When I started the Young Entrepreneurs of England platform, I put so much time and energy into growing the business and networking. I spent hours on end researching, writing, creating, and engaging. I thought that because I loved what I was doing and passionate about the community that was being created, there would be no way that I would burnout, rather, I needed to put as much time and energy into it if I wanted to see it grow.
However, that all came crashing down at the beginning of 2022 where I went through a burnout, I physically felt like I could not do anything, I couldn’t write, create or network, I couldn’t physic myself up to do the simplest of tasks like responding to emails or messages on social media. I didn’t realise at the time that I was hitting a burnout and I kept trying to push.
Launching a business is an exciting time. You’re bringing your vision to life, and the possibilities can feel endless…
… but so can your to-do list.
And if you’re not careful, you can quickly burn out.
Entrepreneurship is a fast-moving game. Because of this, the kind of people drawn to entrepreneurship often enjoy being busy and constantly working on something. But everyone needs to slow down from time to time, even entrepreneurs. If entrepreneurs don’t take care of themselves, they’ll start to feel some burnout, which is a dangerous feeling in this profession.
If you nodded your head to one or more of the above, then you’re more than likely headed towards a burnout and it is important you acknowledge it.
Acknowledging that you are about to burnout doesn’t mean you are a failure, if anything, it is the complete opposite, it is great to be able to acknowledge when you need and break and to take it.
My tips to prevent entrepreneurial burnout are:
The Bottom Line
Although your to-do list may have fifty things on it, there’s a high chance that most can be delegated or given a due date that isn’t within the next five hours.
After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Make sure you know the difference between circumstantial stress, and the signs that a burnout is looming. Focus on the things that are within your control, and remember that ultimately you are the one that sets the standard.
