Tips For Avoiding Burnout When Growing a Business
Keeping that romantic flame alive isn't just for relationships; it is also essential if you own a business. However, pouring your heart and soul into your business increases the risk of burnout. The key is finding ways to maintain your enthusiasm and minimize exhaustion.
Being your own boss provides you with a great deal of independence, which is one of the many benefits of working for yourself. You get to be your own boss and decide when you want to work. In today's "always-on" culture, this might also mean that you're subject to crushing levels of stress and tiredness.
The signs of burnout range from gradual, all-encompassing exhaustion to more specific manifestations such as a lack of focus or even clinical depression. Thankfully, you can take several preventative measures to prevent burnout from becoming a severe problem.
1. Cut back on your overtime hours
Self-employed people are often expected to work long hours because they see it as inevitable. But if you discover that you're always bringing work home with you, you can't ever shut off, or downtime is just non-existent, you might be on the road to running out of steam, which can quickly lead to burnout.
Many business owners feel the effects of burnout as they try to manage their businesses and juggle their personal lives.
Burnout, which can be defined as a loss of physical or emotional power or drive, is a common condition in today's stressful and fast-paced society, and it's sometimes referred to as the "high achiever" ailment. Indeed conducted a survey in 2021 and found that 52% of respondents have experienced burnout.
2. Don't allow yourself to become too stressed.
To-do lists for business owners can seem endless, but if yours is taking over your life to the point that you aren't getting anything done, you may be close to burnout. You need to be able to look at the big picture as the leader of your company. Having to reevaluate your situation is necessary if your list of tasks has become an insurmountable obstacle.
3. Think about how often you screw up, & learn from it.
Mistakes are inevitable and, in many ways, invaluable learning experiences. On the other hand, if you notice that you are consistently making more errors than before, it is time to reevaluate. The question is, what must be done to restore normal functioning and peak performance?
4. Schedule work hours.
Many proprietors of small businesses feel they must be available around the clock. They worry about losing customers or reputation if they cut corners. In actuality, you may get a lot more done if you work during predetermined hours and then stick to them. The rest-run cycle is innate to the human body and allows for peak performance. Give it your all during your scheduled work hours, and then relax, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
Although you're hard-wired to work long hours as a business owner, it's essential that you build rest periods into your day as well. A phone alarm can serve as a helpful reminder to take breaks away from your desk at predetermined times. Taking a short break to get some exercise, fresh air, or social interaction can help you refocus and get back to your work with renewed vigor and determination.
5. Set your priorities.
When you have a million things on your plate, it's easy to lose sight of what matters most. Spend some time reflecting on your goals and values to develop a strategy for reaching them. If you want to get what you want out of life and do what you want to do with your time, hiring a coach can help you do all three.
6. Aim High
We could all need a pick-me-up and a reminder of our goals every once in a while. If you are having trouble seeing the forest for the trees, set some short-term goals to inspire and reward yourself for your hard work and dedication. To stay motivated, schedule some time off and enjoy a vacation; even a short weekend trip will do the trick.
Burnout is sneaky, but there are indications you can look out for to set fail-safes to prevent it and start to get your life back on track before it's too late.
If you're at your limit already, take a break and think things over. Keep in mind that prioritizing your own health (physical & mental) is a direct reflection of your commitment to your company.