How to Avoid Entrepreneurial Burnout

HOW TO AVOID ENTREPRENEURIAL BURNOUT

by Andres Manuel Olivares Miranda

AVOIDING BURNOUT Entrepreneurs are prone to becoming workaholics. When you work for yourself and you’re passionate about what you do, it’s natural to get somewhat obsessed with work. But no matter how strong your work ethic is or how big your goals are, it’s crucial to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

Here are some tips that will help you avoid entrepreneurial burnout:.

SET BOUNDARIES Set boundaries regarding your time and energy.

This might mean setting “office hours” even if you don’t officially have an office. If you decide that your office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., make sure you’re not working after 4!

There are seasons in your entrepreneurial journey where you may need longer office hours each day.

When you’re getting started, you might be working 12 hour days, but this should not be an ongoing thing. Even when you’re in the busy seasons, make sure you’re taking at least one day off a week to recharge.

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS When you’re growing your business, it might be tempting to compare yourself to other entrepreneurs. If you feel like you don’t measure up or you want to “get ahead,” you might overwork yourself to reach that standard. Working hard is admirable, but overworking is dangerous.

Keep your eyes on your own business and don’t compare it to anyone else’s.

You can use others as inspiration, but don’t let yourself get burnt out trying to reach unfair standards.

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR OF OUTSOURCING Entrepreneurs tend to think of their businesses as their babies, and like new parents, it can be hard to let anyone else help you take care of your baby. You have to get over your fear of outsourcing, though, or you’ll soon be burnt out. You don’t have infinite time or infinite energy, so you need to be outsourcing less important tasks.

Outsourcing will free you up to work on the most important tasks that only you can do.

PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS It’s important to be self-aware when you’re an entrepreneur. One way to increase your self-awareness is to journal regularly. When you journal, do check-ins with yourself. How are you feeling? How are your energy levels? What are you spending too much energy on, and where would you like to be spending a little more?

Practicing self-awareness will help you to avoid a costly burnout before it occurs. When you realize that you’re getting close, hit the brakes and give yourself a day or two off. Then, you’ll be able to return to your work refreshed and get much more accomplished.