Let’s start with a quick self-check. Nod your head if any of these apply:

• Are you feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated as a business owner? 
• Are you feeling a sense of detachment from your work and a lack of motivation to continue? 
• Are you struggling to make progress in your business? 
• Are you feeling stuck in a rut and uninspired by your work? 
• Are you feeling like giving up on your business?

If you nodded yes to any of these, it sounds like you have a serious case of BUSINESS BURNOUT.

What is Business Burnout?

Business burnout is a state of energetic, emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion which is a common phenomenon among entrepreneurs and small business owners. It can occur as a result of a combination of factors, such as loss of vision and motivation, excessive workload, lack of control, and conflicting demands. Business burnout can also lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and in severe cases, depression and other mental health issues. It is important for business owners to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address the underlying causes.

Causes of Business Burnout

Lack of Purpose:  As an entrepreneur, you most likely started your business with a clear vision and a sense of purpose. But over time, you may lose sight of why you started in the first place. Disillusionment comes when you become bogged down by the day-to-day operations of your business, the frustration of slow to no progress and you eventually lose sight of your original vision and passion.

Lack of Balance. Entrepreneurs often have a hard time separating work from personal life in a healthy way. When you forget that your business exists to feed your personal life and not take away from it, you easily fall prey to burnout. You may find yourself working overly long hours, neglecting your health, relationships and deep emotional needs. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion, depression, and burnout.

Lack of Control. Constantly feeling like you are at the mercy of your customers, employees, and vendors may leave you fighting fires and living in perpetual crisis mode. No wonder you are ready to throw in the towel and walk away from what was once your precious baby.

Symptoms of Business Burnout

You may be experiencing burnout if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms.

• Constant fatigue
• Feeling emotionally drained, 
• unmotivated, or 
• depressed, 
• having trouble focusing, 
• memory problems,  
• decreased job satisfaction, 
• a sense of detachment from your work, 
• and a lack of motivation to continue, 

So, what can you do to  lift yourself up out of this deep downward spiral?

Overcoming Business Burnout

Take a step back and reevaluate your life. Start a mini journal and write out everything you want for yourself in life. Nothing is too big or too small. Once you have this list, ask yourself how your CURRENT actions add to or take away from what you truly want. Now that you’ve noticed the disconnect, use tools like the Fearless Business Breakthrough to help you take stock and re-align.

Set boundaries and create a better work-life rhythm. Delegate some of your responsibilities and free up time for yourself to reconnect with your original vision and purpose and to reignite your passion for your business. Even carving out one hour a day just for yourself is enough to help you start prioritizing what is most important to you and what actions best serve your passions. 

Deliberately take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. It’s important to make time for yourself, your family and friends, and your hobbies. A well-rounded YOU translates into a well-rounded business. Physical energy promotes emotional energy and combats burnout.

Business burnout is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on your health, your business, and your relationships. By understanding the hidden causes of burnout, recognizing the symptoms, and taking steps to address them, you can prevent burnout and build a more sustainable and fulfilling business.

This specially curated Fearless Business Breakthrough for Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers is a resource to get you started on the journey to making yourself and your business over.