Dealing with Burnout
In this episode I talk about how to deal with burnout and give you a few tips you can do right away to curb the crazy in your business. Read the full transcript below.
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Today I want to talk a little bit about dealing with burnout. I always find this an interesting topic because as new entrepreneurs, we don't really stop for anything, especially if we have a new idea or a project that we want to implement. We tend to just jump headfirst without giving thought to anything else. In the beginning, there's always a period of great momentum. We don't believe in breaks. We are passionate led and purpose driven...and that can lead to burnout. Especially because we don't leave room for anything else. There's that feeling of being mentally exhausted, stressed out and overwhelmed. There's that feeling that you're constantly working just to feel like you're not making a dent in any of it...and that can really get to you.
0:54
You know, there's also that feeling of being overwhelmed by what you're trying to accomplish. A feeling like you've lost your purpose or the thing that once drove you to start the journey in the first place. In the busy-ness, of starting and growing a business, we tend to forget that we're human and that humanity requires rest. We think we have to respond to every email...every message that comes across our desk. We think we have to be on a call every moment of the day and that we have to answer everything immediately.
1:33
Even if you're providing extraordinary service to your customer, that doesn't mean you have to be on all the time. The work isn't going anywhere. It'll be there when you get back, trust me. You're still gonna have your emails and calls to get to, but before you do that, you need to take time for yourself and sure that your systems are right too. There are plenty of people out there who think that if they don't take a day off of work... if they don't answer some of the emails, or return calls coming their way that they will have a ton of emails or calls. I totally get that, I completely understand. I've been there at times, but if you're one of those people, then some of your systems are fundamentally broken.
2:21
I'll cover in just a minute or two...how to fix some of those systems and what do you can do to at least start fixing those systems. As a new business owner, you're wearing all of the hats here, right? You are the bookkeeper, accountant, marketing manager, legal department, sales team, lead generator, web designer, copywriter, etc. and anything else you can think of. The list is huge, right? As a business as one, you're only capable of doing so much in a certain period of time.
2:55
So, the first thing I wanted to cover is setting boundaries. This is a huge one for a lot of people. I am a firm believer that you teach others how to treat you. So, if you answer phone calls and emails at all hours of the day and night, then your clients will not have a problem contacting you at all hours of the night. You have to set the boundaries. If your working hours are between 9 to 3 or 4 to 7 (or whatever it is that you you've set it to), then that is what your client needs to know and understand. It also means that you have to keep to the boundaries you create. This is something you should address at the beginning of your working relationship and onboarding system. So, if you have a welcome packet that you send to clients prior to working together, make sure your office and email hours are all spelled out for them. You may even want to have them sign off on a specific section acknowledging what those hours are, but it depends on your system. Either way, make sure you address it early, so you don't have to address it later.
4:12
The second thing is to hire a virtual assistant when you can afford to do it. A virtual assistant can do some of those things that you don't have time for. They are gems...absolute gems when you find the right one. If you already have clients a VA can do the administrative work that you can't get to right or don't want to get to. That includes anything else you want to give to that person, including: social media marketing, editing your website, scheduling clients, or some something else that just completely stresses you out or overwhelms you.
4:53
When you do hire an assistant, make sure that you are specific in what you want your VA to do. Give them a list of things that they're responsible for. If you have already documented systems, just make sure they understand the process. If you're just starting out and you don't have a documented systems, then you need to start documenting them. These could include responding to client inquiries, engaging with your Facebook group, or even creating some of your marketing materials. Whatever it is, just make sure both you have an understanding of who is responsible for what.
5:46
Now, you can find some really good virtual assistants on Fiverr.com. I've used the platform many times for a lot of different reasons, but they definitely have some good gems out there, so head over there when you can.
6:01
Finally, take some time out for yourself. As much as we want to be passionate about pursuing our purpose and serving others, we need to be just as passionate about our downtime. I say a jokingly but in all seriousness, there is a reason why taking time for yourself is important. It allows us to rest, relax and detox from work. Find a happy something that is not work related...anything. Burnout is a very serious thing that could lead to depression, high anxiety and a lot of other mental and physical illnesses including exhaustion.
6:53
This is specifically about doing something other than work. This is where you want to be completely selfish with your time. This isn't about work. This isn't about creating anything for your business. This is specifically about you. Your mental, physical and spiritual health is important. Without that balance, you will not have the energy, the time, the mental bandwidth or physical capability to enjoy your life, your lifestyle or your business. So, find a hobby or something that takes you away from work, get out of the house. Go exercise, chill with friends...something socially distant, of course. Pick up that hobby you've always wanted to try. Get creative. Whatever it is...do something. The point is to do something that will get your energy flowing, your creativity juices going and something that reignites the passion you first knew when you started.
8:03
So, as a recap... to help you deal with burnout, you're gonna want to set some boundaries between you and your client. The earlier you have the conversation...you won't have to have it later. Second, hire a virtual assistant when you can afford it. They can take some stress off your shoulders and in your business for all those things you don't want to do. And finally, take some time out for yourself. You need that balance in order to move forward with your business.
8:44
Your life needs to be happy, healthy and smiling.
P.S. Whenever you're ready... here are a few ways I can help YOU grow YOUR business:
Explore my email + group coaching membership program where small business owners learn how to balance the various demands of their life and passion for helping others.
Visit the JSR Vision Academy where I share valuable and actionable content in the form of Masterclasses, ebooks, various downloads, group coaching, and more!
Join The Uncomplicated CEO community where I do live trainings designed to help CEOs align their vision with simple systems and strategies.
Listen to The Building Better Businesses Podcast. Here I share actionable tips and strategies you can use to become the CEO of your life and business.
