What do you do if you're experiencing burnout as a small business professional?

Experiencing burnout is tough, especially when you're steering the ship. Start by giving yourself permission to take a step back and rest. Delegate tasks where possible and prioritize your workload. It is very important to set boundaries for your work and personal life, unplug after hours and on weekends. One thing to consider too is to reconnect with your passion for business, remembering why you started can probably reignite your motivation. It is also helpful to ask support from peers, or a coach who can offer fresh perspectives.

Know your personal limits and use your calendar to stay within your limits. Everything goes on your calendar and you only get to work with the times assigned to each task. At first it will be challenging, but over time it will serve you well. It has kept me going for the last decade.

What I want to say is that my experience of boundaries shifted when I started to take appointments with myself as seriously as I did appointments with clients. It used to be that my appointments with myself were more like suggestions. I didn't have anything else to do during that time, maybe I'd work on whatever I'd written down. Now I time block on Sunday afternoons/evenings, and I keep my appointments with myself. It's made a huge difference.

If experiencing burnout as a small business professional, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. Start by taking regular breaks, delegating tasks where possible, and setting boundaries to avoid overworking. Additionally, seeking support from peers, mentors, or professional networks can provide valuable perspective and assistance in navigating challenges. Remember, prioritizing your well-being ultimately enhances your ability to effectively manage and grow your business in the long run.

I tell my coaching clients, "YOU are the asset. If you don't take care of yourself, nothing else matters." I know it's so tempting to sacrifice a little sleep and a little gym time when you've got so much to do. But you're not Superman or Superwoman. Your little sacrifices will add up and take their toll. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually, they will catch up to you. They always do. As much as we like to pretend we're brains on a stick, we are biological organisms, and despite all our resiliency, we can't circumvent the laws of nature.

Owning and running a small business can feel incredibly isolating. Even if you're interacting with customers and your family on a regular basis, there's a good chance they don't "get it" when it comes to your experiences as a business owner. That's ok, but you need to get involved in some sort of group that "gets you" and gets together on a regular basis, formally or informally. I think the great majority of business owners would have better lives and better businesses if they had support from people who understood things from their perspective. If you're experiencing burnout or even suspect you are sliding into it, make finding support your first priority.

The best way to never have a day of work is doing what you love, being an absolute expert and professional at the top of your chosen industry, keeping these things in mind - burnout should never be an issue to be battled again- if it is maybe you are in the wrong business. Giving away your services for a greater good - could reignite your love for what you do might be helpful as well!

Balancing life and business growth is crucial to prevent burnout, a common risk for entrepreneurs. Prioritizing time management and self-care ensures you maintain energy and motivation. It's vital to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and take breaks. By nurturing personal well-being alongside business ambitions, you can sustain long-term success and avoid the debilitating effects of burnout. In my experience, maintaining meaningful nurturing relationships outside of work is also a huge contributor to a happy and productive work life.