How to Handle Burnout as a Founder from an African Secondary City

As a founder, you’re often celebrated for your vision, grit, and ability to weather the storm. But behind the success stories, there’s a hidden reality many of us face: burnout. It’s that creeping exhaustion, the nagging self-doubt, and the overwhelming feeling that the weight of the world rests solely on your shoulders.

While burnout is common, it’s not insurmountable. Drawing from real-world examples, here are actionable strategies to handle burnout while staying true to your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Recognize the Signs: You’re Not Alone

Even the most successful founders have felt the strain. Take Elon Musk, for instance, who openly admitted to working over 100-hour weeks during Tesla’s early days. Musk described it as “painful and excruciating,” a vivid reminder of how burnout can creep in when you push beyond limits.

If you notice yourself losing focus, feeling unmotivated, or constantly overwhelmed, pause and reflect. Acknowledging burnout is the first step toward addressing it.

2. Delegate and Build a Strong Team: Don’t Do It All

In the early stages of Spanx, Sara Blakely handled everything from product design to marketing. But she quickly realized the importance of delegation, bringing in a skilled team to scale her vision.

As founders, we often fall into the trap of thinking, “If I don’t do it, no one will.” But sharing the workload not only lightens your burden but also empowers your team to contribute meaningfully.

3. Focus on What Truly Matters: Avoid the Noise

When Brian Chesky and the Airbnb team were struggling in their early days, they received this advice from Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator: “Do things that don’t scale.” Instead of chasing every opportunity, they focused on refining their core offering.

Burnout often stems from trying to do too much at once. Define your priorities and give yourself permission to say no to distractions.

4. Set Boundaries: Work Can Wait

In an interview, Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, shared how she rediscovered balance by implementing a “Yes Year” to say yes to her kids and personal life more often. This shift in priorities helped her reclaim joy and avoid burnout.

Founders, too, need to set boundaries—whether it’s turning off emails after hours or taking weekends off to recharge.

5. Build a Support System: Lean on Others

Starting a company can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, credits her husband and friends for being her emotional anchors during challenging times.

Talk to a mentor, co-founder, or fellow founder who understands your journey. Sharing your struggles doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

6. Prioritize Your Well-being: You Are Your Startup’s Most Valuable Asset

Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, collapsed from exhaustion in 2007. That incident prompted her to advocate for prioritizing sleep and self-care.

Whether it’s scheduling gym sessions, meditating, or simply taking a walk, make your health non-negotiable. After all, your startup can’t thrive if you’re running on empty.

7. Take a Step Back: Revisit Your Vision

When Jack Dorsey faced criticism during Twitter’s tumultuous years, he focused on simplifying and clarifying the company’s mission. This clarity gave him renewed energy to lead.

Similarly, take time to revisit your why. Why did you start this journey? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite the passion that burnout often obscures.

8. Seek Professional Help: It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Burnout isn’t something you have to face alone. Founders like Justin Kan (co-founder of Twitch) have spoken about how therapy helped them navigate stress and anxiety.

Sometimes, speaking with a professional can provide clarity and equip you with tools to handle the pressure more effectively.

9. Embrace Downtime: Rest Is Productive

Richard Branson famously said, “Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business.” For founders, this also applies to themselves: Take care of yourself, and your business will thank you.

Plan vacations, no matter how short. Even micro-breaks during the day can boost your creativity and energy.

10. Pivot When Necessary: Be Open to Change

Not every approach works, and that’s okay. When Stewart Butterfield launched Slack, it was after pivoting from an unsuccessful gaming venture. Burnout can often signal the need to reassess your strategy or goals.

If the current path feels unsustainable, explore alternatives that align better with your well-being and long-term vision.

Closing Thoughts

Burnout doesn’t have to define your entrepreneurial journey. By learning from those who’ve been in your shoes, you can develop strategies to protect your well-being while driving your startup forward.

Remember, startups are marathons, not sprints. Pace yourself, prioritize what matters, and don’t hesitate to lean on others for support. After all, the best founder is a healthy and fulfilled one.

What’s your experience with burnout as a founder? Let’s discuss in the comments below!