How to prevent burnout, master our strengths and outsource our weaknesses!

As small business owners we have many different roles and have many different tasks to manage across our working week. For most of us we are every department all bundled up into one individual… we are Director, HR, Marketing, Tech Support, Bookkeeper and administrator!

People often ask “Why did you set up your own business?”. When reflecting it comes down to wanting to do what I love, have the variety of supporting different business sectors, whilst giving me the flexibility to spend time with my family and friends.

As my business has grown it has brought with it a whole new set of challenges, part unlearning what was the norm but also having to learn new skills and adapt my working style to deliver across multiple demands. This has meant ruthlessly prioritising but also simplifying tasks into smaller manageable chunks to manage any potential stress or uncertainty. As a result this has allowed me to set myself boundaries that can help me avoid burnout and maintain the excitement that I felt when I first started my new business.

As a business owner we often do anything, but we can’t do everything… there is a famous quote by William Shakespeare “a jack of all trades is better than none, but often times better than a master of one”.

Whilst possessing skills in multiple areas is valuable we all generally have expertise in a core knowledgeable area and as the demands in your business grow being able to delegate becomes a crucial skill to prevent burnout.

So what are the most common signs of burnout?

Feeling tired and drained – and for most of the time!
Feeling helpless, trapped and a sense of defeat.
Feeling detached.
Having a negative outlook.
Self-doubt.
Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done.
Feeling overwhelmed.

I have noted below my strategies on how I prevent burnout before it actually happens;

Staying Connected

It’s always good to talk. There are many trained coaches who are able to offer tips and strategies and work towards building a plan and clear strategy.

Having a support system is also important whether that is by regularly networking with other business owners or through family or friends. Gaining other insights on a topic can help to put things into perspective and can give clarity and a new outlook.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance

A great way to avoid or recover from burnout is to encourage time away from the desk or workplace to relax and switch-off. It is easy when we have lots to do to work long hours and want to get it all done as quickly as possible, but this leads to demotivation and a lack of concentration. Set boundaries in working hours, take regular breaks and most of all book up that long awaited holiday. Taking time off is essential for getting the rest we need in both body and mind and to spend time with our family and friends.

Don’t seek perfection

We all want to do a great job, but perfectionism can actually hinder success. Measuring ourselves against impossibly high standards and setting the bar too high is risky and means we are not always able to deliver. Be realistic and set goals that will enable us to feel quietly pleased when achieved and also provides the space to over-achieve!

Learn to say no!

We all find it difficult to say the ‘No’ word but this is an important skill that can help to set boundaries, manage time and energy, and maintain our well-being. Saying no can be difficult, especially if we are used to saying yes to every request or invitation that comes our way. To make it easier to say no, be honest about the reasons and look to offer an alternative solution.

Outsourcing

There are many reasons that small business owners are busy, as highlighted there are lots of jobs and roles to fill! However, your weakness is somebody else’s strength and so why not look to outsource to a third party? This doesn’t have to be a big bang approach and as referenced at the start of this read, starting with small more manageable chunks often will pay greater benefits then trying to outsource a huge immovable impediment or obstacle within your business. Incrementally working together will be the pathway to success.

A business such as ourselves could fill a skills gap or we could review your current systems and processes to help find where improvements and efficiencies can be made.

Seeking professional support and advice may prove to be the best investment you make!

The metaphor of Buried in Paperwork

How much do you value your time?