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Tips to Avoid Work Burnouts

March 3, 2008 | Business Plan, Careers | Comments (2)

Burnouts

If you’re starting your own business in 2008, chances are you’ll be spending a tremendous amount of time at the office. Unfortunately, burnout is as frequent as a cause for failure as lack of revenues. In fact, many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of time and psychic energy involved in running a business. Business and marketing plans are great at taking into account fixed costs, revenue projections and marketing goals, … and not so great at gauging the amount of hard work (or “human capital”) that goes into a business endeavor.

For a new business owner, it is easy to see how running your own show can also quickly begin to run your life. Here are a few tips to avoid burnout and work-related exhaustion in 2008.

  1. Join a gym – Your body is a temple. Treat it like one. Exercise will keep you mind tight, your thoughts focused and give you energy for the rest of the day.
  2. Find a hobby – You need to think about something besides work during your “off” hours. Collect stamps. Be a photographer. Blog online. Find something that you like and create a separate bubble for your interests.
  3. Take small breaks during the day – Take a walk around the office building. Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Buy yourself a new outfit. Call a friend. Go to a park and watch squirrels eat acorns. Do something to break up the monotony of a 12-hour workday.
  4. Try to have a personal life – If you have a spouse or significant other in your personal life, don’t abdicate your responsibilities in your relationship. Your partner is with you because he/she loves you and wants to spend time with you. Make sure you leave enough time in your work week for those who are most important to you.
  5. Don’t bring your work home – When you shut the door at your office after a long day’s work, leave the work there. Don’t bring any work home unless you absolutely have to, … or if your “work” is at home. Create some transparent barriers between your work life and your personal life.
  6. Work with a business coach – When in doubt, work with a professional. A “life coach” can help you effectively manage your time and set your business and personal priorities. Many times, it is quite effective to seek out the advice of an unbiased third-party