board positions, and mentorship roles and still finding time to pursue rock climbing, biking, and cooking with friends. Sounds exhausting, right? Now add "writer" to that list. Meet Caroline Catto, a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur who's challenging the "hustle harder" mentality and redefining what it means to be successful and creative in today's fast-paced world. Her insights might just revolutionize how you approach your own creative journey.
The Myth of the Always-On Entrepreneur
Caroline's journey is a testament to the dangers of buying into the "always-on" mentality. "For the last six years, I've been running a small venture-backed startup called Renewal Mill," she shares. "I have suffered from burnout, honestly, because I think there's this entrepreneur myth that you have to sort of fall on the sword."
This burnout isn't unique to Caroline. She notes, "I can name off the top of my head at least ten friends I know that have had to either shut down their startup or step back from a leadership position in their startup in the last six months because of burnout or some health-related consequences of that type of behavior."
The reality? Sustainable practices are crucial for long-term success. Caroline's experience teaches us that pushing ourselves to the limit doesn't just harm our health—it can derail our dreams entirely.
Redefining Success and Identity
One of the most intriguing insights from Caroline's interview is her approach to identity. Rather than defining herself by nouns (writer, entrepreneur, etc.), she prefers verb-based descriptions of her activities.
When I asked Caroline about her writing background, her response challenged a core assumption many of us hold about creative pursuits. Rather than proudly claiming the title of "writer," Caroline expressed discomfort with the label.
"I like bristle a little bit. Cause I feel like, you know, I don't necessarily feel like a writer," she admitted. This reaction might seem surprising coming from someone who has maintained blogs, written stand-up comedy, and crafted impactful pieces on women in the workplace.
But Caroline's hesitation isn't about downplaying her abilities. Instead, it reflects a profound shift in how she approaches identity and personal growth. "I think something I've also been working on is like, defining myself by verbs rather than nouns," she explained.
"I'm trying to get back to a place where I'm like, I'm Caroline, and I do writing, I do entrepreneurship," she explains. "I've reinvented myself in my career multiple times at this point. And I think everybody should feel empowered to do that."
This shift isn't just semantic—it's liberating. By focusing on actions rather than labels, we give ourselves permission to explore, grow, and evolve without the pressure of living up to a fixed identity.
By focusing on actions rather than labels, Caroline gives herself the freedom to evolve and explore. "Just because you've done one thing doesn't mean that you're in that box," she emphasized. "Like, you're continually writing the story of your life."
This perspective is a powerful reminder for all of us in the creative community. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting to explore your creative voice, remember: you're not confined by labels. You're a dynamic individual who writes, creates, and continually grows. Embrace the verbs describing what you do, and give yourself permission to expand beyond any identity.
The Power of Boundaries
If there's one lesson that stands out from Caroline's experience, it's the importance of setting boundaries. Despite her packed schedule, Caroline maintains a strict work routine:
"I pretty much do not work on the weekends, and I do not work pretty much after 6 PM. I really try to keep that time sacred for pursuing other hobbies because I think I've seen that making time for other things makes me a better employee and a better mentor, and a better board member."
These boundaries aren't just about avoiding burnout but about enhancing creativity and productivity. Caroline returns to her professional responsibilities with renewed energy and fresh perspectives by giving herself time to pursue hobbies and interests outside of work.
Nurturing Creativity in a Busy Life
Finding time for our creative pursuits can be challenging for many of us in the Howdy Curiosity community. Caroline's recent return to writing, particularly her exploration of poetry, offers some valuable insights.
"I've been taking a class recently on just like generative writing," she shares. "How do you get back into the habit of just writing and not editing yourself before something even gets on the page?"
This willingness to be a beginner and explore new forms of creativity without judgment is inspiring. It reminds us that our creative journeys are ongoing and that there's always room to learn and grow.
Building a Sustainable Creative Practice
So, how do we build a sustainable creative practice while juggling other responsibilities? Caroline's approach offers some clues:
-
Embrace community: Sharing experiences with others can boost motivation and provide new perspectives.
-
Balance joy and professionalism: Approach your craft with passion, but don't shy away from treating it as a potential profession.
-
Make time for creativity: Even in a packed schedule, find small pockets of time to engage with your craft.
Embracing Curiosity and Continuous Growth
Perhaps Caroline's philosophy of following curiosity is most aligned with our Howdy Curiosity ethos. "The way that I really like to define my life is by just like following my curiosity," she says. "If you're interested in something, go do it. Like, don't put up false barriers for yourself."
This lifelong learning and exploration mindset is invaluable for writers and entrepreneurs alike. It keeps us open to new ideas, helps us make unexpected connections, and fuels our creativity in ways we might never anticipate.
Bringing It All Together
Caroline's journey offers valuable lessons for all of us navigating the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship:
-
Reject the myth of the always-on entrepreneur. Sustainable practices lead to long-term success.
-
Define yourself by your actions, not by fixed labels. This gives you the freedom to grow and evolve.
-
Set firm boundaries. Protect your time for hobbies and interests outside of work.
-
Nurture your creativity, even in small ways. Be willing to be a beginner and explore new forms of expression.
-
Build a sustainable practice that balances joy and professionalism.
-
Follow your curiosity and embrace continuous learning.
As we navigate our own creative journeys, let's take these lessons to heart. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. The Howdy Curiosity community is here to support you, provide accountability, and celebrate your growth.