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You are a new entrepreneur, you worked hard to implement your idea, and now you have your own business. The world is yours for the taking! Except you don’t really feel like it, you are too exhausted. Truth be told, you often lack the energy to continue and find yourself thinking that you have no idea what you are doing. Don’t quit just yet. It is possible that you experience entrepreneur burnout.

So what is burnout?

Psychologically speaking, burnout is a prolonged state of physical and emotional stress that results in exhaustion and a feeling of inefficiency.

Although everyone can suffer from this syndrome, more predisposed are professionals who provide certain services to people on a daily basis, those who occupy positions with great demands and responsibilities or high emotional involvement.

Symptoms of burnout

Burnout can manifest itself in different ways, but there are 7 types of warning signs to watch out for:

1. Physical problems: headache, gastrointestinal issues, high arterial pressure, muscular tension and pain, chronic fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite habits;
   
2. Emotional problems: sadness, frustration, hopelessness and despair, anger and irritability, low self-esteem, depression;
   
3. Behavioral problems: impersonal communication, avoidance, impulsivity, reactivity, abuse or increase of substance use;
   
4. Cognitive problems: lack of concentration and attentiveness, confusion, lesser creativity, need for control, slow task performance;
   
5. Social problems: isolation, distanced relationships, lesser involvement and empathy, greater sarcasm or cynicism;
   
6. Existential problems: conflicts of values and beliefs, need to redefine life and personal priorities, anger at life;
   
7. Work problems: delays, absenteeism, a greater number of errors at work, low professional achievement, lower productivity and professional efficiency.

How to avoid burnout

Now that you know what the worst case scenario is, let’s find out how to avoid it from happening to you.

1. First things first

When starting your own business, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many things to figure out and deadlines to meet, that you just don’t know what to do next. The solution is to prioritize. Instead of dwelling on the neverending heap of tasks, make a list of the most urgent things to tackle. This way you switch on the solution mode in your brain and stay focused.

2. Remember your why

Burnout often occurs when the goal you are working towards does not resonate. If this is happening to you, think back and remember why started your business in the first place. Most likely you just went off course.

3. Create a new challenge

Keep in mind that goals can change. But having a sense of purpose is essential to avoid burnout. You just need to set a new goal that you find appealing, yet attainable. When you do work that is meaningful, you feel rewarded.

4. Build processes

Make sure to create strategies that facilitate your work. Being good at time management is key for entrepreneurs. You also need to build business processes to become more efficient. Fortunately, technology now allows automating business processes to save even more time.

5. Learn to say no

There are many times when you feel that everyone wants a piece of you, especially when you are extremely busy. While various social engagements and responsibilities are important, they often take a lot of valuable time that you cannot spare. So when there is too much on your plate, just say no. It may not be easy at first, but the more you practice, the lighter you will feel.

6. Develop social network

As a new entrepreneur, there will definitely come a time when you feel like you are out of your league and lack resources or certain skills. When that happens, having social support is extremely helpful. When there is someone who can either share some advice or at least cheer you up, the burden of entrepreneurship does not seem that heavy.

7. Schedule breaks

When you are just starting out, the new business usually takes up all your time. However, it is vital to maintain a work-life balance to avoid physical and mental exhaustion. Make sure to schedule regular breaks to recharge and get the rest you need.

In conclusion

Entrepreneur burnout is no joke. When you feel like the work that you do is not that exciting anymore, take notice and think why you do it and what you can change to feel joyous again.