As entrepreneurs, we’re often caught up in the whirlwind of building our businesses, chasing our dreams, and pushing ourselves to the limit. But here’s a little secret: sometimes, that relentless drive can lead us down a dangerous path – straight into the arms of burn out.
I’ve been there, and I bet you have too. That’s why I want to share with you some telltale signs that you might be heading towards entrepreneurial burnout, and more importantly, how to hit the reset button before it’s too late.
The Sneaky Signs of Impending Burnout
1. Brain Fog Takes Over
You know that feeling when your mind is racing with a million things to do, but the moment you sit down to work, it’s like your brain decides to take an unscheduled vacation? That’s brain fog, and it’s a classic sign of burnout creeping in.
I recently noticed this happening to me. I’d have a running commentary of tasks in my head, but when I actually tried to work, I’d draw a blank. It was like my mind was playing a frustrating game of hide-and-seek with my to-do list.
2. Scrolling Becomes Your New Hobby
If you find yourself reaching for your phone more often, endlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching reels, it might be more than just procrastination. It could be your brain’s way of seeking a quick dopamine hit to escape the mounting pressure.
3. Shiny Object Syndrome Strikes
Suddenly, every new idea seems like the most important thing you need to focus on right now. You’re leaving tasks half-finished, constantly comparing yourself to others, and feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough. Sound familiar?
4. Your Days Start to Blur Together
When was the last time you had a clear boundary between work and personal time? If you’re breaking your own time schedules, making excuses to work in the evenings or weekends, and feeling a lack of fulfillment at the end of each day, it’s time to pause and reassess.
5. Your Passion Projects Feel Like Chores
For me, cooking has always been a way to decompress and transition from work mode to relaxation. But recently, I found myself dreading it. When the things you usually love start feeling like burdens, it’s a big red flag that burnout is knocking at your door.
Hitting the Reset Button: How to Curb Burnout Before It Takes Over
1. Prioritize Rest Over Hustle
It’s time to flip the script. Instead of asking, “Did I work hard enough to earn some rest?” try asking, “Have I rested enough to do my best work?” Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
2. Be Mindful of Your Mental State
Pay closer attention to how you’re feeling. Don’t ignore those little warning signs or try to push past them. Being aware of your emotional state can help you catch burnout early and stay connected to yourself and others.
3. Embrace New Hobbies
Your work can’t be your entire life. Find activities that light you up outside of your business. For me, it’s been exploring new recipes, planning a vegetable garden, and reading books that have nothing to do with business.
4. Connect with Others
Burnout can feel isolating. Make time to connect with your loved ones, whether it’s a coffee date with a friend or simply opening up to your partner about how you’re feeling. Social connection is a powerful antidote to burnout.
5. Break the Scrolling Cycle
Set clear boundaries with your phone use. If you catch yourself reaching for it, ask yourself why. Are you bored? Trying to distract yourself? Find something more productive (or restful) to do instead.
6. Rediscover the Joy of Reading
Pick up a book just for pleasure. Reading can be a great way to escape into another world and give your mind a much-needed break from work-related thoughts.
7. Embrace Silence or Music
Instead of always filling your time with podcasts or audiobooks, try sitting in silence or listening to music just for enjoyment. It’s a simple way to create more stillness and groundedness in your life.
8. Break Your Obsession with Productivity
Embrace monotasking instead of multitasking. Focus on doing one thing at a time, and set specific time limits for tasks. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.
Burnout doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. By recognizing these early warning signs and taking proactive steps to reset, you can maintain your passion, productivity, and well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you – it’s essential for the long-term success of your business.
So, which of these signs resonates with you the most? And what step will you take today to hit your own reset button? Your future self (and your business) will thank you for it.
Topics covered in this episode on burnout:
- The subtle signs of burnout you might be missing
- How burnout impacts your motivation, focus, and productivity
- The tools and strategies l’m using to bounce back
- A practical plan you can implement to prevent burnout and stay balanced
Resources & Links:
- Getting ready for Black Friday? Snag my best-selling Black Friday Bundle which includes everything you need to plan and execute a stress-free, successful sale
- Set up and launch your business with the best all-in-one platform, Kajabi.
- Sign up to my fave project management tool, ClickUp using my link.
- Create your Own Signature Offer with my free workbook – download it here!
- Scale your Business to Freedom with my free playbook that takes you through my 3-step framework INCLUDING a self-assessment quiz to identify where you are out of alignment in your life and business
Connect with India:
Related Episodes:
- Episode 34: How to Break Through To Your Next Level When You’re Feeling Stuck
- Episode 26: Mindset Shift: How To Feel Abundant, Even When Your Bank Account Isn’t
More About Becoming CEO:
Becoming CEO is the podcast for online entrepreneurs who are craving for their mindset and perspective to be expanded, who want to be surrounded by other high-achieving entrepreneurs for continued motivation, who are curious about how others run their businesses and who want to learn on the go. It’s a show that will guide you how to build, grow and scale your dream online business your way.
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your online business, each week, your host India Butler and her guests will share purposeful, profitable and sustainable strategies for creating the freedom you desire.
Your host, India Butler – a CEO, Multiple Founder, and mama – leads eye-opening solo episodes and engaging interviews with leading industry experts. Dive into discussions on entrepreneurship, mindset, productivity, leadership, motherhood, and unfiltered life.
