An easy guide to keeping your candle lit as an entrepreneur

“I have soo much to do, but I don’t want to do it”.  This is a phrase I have used on many occasions, not just with work, but life in general.  So, after much thought and countless cups of coffee, I have come to realise and accept that burnout is part of the modern way of life.  This has gotten me thinking of ways that I can cope to ensure that I do not fall victim to this modern “disease”.

Do what you love

I have worked for many years and people always said to me “do what you love”, they were right!  There is nothing more fulfilling than getting up in the morning to do something that inspires me.  Now it is totally impossible to enjoy every activity that I do, however, I make sure that 90% of my day is spent doing something that I am passionate about.

Everyone has a time of day that they are at their best. For me, a nice brisk walk and a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, sets me in work mode.  I have also found that stepping away for regular breaks, albeit lunch, cleaning or hanging washing, allows me to focus and be more productive in my work.

Get moving

Walking for me has been a saving grace.  There are many issues that have been dealt with, whilst I pound the pavement.  Exercise is a good stress release and the happy nunus that run around after exercise make me feel great.  To help avoid burnout, I have realised that I need to stay healthy.  By eating a healthy breakfast I can think more clearly and provide my brain with fuel to concentrate.  Looking after myself is key to avoiding burnout!

Now there are tasks that I cannot stand!  For example, I am not a fan of accounting and I have had to learn that it is okay to take the task and break it up into manageable pieces, thereby managing my stress levels.

How burnout can manifest itself

Burnout can manifest in many ways.  It has taken a long time for me to be aware and listen to the warning signs.  If I am tired, I take a break, if I am hungry, I eat.  In so doing I remain fresh and I am then able to concentrate on the task at hand.  I have left jobs in the past that have drained me and left me feeling frustrated and unproductive.  Why keeping working at something that is making me miserable.

I have also made it my mission to spend time with family and friends, this gives me time to express my concerns and get to the root cause of what is making me head on the path to burnout.  My family and friends have always been able to help me see things from a different prospective.

Burnout is a real thing, be aware and look after yourself, so that you do not fall victim to a very serious case of burnout!