In a world plagued by a global pandemic, economic disruption, and political uncertainty, more individuals are experiencing a pervasive sense of burnout.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as a workplace phenomenon characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and a decreased sense of efficacy. Small business owners and entrepreneurs seem to be at an especially high risk of experiencing burnout, which has significant implications, given that they are responsible for nearly half of all US economic activity.
If you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur, these words may ring true. If so, it’s crucial to acknowledge the reality and implement some preventive measures. The good news is that there are tangible steps you can take to ward off burnout and maintain your momentum and passion for your work.
Here are three strategies to help you keep burnout at bay and continue innovating and driving your business forward.
1. Construct a ‘Don’t Do’ List
What’s the secret to keeping burnout at bay? Jim McKelvey, the co-founder and director of the payment firm Block and the CEO and founder of Invisibly, has a simple answer: a “Don’t Do” list. McKelvey attributes his resilience to this concept. His list includes activities such as attending certain meetings, watching TV, using social media, and getting caught up in the 24-hour news cycle.
The idea is to maintain focus and conserve energy by ruthlessly determining what tasks to avoid. It’s about recognizing which tasks sap your time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. Developing and maintaining a “don’t do” list can be a game-changer for small business owners juggling multiple tasks and commitments.
2. Keep Your Personal Energy Score
Burnout, according to McKelvey, is fundamentally an energy equation. As a result, it is crucial to “keep your battery charged.” He does this by keeping a ‘personal energy score,’ an imagined tally of how he feels considering the activities that boost his energy and those that deplete it.
He scores on a scale from one to ten and adjusts his daily activities based on his current energy levels. This approach involves identifying tasks that give you energy and those that drain it. By understanding how certain actions affect your energy, you can better manage your tasks and prevent burnout.
3. Seek Support and Cultivate Inner Strength
According to Richie Norton, an executive coach and founder of a product-development firm, burnout is more than just feeling overwhelmed; it’s about feeling unsupported and purposeless in your work. Entrepreneurs, especially those going it alone, are particularly vulnerable.
It’s important to surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and like-minded entrepreneurs. Having a group of people who understand your vision and can offer encouragement when things get tough is vital. Additionally, keeping a personal ‘brag book’ can help you remember your achievements and the challenges you’ve overcome. Research suggests that activities like journaling can also aid in overcoming feelings of distress and self-doubt.
The world of entrepreneurship is undoubtedly challenging, and the risk of burnout is high. However, by implementing these strategies, you can ensure that you remain motivated, energized, and ready to seize the opportunities that come your way. Remember, your mental well-being is crucial for your business’s success and the growth and innovation of the economy as a whole.
