286: Creating Without Burnout with Michelle Falzon

Creating Without Burnout: The Power of the Creation Loop

If you’ve ever found yourself pushing through creative projects, only to hit a wall of exhaustion or overwhelm, you are not alone. On the latest episode of the Her Empire Builder Show, host Tina Tower sat down with the ever-inspiring Michelle Falzon—a strategist, storyteller, entrepreneur, and the creator of the "Creation Loop" framework—to talk about how to do our best creative work without burning out. The conversation was filled with delicious insights, gentle wisdom, and practical tools.

The Myth of Endless Output

Michelle knows a thing or two about high output. With over 20 years of experience and credits including over 150 digital marketing funnels and $100 million in revenue generated for clients, she’s played both behind and in front of the business spotlight. Yet, even powerhouse creators can run empty: Michelle shares that she’s experienced the pain of burnout firsthand, once finding herself curled up in the fetal position, overwhelmed after giving too much.

Her breakthrough? Noticing that the magic happened—not when she pushed harder—but when she honored her natural rhythms of creativity, rest, and reflection.

Introducing the Creation Loop

At the heart of Michelle’s philosophy is a deceptively simple framework: The Creation Loop. This model isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about creating better, more sustainable work while fueling your own happiness.

Here’s how it works:

1. Saturate: Absorb information—gather research, inspiration, or client briefs. This is the phase where your “sponge” soaks up everything it needs.
2. Percolate: The most underused (but crucial) step. Instead of leaping from research straight into creation, give your mind a chance to subconsciously connect the dots. This might look like “sleeping on it,” going for a walk, or even doing the dishes. As Michelle says, “sometimes we need to consciously forget to fully become what we need to become.”
3. Create: Now, get down to making. Whether you’re writing, designing, speaking, or strategizing, it’s time to bring your ideas to life.
4. Celebrate: Don’t skip this! Acknowledge your effort and progress—even if things didn’t go perfectly. Celebration helps your body and mind want to embark on the process again.
5. Rejuvenate: Build in rest and self-care. Rejuvenation isn’t laziness—it's a vital part of the creative process. Rejuvenate in the way that works for you, whether that’s retreating to nature, spending time with loved ones, or a simple cup of tea.

Why Percolation and Celebration Matter

A major theme that emerged was how often women skip over percolation for fear of “wasting time.” But, as Michelle points out, that’s where magic happens: abstract connections form, ideas deepen, and our unique voice emerges. Similarly, many high-achievers gloss over celebration, jumping straight to the next goal—missing a critical component that fuels self-worth and joy.

Avoiding the Burnout Loop

Michelle’s honest advice? Watch for signs you’re stuck in the “burnout loop”—a perpetual saturate-create cycle with no space for percolation, reflection, or rest. This eventually leads to overwhelm and forced breaks. Instead, consciously cycle through the Creation Loop, making room for intuition, rest, and self-compassion.

Intuition and Resonance

A beautiful takeaway was Michelle’s emphasis on intuition. She encourages us to discern our true desires (our “land of plenty”) through intuition rather than logic alone. When we resonate deeply with our work and clients, flow is natural. And yes, that means learning to say “no” to projects, clients, or collaborators who don’t fit—no people-pleasing allowed!

Let Progress Motivate You

Perfectionism can crush creativity (and our spirits). Michelle’s advice? Let progress, not perfection, be your north star. Using practices inspired by books like Radical Compassion, she recommends being kinder to ourselves, acknowledging mistakes, and allowing “good enough” to be enough.

Try the Creation Loop in Your Own Work

Whether you’re building a business, launching a course, or simply wanting to make your creative projects more joyful and sustainable, the Creation Loop is a powerful tool. Try running the loop in a day, a week, or over the course of a big launch. It’s flexible, it’s compassionate, and it honors your whole self—not just what you produce.

In the End: Build a Life You Love

Perhaps the most touching part of the episode was Michelle’s reflection on what success looks like now: Love, freedom, relationships, and the space to appreciate the smallest wonders in life. As Tina so beautifully shared, Michelle’s joy and appreciation for life shines through everything she does—and serves as a model for all of us.

Ready to learn more?

Be sure to check out Michelle Falzon’s resources on the Creation Loop and sign up for updates about her upcoming book. And if you’re feeling burned out by “hustle culture,” give yourself permission to slow down, percolate, celebrate, and rest. Your creativity—and your wellbeing—will thank you.