10 Ways to Avoid Burnout

At times we feel as though the earth is closing in on us and nothing seems to go right.  We feel tired and frustrated…and if one more bride wants something free we may feel like just giving up all together.  Do you ever feel that way?  Do your employees?

If so, here are a few tips on how to avoid business burnout:

Stave off Resentment – Burnout often comes from resentment.  Michael Leiter, professor of psychology at Acadia University said, “The question is whether you can replenish your energy when you get tired.”   If you can’t restore your energy  you feel exhausted, cynical, and discouraged–the hallmarks of burnout.

• Change your Mindset – Always remember that being an entrepreneur is like running a marathon.  It’s not a short sprint.  Just like with any foot race, you must find a way to maintain your stamina.  Pace yourself!  Remember your limits..and keep your eye on the prize.

• Create Reasonable Expectations – Good things come to those who work hard for long periods of time.  When you forecast growth, don’t expect overnight success and you won’t be disappointed when it doesn’t happen…which 9.5 X out of 10 it doesn’t.

• Stay on Task – Don’t let yourself become sidetracked.  Remember why you went into business for yourself and prioritize what you need to to reach your goal.

• Outsource What You Don’t Do Well – In order to end up with a job you love, you need to focus

• Prioritize What You Do Best – In the early days of a business, everyone has to do a little bit of everything. But, in order to end up with a job you love, you need to focus on your talents from the get-go. Don’t hoard bad tasks or give yourself a job you don’t like. Instead, leverage others and deliberately plan for the job you want. I guarantee that’s the only way you’ll ever get it.

Today: Look at your to-do list for the  week and identify your least favorite task. Figure out how to outsource, streamline, or otherwise minimize it. Use the time saved to do your favorite task instead.