The Hard Knock Life of an Entrepreneur Part 4 – “Burnout”
How do you know if you’re operating in Burnout-mode? Ask yourself these questions:
– Are you tired all the time?
– Are you stressed out? Anxious?
– Do you feel overwhelmed?
– Are you on the computer from the minute you wake up, until right before you go to sleep?
– Is your home/office disorganized?
– Do you find it difficult to wind down and relax?
If you answered yes, to one or more of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re burned out.
Here are my suggestions to drag yourself out of burnout-mode, and hopefully, never return again:
1) Set work hours. If you own a business, you’ll know why I’m saying this. Entrepeneurs tend to work ’round-the-clock without even realizing it. Whether it’s because you’re passionate about your work, or you just don’t have as much staff to help you out in your business, it’s time to reign in your hours. Whatever they are, they should preferably not exceed 8 hrs a day. Less is even better. There’s a time to work, a time to rest, and a time to play. Make sure you have a balance of the three in your life.
2) Turn off your computer (and your Blackberry)! Yes, I said it! I am a self-proclaimed Blackberry addict, and I know that I need help. But, hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step, right? After you set your work hours, set a time each night to turn off your computer. This time should preferably be at least 2 hrs Before you go to bed. I’ve found that it is really rough to wind down at night if your computer is on, until right before you go to bed. When does your mind and body have time to relax, wind down, and decompress? Also, leave your Blackberry charging in another room in your home, where you won’t be able to easily access it.
3) Pick one day (during the week) to either not work at all, or only work a half-day, and Do Not Do Any Work during that designated day/time. Do something completely not work-related. Spend time with your spouse, children, or yourself. Go volunteer, go to the gym, to the library, go for a walk, or go to the movies. You get the idea.
4) Do not work on the weekends. Okay, now I’m sure you think I’m officially crazy at this point. Either that, or I don’t really own a business. Neither is true (well, I may be a little crazy lol). Anyhow, I know this may be difficult for all, and not possible for some. But the point is, there’s a good chance that one of the reasons you started your business was so that you could have a “flexible work schedule”, and have “freedom”. So, what ever happened to that? Aren’t you working more hours now than you did when you had a regular job? My point exactly. You have to set boundaries for yourself, or you may end up working yourself to death. Or even worse, living a life of working all the time, and in turn missing out on all of the true joys of this life.
Say goodbye to Burnout today, and watch your life and business really begin to flourish. And guess what, since you won’t be burned out anymore, you’ll actually be able to enjoy the benefits of all your hard work, and the fruits of your labor. You (and your family) will definitely thank me later. 😉
Related Posts
“The Hard Knock Life of an Entrepeneur” Part 3 – Change is Good!
“Mastering the Power of Focus, Part 2 – Your Life Depends on it”- “Mastering the Power of Focus” Part 1
working on some great new blog posts to …
Unlock What’s Stopping You (Tony Robbins Philosophy) – Weekly Inspirational Video
The Top 5 Life-Changing Steps To Avoid Burnout
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About The Author
Ashani C Mfuko
Ashani Mfuko is a Social Media Strategist, Digital Marketing Specialist, Award-Winning Blogger, and Professional Dancer. Ashani works with small businesses, corporations, & non-profit organizations as a Social Media Strategist and Digital Marketing Specialist. She creates results-driven, innovative social media strategies that are proven to increase your revenue and catapult your brand to expert status in your niche! She has an extensive track record of creating and implementing successful social media strategies for her clients. She is also the Host and Executive Producer of the “Inside New York City Dance” television show on MNN, and is a proud wife and new mom. Ashani has been featured in Dance Magazine, as a “Media Maven”, as well as in Dance Mogul magazine, Inside Woman magazine, & Dance Studio Life magazine, in addition to various dance blogs online. She is the author and creator of the, “Finance Your Dance: How To Turn Your Passion Into Profit“ e-book and workshop, and her dance blog won the Reader’s Choice, “Top Dance Business Blog” of the year award, two years in a row. She is a leader in the field of social media and digital marketing, and is highly sought after as a dance performer and dance teacher in the New York City dance community. Ashani is on staff at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and teaches Advanced Jazz classes for their Jazz & Contemporary program & Ballet program.
GREAT post….
What works for me is….
1. Checking and responding to email between 9 and 11am; and then 4-6pm. Although emails come through my blackberry I only respond to pressing emails immediately.
2. I don’t do morning face-to-face meetings. Phone calls and conference calls yes. Face-to-face no.
3. My best working hours are 9pm – 2 am. That’s when I get all the client work done.
4. I DO NOT do work on Sundays. Sundays are off limits.
5. Meeting clients outside of the office. I find that meetings in coffee houses, parks, roof tops, etc are much less stressful for the client and me.
6. Time for physical activity is important. I try to get to the gym at least 4 days a week. BUT fortunately for me I have dogs, so I get in 2-3 30min walks a day.
Absolutely wonderful Veronica!! You get the idea! It’s all about putting yourself on a schedule that allows you to work in the best way possible, but also setting boundaries is so important. I hope that other people will follow in your footsteps! Thanks for your comment!