As someone who worked for over 20 years as a female in the tech world, I can tell you that burnout is a real, and potentially debilitating thing.
I left a lucrative corporate position back in 2000 after experiencing burnout firsthand.
I had everything from anxiety attacks, headaches, digestive issues, heart palpitations, hair falling out, weight gain and so much more.
And while the corporate world is one thing, being a business owner definitely has its ups and downs as well that can lead to burnout.
I am guessing you decided to start your business because you had something to share with the world.
Once you were committed to your new venture, you found that there was a lot more to being a coach or consultant than just working with your clients.
Outside of the basic business functions like bookkeeping, you likely found that marketing your business was the most important thing you needed to do.
After all, no marketing, no clients…right?
As things started to pile up, the bookkeeping, the marketing, creating courses, working with clients, social media, etc., you begin to wonder “Why did I decide this was a good idea?”
This is the point where burnout starts to creep in.
You start getting tired of all this extra work. You start feeling frustrated, stuck, overwhelmed.
You think, “Why can’t I just do what I do best?”
Sound familiar?
The reality is that all this business stuff is part of being an entrepreneur and if you are not paying attention, you can very well burn yourself out and end up closing down your business.
So, how do you avoid the burnout?
First and foremost, remember that mindset is everything!
Having a mindset for success will help you navigate all the things required to build and scale a successful business, and that mindset must be constantly nurtured.
Here are 5 tips to help you avoid burn out and keep your positive mindset for success.
Time Management. The #1 burnout factor is time management. Are you working 8, 10, 15 hours a day, even weekends, trying to get your business up and running? That is the fastest way to burn out. Schedule specific hours in your calendar for work – just like you would if you were working a job. Create goals with specific plans and set focus time in your schedule to work those plans. Avoid spending too much time on social media – it can be a massive time suck. If you use social media for marketing, use the “get in / get out” method. Create your posts, respond to comments, etc., then get off of social media.
Time Management. The #1 burnout factor is time management. Are you working 8, 10, 15 hours a day, even weekends, trying to get your business up and running? That is the fastest way to burn out. Schedule specific hours in your calendar for work – just like you would if you were working a job. Create goals with specific plans and set focus time in your schedule to work those plans. Avoid spending too much time on social media – it can be a massive time suck. If you use social media for marketing, use the “get in / get out” method. Create your posts, respond to comments, etc., then get off of social media.
- Set Boundaries. Oftentimes we do not set boundaries with others and interruptions can set us off on tangents that take over our day. Make sure you communicate clearly with others that your time is valuable and if you have scheduled a half hour for a conversation – that is it – a half hour conversation. Conversely, one thing that most of us don’t do is set boundaries for ourselves. Set limits on what you will or won’t do for yourself, how much you’ll take on, and how you’ll treat your own time and energy. Learn to say “No.”
Set Boundaries. Oftentimes we do not set boundaries with others and interruptions can set us off on tangents that take over our day. Make sure you communicate clearly with others that your time is valuable and if you have scheduled a half hour for a conversation – that is it – a half hour conversation. Conversely, one thing that most of us don’t do is set boundaries for ourselves. Set limits on what you will or won’t do for yourself, how much you’ll take on, and how you’ll treat your own time and energy. Learn to say “No.”
- Celebrate Wins: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Your brain has a “reward center” built into it. It loves rewards. When you celebrate your wins, whether it is landing a new client or finishing a task, your brain releases feel good chemicals. When you celebrate that keeps you upbeat and motivated. Every single day find at least one thing to celebrate.
Celebrate Wins: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Your brain has a “reward center” built into it. It loves rewards. When you celebrate your wins, whether it is landing a new client or finishing a task, your brain releases feel good chemicals. When you celebrate that keeps you upbeat and motivated. Every single day find at least one thing to celebrate.
- Take Time For You. Selfcare is non-negotiable. Schedule self-care activities in your calendar, just like client meetings. This could be exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or indulging in a creative hobby. Prioritize activities that replenish your energy.
e Time For You. Selfcare is non-negotiable. Schedule self-care activities in your calendar, just like client meetings. This could be exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or indulging in a creative hobby. Prioritize activities that replenish your energy.
- Delegate. Contrary to what may be popular belief, you do not have to do it all! Identify tasks that you can delegate to someone else. If you do not think you can afford to delegate, consider bartering services or using low-cost freelancers like on FIVRR or UpWorks.
Delegate. Contrary to what may be popular belief, you do not have to do it all! Identify tasks that you can delegate to someone else. If you do not think you can afford to delegate, consider bartering services or using low-cost freelancers like on FIVRR or UpWorks.The reality is, at some time or other you will feel frustrated. You will feel overwhelmed. You will feel stuck.
Burnout starts when you get yourself to a place where you feel completely powerless and empty. You are beyond stress and that stress is affecting your health and wellbeing.
Don’t let yourself go there.
There are many more tips for avoiding burnout, but if you start with these ones, you will be well on your way to managing your business and your life.
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If you are feeling like you are already there – overwhelmed, stressed, frustrated, and feeling like you have no clue what to do next, click here and schedule a free, no sales, no gimmicks call where I will help you get back on the right path so you can move closer to your success.
