How to avoid disastrous burnout?

Burnout is an all too familiar term in the fast-paced world of startups. I’ve been on this rollercoaster for seven years, and during this time, I’ve witnessed colleagues succumb to the pressures of the entrepreneurial journey. Even I wasn’t immune; I found myself in the clutches of burnout for nearly four long months.

My story is a testament to the challenges many of us face, but it also taught me valuable lessons on how to avoid this disastrous state of mind.

Here are the top reasons I faced burnout and how those situations could have been handled better.

Recognition and Appreciation

One of the leading causes of burnout is the lack of recognition and appreciation for the hard work you put in. In my case, despite being a founding member, my efforts were not acknowledged, and promises made by the CEO were left unfulfilled.

I was promised to be given X amounts of shares of the company. However, the promise was not met by the CEO. After this incident, I felt degraded and didn't want to work in that place.

Feeling undervalued and unseen, I found my enthusiasm waning, eventually leading to burnout.

Solution: 1. To avoid this, it’s crucial to work in an environment where your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.

2. Open communication with your team and superiors about your accomplishments can help bridge this gap.

3. If management is resilient in its decisions quit that place ASAP.

Work-Life Balance

I was not allocating proper time for myself. Startups often demand long hours and relentless dedication. While passion fuels your endeavors, it’s essential to establish a healthy work-life balance. I neglected this aspect of my life, pouring all my energy into work, leaving me physically and mentally drained.

Eventually, this imbalance led to my burnout. To protect yourself, set boundaries. Allocate specific hours for work and make time for hobbies, family, and self-care. It’s not just about the quantity of rest; it’s about the quality of your downtime.

Solution: 1. Do stuff that you like the most. I spent quality time with my family.

2. I adopted a pet to make sure that they force me to move out of the house. This part made me feel great and now we share a strong bond.

3. I started exploring the spiritual side of Hinduism. This part proved to be the most effective one.

Realistic Goal Setting

I struggled with setting personal goals. I used to set unreal expectations and then feel sad about not being able to meet them.

Ambition drives entrepreneurs, but setting unrealistic goals can be a double-edged sword. I, too, fell into this trap, aiming for extraordinary growth without a realistic roadmap. When these goals weren’t met, frustration set in, fueling my burnout. To prevent this, set achievable, incremental goals.

Break down your big vision into smaller, attainable tasks. Celebrate these milestones; they are the stepping stones to your larger objectives. Adjust your goals as your startup evolves, ensuring they remain challenging yet achievable.

Solution: 1. It's simple, set goals that sound realistic.

Cultivate a Supportive Network

When I was experiencing burnout, I tried to attend as many social events as possible to help cope with the situation. During those events, I got to know fellow entrepreneurs. They shared the same thoughts as mine.

Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when faced with challenges. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can be your lifeline. I underestimated the power of a strong support system, trying to shoulder the burdens alone. When burnout hit, I had no one to turn to for help. Don’t make this mistake.

Nurture relationships with mentors, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs. They can provide invaluable advice, empathetic ears, and, most importantly, a different perspective on your situation.

Conclusion:

My journey through burnout was a painful yet transformative experience. It taught me the importance of recognizing and appreciating my efforts, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting realistic goals, and cultivating a supportive network. Armed with these lessons, I emerged stronger and more resilient.

Remember, burnout is not a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that something in your life needs attention. By acknowledging the warning signs and implementing these strategies, you can protect your passion, preserve your well-being, and navigate the unpredictable startup landscape with grace and resilience.

At Surge Startup, we help companies/startups in building their SaaS products. To date, we have helped more than 10+ companies in building SaaS and consulting them to success. If you think we can help you out with our services please feel free to reach us out at: [email protected] or https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/abhishekpatnaik77/