Ep 16 - 3 Truths About Entrepreneurial Burnout and Why Working Harder Isn’t the Answer

Are you feeling the burn of entrepreneurial life, working tirelessly day in and day out? Ever wondered why working harder doesn't always lead to success? Join me as we dive deep into the harsh truths of entrepreneurial burnout. And trust me, this is a game changer. Discover why working harder isn't the answer, and instead, learn strategies for working smarter. If you're ready to break free from the burnout cycle, grab your pen and notebook and take the 1st step towards a more balanced and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Let's do this. Are you a successful business owner who has a laundry list of ideas and struggles to achieve your big goals? Welcome to the CEO Amplify podcast. I'm your host, Donna Dube, and my goal is to empower How are you to drive meaningful change and amplify your profits without the overwhelm? Join us as we provide actionable solutions for visionary CEOs Just like yourself, to uplevel your CEO skills, streamline operations, and master strategic prioritization. Learn how to scale your business to new heights, working smarter, not harder.

If you're ready to reclaim your time and accelerate your growth, Let's dive in and start this exciting adventure together. Remember, the only limit to your business growth is the one you set for yourself. Welcome back, CEOs. As I'm recording this, we are in quarter 4, the last quarter of the year. For some of you, this may excite you and pump you up and to keep on pushing and keep the momentum going. For others, this time of year is much harder. Stuck on the burnout hamster wheel, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Perhaps you promised yourself you'd never let your calendar get so crowded again, But here you are suffocating under the weight of other people's agendas, drowning in their demands, missing too many sunsets and precious moments with those you love.

Today, I'm sharing a bit of a personal story that's close to my heart, a story of being stuck on the burnout hamster wheel, exhausted and overwhelmed. I vividly remember a time in my business When I struggled with the hustle and grind, feeling exhausted just trying to keep on, hoping to get the results I wanted to see. I can recall a month of back to back scheduling, team meetings, client meetings, network meetings with no dedicated time to just b. Honestly, I felt totally depleted. It was then that I realized that this is no way to live nor no way to thrive as an entrepreneur. But the good news here is that we all have the power to change this narrative. It all comes down to 3 empowering choices, courageously setting boundaries, listening to your mind and body, and scheduling time for play. Stick with me through this episode, and I promise you'll leave with actionable insights to prevent burnout and lead a more balanced life.

Let's dive deep into our 1st empowering choice, courageously setting boundaries. Now setting boundaries isn't just a buzzword. It's a lifeline for maintaining your sanity in this fast paced entrepreneurial world that we live in. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself constantly juggling tasks and feeling overwhelmed. Truthfully, it was a recipe for burnout, but it took me some time before I saw it. As a service provider, I was willing to take on any task. My calendar was wide open to book anything at any time, and truthfully, I had no boundaries. If you have listened to any of my other podcast episodes, I certainly had my scheduling ninja Working against me, not for me.

But then I discovered time blocking. Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different activities or priorities. By segmenting your day into focused work, personal time, and relaxation, you regain control over your schedule. Now I have to say there's a caveat here. We have to take it a step further to actually work the plan. So if you're setting up specific blocks of time for certain types of work, you need to ensure that you're following through. So as a tip, try this. At the start of each week, plan your days by allocating specific blocks of time for important tasks, meetings, and personal time.

This ensures that you create a well rounded schedule and time to prioritize your self care. It really sets clear expectations for both you, your team, and your clients. There are clear times in your week when clients can book calls, when your team knows they can find you, and you also know what you were to be working on. Now part of setting up these clear boundaries is learning how to say No. And I know it's only a 2 letter word, but sometimes as entrepreneurs saying no can really be tough, especially when we wanna please everyone? Raise hands for all the people pleasers out there. I know how this feels because I used to say yes to every opportunity, and oftentimes at the expense of my own well-being. But I have learned that saying no is a crucial skill. Saying no doesn't mean you're rejecting others.

It means you're protecting your time and your and your energy. It's about setting priorities that align with your goals and your values. And it might take some time to practice the art of saying no gracefully. But you can use phrases like, I appreciate the offer, but my current commitments won't allow me to take on more. Or I'd love to help, my but my schedule is full right now. You can communicate your boundaries while still being professional. A book that had a big influence on my approach to boundaries is called Essentialism by Greg McKeown. And it taught me the value of discerning between what's essential, like what's really essential, and what's not.

And essentialism really is about focusing on the vital tasks that truly matter rather than spreading yourself too thin with non essentials. Again, it's really a mindset shift that can help you prevent burnout by allowing you to invest your time and energy wisely. You can implement this by regularly reviewing your tasks and your commitments. I know I often ask myself, when I have a task in front of me, is this task essential to my goals? If it's not, then I have to consider delegating it or letting it go. And this really helps me free up my time for what truly matters. And I know because I've been through it that setting boundaries is not always easy. We often might get resistance from our colleagues, our clients, or even ourselves. But remember, It's a vital step in preventing burnout.

And if you find that you're getting resistance, when you're trying to set boundaries, it's essential to stand firm. Communicate your boundaries clearly and explain their importance to those around you. When people know the expectations and what your boundaries are, over time, they can begin to respect and adapt to your boundaries. But you have to start with that clear communication. You can be polite, but be firm in expressing your limits. So for example, I'm dedicated to maintaining a healthy work life balance, so I can't take on additional work at this time. This clarity really helps others understand your position without being rude. Another way to look at Boundaries is really to get inspiration from others.

I know that through my entrepreneurial journey, I've encountered many inspiring hiring people who have been able to successfully set boundaries and achieve remarkable results. For instance, I had met an entrepreneur who, after years of burnout, decided to establish a no work zone during the weekends. This decision allowed him to reconnect with his family and to recharge. And what he noticed was that over time, his business not only survived, but thrived because he was operating from a place of balance and clarity. So take inspiration from such stories. Identify people in your lives who have mastered this art of setting boundaries and learn from their experiences. Reach out to them if you need to for advice and insights. Their journeys can often serve as beacons of hope on our path to preventing burnout.

And remember, CEOs, that setting boundaries is a continuous process and requires patience and self compassion, but through time blocking, saying no, overcoming challenges, and seeking inspiration, you can be well on your way to creating a sustainable and balanced life. Alright. The second truth about entrepreneurial burnout and why working harder isn't helping you find that balance is listening to your mind and body, the often neglected but vital indicators of well-being. I remember a challenging period in my entrepreneurial journey when I began experiencing the warning signs of burnout. I was working long hours, constantly stressed, and really neglecting my own needs. I had to learn to recognize the signs of burnout before they led to a full blown episode. Because the truth is, burnout doesn't happen overnight. It starts with subtle signs that we often ignore.

These can include emotional changes, like increased irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and just a loss of enthusiasm for your work, I want you to start paying close attention to your emotional state. I found keeping a journal to help me record these feelings and my stress levels daily really helped. A simple practice of just writing down how I was feeling could really help me spot patterns and recognize eyes when I was veering towards burnout. One of the most valuable habits I developed was regular self reflection. It's a practice that allows you to tune into your mind and your body. It involves setting aside time to contemplate your thoughts, your feelings, and your experiences. And you don't need a lot of time for this, just a short few minutes. But really, it's a chance to check-in with yourself and gain some insight into your mental and emotional state.

So consider scheduling a weekly self reflection session. You could even tap this on to your CEO power hour. But you wanna find a quiet space free from distractions, and just take some time to ask yourself. How am I feeling about my work right now? What stressors am I facing? This self awareness can really help you identify areas for improvement. And the truth is, burnout doesn't have to be the end of your entrepreneurial journey. It can be a turning point. I've seen so many entrepreneurs who recognize the burnout and decided to initiate a reset. Taking deliberate steps to alleviate stress and regain balance.

Maybe it involves taking a short sabbatical off of some things, possibly social media, delegating tasks, or if necessary, seeking professional help. If you sense burnout approaching, certainly don't hesitate to take action. A short break, even if it's just a Day or 2 can help you disconnect and recharge Reaching out to a mentor or therapist if you are really struggling to manage your stress. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. You can empower yourself to maintain a healthy balance and thrive as an entrepreneur. Alright. The 3rd truth for entrepreneurial burnout is scheduling time for play. Again, this is an area that's often overlooked, but so important in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

I know in the early days of my journey, I was convinced that every minute had to be productive. I thought play was a luxury and certainly something I couldn't afford. However, I did learn that this mindset was driving me straight towards burnout. It was only when I started incorporating play into my routine that I experienced a profound on shift. I began exercising regularly and attending live music events. These activities brought me joy and rekindled my creativity. Suddenly, I was more inspired and energized in my work. I know of an entrepreneur who dedicates Sunday evenings to family dinners.

No exceptions. This simple tradition has strengthened his bonds with his loved ones and provided a source of emotional nourishment. So what's play for you? Might be a hobby, a sport, or simply spending quality time with friends and family. Whatever it is, Make it a non negotiable part of your life Play isn't just for children. It's a fundamental need for adults too Engaging in activities you enjoy outside of your business can boost your creativity, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Play isn't just a distraction from work. It's an investment in your mental and emotional health. And when you prioritize play, you'll find that your work becomes more enjoyable and your productivity improves.

Of course, it took me a while to discover what activities truly brought me joy and relaxation, and it's essential that you find and your own play activities that resonate with you. It can take many forms. Right? Perhaps it's pursuing a hobby like painting, dancing or gardening. Maybe it involves spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, or simply taking a leisurely walk in nature. Take some time to explore different activities and pay attention to what brings you joy. Create a list of these activities and keep it handy for those moments when you need a break from your business. One of the most significant shifts in my life occurred when I decided to make play a nonnegotiable. Now friends, this wasn't easy at first, but it sure was a game changer.

I know for me, I often felt guilty about taking time for play, Fearing that it might, you know, distract me from other success However, making play a priority is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout Schedule playtime onto your calendar just as you would a business meeting Block out specific periods for your chosen play activities This simple act can help you honor your commitment to play and ensure it doesn't get overshadowed by work demands. I've encountered entrepreneurs We've established playtime rituals that really enhance their well-being and their creativity. And rituals and routines are so powerful because they provide structure and consistency. For instance, maybe you can establish a weekly ritual of taking a long bath, indulging and reading your favorite book, or exploring some new music. These routines create a sense of anticipation and joy that can really rejuvenate your spirit. And, of course, the other part of playtime is the opportunity to connect with loved ones and strengthen relationships. Playtime doesn't have to be a solitary experience. In fact, it can even be more rewarding when we're sharing it with family and friends.

So consider organizing regular play dates with your loved ones, whether it's a board game night, a hiking adventure, or a cooking class. These shared experiences not only provide enjoyment, but create lasting memories and stronger connections. As we wrap up, remember that balance isn't a destination, but an ongoing process. Thank you for joining me in this important discussion about finding balance as an entrepreneur. I hope the stories and insights shared today will serve as a guiding light on your journey. Burnout is not an inevitable part of entrepreneurship. By courageously setting boundaries, listening to our mind and body, and scheduling time for play, we can create a life that's not only successful, but also joyful. If you have questions, need guidance, or just wanna share your own stories of overcoming burnout, please reach out.

We're in this together, and I'm here to support you on your path to a healthier, more balanced life. Until next time, take care and keep thriving. Thank you for joining me on this episode of CEO Amplify. I appreciate you being part of our thriving community of ambitious business If you enjoy today's episode, kindly ask you to share this podcast with a friend and take a hot minute to rate and leave a review. It would mean the world to me. Your feedback helps me reach more people and continue providing valuable content. Thanks so much for your support. Keep shining, and we'll catch you on the next episode.