Running a small business requires a lot of energy, but there are steps you can take to avoid the dreaded burn-out
Anyone who’s taken on the mammoth task of running their own business knows how it feels to be tired and burned out. Periods where you feel a distinct lack of motivation are all part of the package that comes with creating your own enterprise, but the real test is found in your ability to fight through these periods and come out stronger.
Whether you’re struggling to balance work and home life, or simply feeling tired of the daily grind, there are things you can do to boost your productivity and get your energy levels back on track.
Here are our top tips for boosting your productivity as an entrepreneur.
Remind yourself what motivates you
Most cases of feeling unmotivated stem from being unable to see the wood for the trees. The little daily tasks that pile up can get in the way of seeing the bigger picture, and this can cause you to forget why you set out to start your business in the first place.
Make sure you take the time to remind yourself why you’re doing what you do. Ask yourself what motivates you, and have a goal in mind that you’re trying to reach. You could even create a Dream Board full of inspiration to keep you going.
Learn to delegate
No matter how skilled and experienced you consider yourself to be, you can’t expect to complete all the necessary tasks for running your business alone. This is why a team is necessary. You’re in charge, so learn to delegate tasks to other team members in order to clear your desk and give you time to focus on the things that really matter to you.
Reduce the risk of distractions
When you’re trying to be productive, distractions are all too easy to find. This is especially true in the 21st century when we have a whole spectrum of information, apps and communication at our fingertips in the form of a smartphone.
For business owners, not having a boss breathing down your neck can increase the temptation to bunk off even more, so try to keep distractions to a minimum by putting your phone out of reach.
Stick to a schedule
It’s impossible to be in work mode all the time, so make sure you create a schedule that allows you to work when you need to work, and rest when you don’t. A schedule is absolutely key to staying productive throughout the day, as it helps your brain adapt to a routine that’s both fair and functional. This goes for anything in life (fitness, saving money, learning a new skill), but is particularly important when it comes to the world of business.
Find a technique that works for you
There are many frameworks and techniques designed to make things easier for entrepreneurs, so find the one that works for you. One of the most well-known is the Pomodoro technique, developed in the 1980s by consulting firm owner Francesco Cirillo.
This method involves splitting your day into 25-minute increments of work, followed by five minutes of rest. After finishing four intervals, you get a longer rest of 20 to 30 minutes.
Give yourself a break
And finally, remember that sometimes feeling burned out is a sign that a bit of R&R is necessary. There’s no shame in giving yourself some time to recuperate. Remember, running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.