Question:
I’m passionate about opening my own construction company, and excited to be my own boss. But I’m also worried about burning out. Do you have any advice?
A: You’re smart to address this concern now. Opening and running your own business is rewarding, but it’s also quite demanding. It’s natural, especially in startup mode, to work many hours. Burnout can impact your health, decision-making, morale and the overall sustainability of your company. Because burnout can build quietly, here are some signs and steps to take to stay healthy and balanced.
Early signs of burnout include constant fatigue, even after rest, and irritability or impatience with employees or customers. You might feel a loss of motivation for projects you once enjoyed, a decline in productivity, or isolation brought on by withdrawal from your team or loved ones. And physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia or tension might be contributing factors.
- Know your triggers. Every business owner has pressure points. Common triggers can include overcommitment — saying “yes” to everything — and an inability to delegate. Financial pressures and constant worry about cash flow or payroll might be the cause. Or working with unclear boundaries and having work invade every hour of the day.
- Get to the source. Track which specific tasks, or times of day or days of the week, drain your energy. Determine the days and times that work best for administrative needs, those that are best for production, and those that are best for working with clients and vendors. Determine when your energy dips during the week to help pinpoint what’s depleting you.
- Put up new systems. Design your business and systems to run with you, not through you. Delegate or automate routine tasks — and empower your team in the process. Create predictable workflows so your day isn’t a string of emergencies. Schedule dedicated “CEO time” to work on strategy. Create or use no-code systems for scheduling, payments and client communication.
- Treat your energy like the asset that it is. As a business owner, your energy is your most valuable resource. Conserve it by setting boundaries, such as no emails after a certain hour. Prioritize sleep — it’s a productivity multiplier — and take microbreaks throughout the day. Schedule short walks or other exercise to help reduce cortisol. Make moments to celebrate wins (both large and small) and carve out some downtime.
- Branch into a support network. You don’t have to go it alone. Facing challenges with others helps you feel less isolated, more able to manage stress. Connect with peer groups for shared problem-solving, and mentors or coaches can offer seasoned perspective. Recruit a trusted team member to take on some added responsibility. Mental health professionals can assist with burnout recovery and resilience.
For confidential, no-cost advising, reach out to the trusted advisers at Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center at cocc.edu/sbdc or 541-383-7292.
About the Expert:
With decades of small business ownership, teaching and advising experience, Sue Meyer works alongside the skilled team of business advisers at Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center.
