Proposal Brain: How to Overcome the Fatigue of Proposal Writing

After working tirelessly on several proposals over an extended period, I noticed myself slipping into a state I call “Proposal Brain.” The symptoms are all too familiar: fatigue, forgetfulness, apathy, and burnout. Sometimes, I feel like a hamster running on a wheel, desperately wanting to jump off but knowing the work must continue. I wondered if this was only my experience or if others in the bid and proposal community felt the same.

Survey Says…

I turned to the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) LinkedIn group and conducted a poll to find out more about it. I asked: “Have you ever experienced ‘Proposal Brain’ after a long and mentally draining proposal?” To my surprise, 286 people responded, and many shared their experiences. Here are the results:

• 60%: Often
• 37%: Sometimes
• 2%: Rarely
• 1%: Never

These results reveal that Proposal Brain is a common issue within our community, affecting a significant majority of us after long stretches of intense proposal work.

Three Tips for Overcoming Proposal Brain

• Talk to co-workers or your supervisor: If you’re feeling the effects of Proposal Brain, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to your co-workers or supervisor. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you’re experiencing and getting support can help.
• Take a short break: When you’re deep into a proposal and can’t realistically take time off, even a short break can help reset your thinking. I’ve found that watching funny or uplifting videos for a few minutes can be a great way to recharge. So, I’ve included a list of 12 hilarious, office-appropriate videos in the related content below that will make you smile.
• Take personal time off: Sometimes, you need a real break to recharge. Taking a few days or even just an afternoon off can give your brain the rest it needs. Use this time to do something unrelated to work—go for a walk, read a book, or engage in a hobby. A change of scenery can do wonders for your mental state.

What if Your Proposal Brain Persists

If you find Proposal Brain symptoms persist even after a break, it might indicate a deeper issue, such as chronic stress or burnout. In such cases, I encourage you to see a healthcare professional. Your mental health is crucial, and addressing these issues early on can prevent more serious problems down the line.

Conclusion

Proposal Brain is a real and common phenomenon in the bid and proposal industry, as evidenced by the many who have experienced its effects. The key is recognizing the symptoms early and taking proactive steps to manage them. By talking to your colleagues, taking short breaks, and knowing when to step back, you can help protect your well-being and continue to thrive. Remember, it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s also about maintaining your health along the way. So, the next time you feel that familiar fog setting in, take a moment to take care of yourself. Your mind will thank you for it.

Related Content (12 Hilarious YouTube Videos to Give Your Mind a Break)

1. The World’s Fastest Cleaners (Mr. Beast)
2. Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood: Ransom (SNL Vintage)
3. Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time (Best of Jim Gaffigan)
4. 30 years of marriage changes a few things (Leanne Morgan)
5. Don’t play too much video games #fifa (Jimmy O. Yang)
6. Boy kids should come with a warning label (Nate Bargatze)
7. What follows the word “pork”? #shorts
8. Marx Brothers – Password Scene – Horse Feathers – Chico and Groucho
9. Signs That Are Way Too Funny
10. Backyard Squirrelympics 3.0- The Summer Games (Mark Rober)
11. Funniest Trunk Monkey Commercials
12. Finale alert! A state AND a woman’s name?? #shorts

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).

Brenda Crist

See Full Bio