Beating Burnout - How to Run a Business Stress Free

Being a small business owner is like being a superhero: you're the mastermind, the executor, the marketer, the customer service rep, the accountant, the cleaner and so much more, all rolled into one. It's exhilarating, challenging, but sometimes downright exhausting. As someone who's been through the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, I understand the struggle first hand. The people depending on you, the friends that assume you have the perfect work life balance because you’re not employed… quite often nothing is further from the truth! Burnout is a real beast lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce when you least expect it. But fear not, my fellow small business owners! With the right strategies and a sprinkle of automation magic, you can conquer burnout and start living the life you set out to achieve when you took the brave decision to start your own business.

Let's start with the basics. Burnout often sneaks up on us when we least expect it, like a stealthy ninja in the night. One day you're full of energy and motivation, and the next, you're running on empty, feeling like you've hit a brick wall. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. So, how do we dodge our night time ninja? Well here are some tips to help. You will no-doubt have come across many of these before, (I’m not re-inventing the wheel here) but I do hope it’s helpful and serves as a reminder that you are not in this alone. 

First things first, prioritise your well-being. Yes, I know you have a million and one things on your to-do list, but trust me, none of it matters if you're running on fumes. Embrace the Power of 'Me Time'. Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Schedule regular breaks (and that’s not stepping away from your computer and grabbing a coffee whilst on your phone!), make time to engage in activities that bring you joy, and remember that a well-rested mind is a creative and resilient one. Schedule ‘brain breaks’ as I like to call them, into your day just like you would a client meeting or a project deadline. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

This next one took me a very long time to grasp. Master the Art of Saying No. As a business owner, your time is your most precious resource. Politely declining non-essential commitments and projects frees up valuable hours, ensuring you can pour your energy into what truly propels your business forward. Which leads nicely into establishing boundaries. As a small business owner, it's easy to fall into the trap of working 24/7. After all, there's always something that needs to be done, right? Wrong. Setting boundaries is essential for preserving your sanity and preventing burnout. The digital age has blurred the lines between work and personal life and defining clear boundaries helps to prevent work from encroaching on your personal space. Define your working hours and stick to them religiously - which I know you won’t do, but do at least try to stick to them most of the time! Give yourself permission to unplug and recharge. Your business and your family will thank you for it.

Next up, let's talk about time management. As a small business owner, time is your most precious resource. Every minute wasted is money down the drain. Prioritise, Organise, Delegate and Automate. These 4 skills are crucial. Create a priority list and tackle high-impact tasks first. Use CRM systems and software such as My Biz Solution to assist in organising and tracking your workflow, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. The MyBiz Platform is your ultimate saviour here and where automation comes to the rescue; your trusty sidekick in the battle against burnout. When you don’t have the team to share the load or delegate tasks to, using the power of AI and automating tasks like responding to messages, newsletters, social media posts, email campaigns, calendars, and payment processes will free up your time to work on the bigger stuff or spend time with the family without constantly checking your phone. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it! 

Imagine this: instead of spending hours crafting the perfect social media post or manually sending out email blasts, you could set it and forget it. Schedule your posts in advance, automate your email sequences, and watch as your productivity soars to new heights. Plus, with everything streamlined in one platform, you'll save yourself the headache and expense of juggling multiple tools and logins.

But automation is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly avoid burnout, you need to learn the fine art of delegation. I get it, funds are tight and letting go of control can be terrifying, but trust me, it's a game-changer. Identify the tasks that drain your energy or fall outside your zone of genius, and hand them off to someone else. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant, outsourcing your bookkeeping, or partnering with freelancers, delegating frees up your time to focus on what truly matters – growing your business. 

The small business journey can be isolating and building a network of like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and joys of entrepreneurship can be a lifeline. Share insights, seek advice, and find solace in a supportive community whether that be online or a local networking event. This is also a great place to discuss possible delegation - connecting with others to help and support each other in your areas of expertise. 

The business landscape is ever-evolving. Stay ahead of the curve by investing in your knowledge. You may already feel that you are on a rollercoaster of continuous learning, but attend workshops, read industry publications, and embrace the thrill of learning something new. You know the saying… If you’re not moving forward you’re falling back! Don’t assume that what’s working today will work tomorrow; keep learning, keep adapting, keep changing.

My next little gem is my favourite, one that I do regularly (too regularly some might say) but Revamp Your Workspace. A cluttered and uninspiring workspace can contribute to burnout. Revitalise your workspace, rearrange the desks, infuse it with elements that inspire creativity and motivation. A fresh environment can work wonders for your mental well-being.

But what about those inevitable moments when the stress feels overwhelming? That's when it's time to deploy your secret weapon: Self-Awareness. One of the most important skills is the ability to recognise and be aware of how you are feeling. Remember, you're not a machine – you're human, and humans need rest and rejuvenation to thrive. We all have different thresholds and tolerance levels of different things but by being self aware will arm you with the ability to deploy a few, or all of the strategies to protect you from burnout. Whether it's taking a long bath, indulging in your favourite comfort food, curling up with a good book, or getting stuck into something physical like rearranging your office - find what soothes your soul and take the time to recharge.

Lastly, I can’t finish without mentioning the obvious; something I hope each and every one of you are doing already, at every possible moment. Celebrate Small Wins. In the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, it's easy to overlook the victories, big or small. Take a moment to celebrate achievements, no matter how minor. It's the fuel that keeps your entrepreneurial spirit burning bright.

I do hope you have found some useful insights, some things to ponder, some gentle reminders or just a comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Avoiding burnout as a small business owner requires a combination of many things but when I found My Biz Solution it inspired me to share it with as many fellow warriors as I could. By prioritising your well-being and streamlining your processes using tools and software, you'll not only sidestep burnout but also propel your business to new heights of success. So go forth, my fellow entrepreneurs, dust off your cape and conquer the world – one automated task at a time. 

To explore how to streamline your business and start enjoying your entrepreneurial journey click here 👉 My Biz Solution.

Note from the Author: Whilst we all manage the pressures of running our businesses differently, I cannot stress enough the importance of self awareness. If you are feeling overwhelmed please reach out to someone. There are lots of free organisations and support available. Even superheroes have supportive sidekicks - you do not have to do this alone and you are the most important thing in your business; look after yourself.