For a lot of business owners, being busy means being successful. And, in some respects, it is. Your order books are full; there is an abundance of work coming through the door, and because you’re busy, you feel like you’re succeeding.
But are you?
Or are you on the brink of suffering from complete overwhelm?
How many times have you told yourself that things will settle down once a particular project is complete, or a certain deadline passes?
And how many times has this happened?
The reality is that constantly operating at full capacity isn’t sustainable.
Feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or constantly busy isn’t simply just “a part of running a business”.
Doing everything yourself, working long hours (all the time), checking emails outside normal office hours, and struggling to switch off or struggling to prioritise can all start to take their toll.
Affecting your wellbeing as well as your business, recognising the signs of busy compared to burnout can be vital.
This post looks at these differences and provides practical steps you can implement before stress and overwhelm begin to take over.
Burnout vs Busy
In business, there will always be periods of pressure where things feel like they’re moving at 100 mph.
However, these busy periods are just that: periods. Periods that tend to end when things slow down once the deadline has passed, the client is happy, and the work is complete.
This is, to a degree, normal business working. And on a personal level, it is also completely normal to feel overwhelmed and, if we’re honest, exhausted after a big project has ended.
The difference between busy and burnout comes when the feeling of overwhelm and exhaustion does not leave.
Where you persistently feel drained and, if you’re honest, disconnected from the work you’re doing and the business as a whole.
This is burnout.
Signs of burnout
Some of the most common signs that you are running on empty:
- You have difficulty switching off/replying to emails at all hours on all days
- You feel constantly tired/suffer from chronic physical exhaustion
- You have reduced motivation and creativity
- You’re suffering from decision fatigue
- You feel unbelievable guilt when you take time away from work
- You have lost enjoyment in the business, resulting in a drop in performance
- You are becoming more irritable
- You feel a sense of isolation.
Trying to push through burnout is not the answer. Instead, look for healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
Introducing sustainable working practices
As small business owners, we’re never going to be able to avoid high-pressure periods; however, we can manage these more proactively and avoid burnout by:
Setting boundaries – it’s important to respect your time, energy, and wellbeing while giving yourself the breathing space to focus and be more present. This means setting boundaries. For example, look to set and communicate clear working hours, blocking out time for meetings, reading, even brainstorming. Take regular breaks and practice saying no if work isn’t the right fit, or it is not something that you should be doing (check out our post on “Knowing when to say this isn’t my skillset” as a business owner).
Aligning with your values – is the work that you’re doing aligned with your vision and business values? Do you need to reevaluate your goals and workload? It’s important to take some time and remember your why. The reason you do what you do. And if something is no longer fit, maybe it’s time to change course. Your values can guide you, shift your focus, and give you the confidence to say “no.”
Delegating/outsourcing tasks – we know that “doing everything” is not the best option; however, we also understand that it’s not always possible to delegate tasks, especially when you’re still growing your workforce. This is where outsourcing can be a lifeline. Providing you with help when you need it most, outsourcing and delegating certain tasks frees up your time and allows you to focus on other areas of the business.
Prioritising yourself – to achieve the ideal work-life blend, you have to prioritise yourself. Whether through practicing relaxation techniques that work for you, joining professional communities, or talking to a mentor or business coach, focusing on self-care helps you put things into better perspective, both personally and professionally.
Importance of recognising burnout
Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after your business, and making small changes now can prevent bigger challenges later.
Rest, boundaries, and support are all integral business strategies, not signs of weakness. In fact, recognising the early signs of burnout isn’t about doing less or lowering expectations. Instead, it is about protecting your energy, building healthier habits, and creating a business that can thrive long term.
A sustainable business relies on a grounded business owner – what small change could you make this week to better protect your time, energy, or wellbeing?
Looking for additional support?
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