Feeling the entrepreneurial blues? How to battle entrepreneurial burnout and reignite your business mojo

By Laura Crossan, Marketing Coordinator

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Hey there, fellow go-getter! So, you've taken the plunge and started your own business. That's fantastic, kudos to you! 🙌

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For months, you've been hustling hard, making that dough, and it feels like you're on top of the world. But hold on, have you recently hit a wall where that initial fire seems to be dwindling?

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You'd rather be binge-watching Netflix in bed than tackling the mountain of tasks piling up, seeking motivation for business. The thought of talking to yet another potential client feels like a dental visit. You're second-guessing yourself and maybe even doubting if this is the right path.

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Don't sweat it; you're not alone. 

What you're experiencing is as common as your morning coffee – it's known as entrepreneurial burnout or startup burnout, and it happens to the best of us.

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The stats underscore the seriousness of this issue.

One in three entrepreneurs grapple with depression and burnout. Shockingly, 30 percent of entrepreneurs admit they are often or constantly burned out. To add to that, 64 percent of entrepreneurs state that they are more stressed now than they were just two years ago. 

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Surprisingly, only 33 percent of entrepreneurs actually take proper vacations to help alleviate burnout, even though they can significantly benefit from it.*

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In a striking University of Berkeley study, it was discovered that a staggering 72 percent of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues, in stark contrast to the 48 percent of non-entrepreneurs who face similar challenges.**

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Take a deep breath. It's all part of the entrepreneurial journey, and there are indeed ways to reignite that spark.

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What Causes Entrepreneurial Burnout?

Before we dive into the solutions, let's pinpoint the root causes. Discouragement can be brought on by various factors like burnout, impostor syndrome, or a lack of confidence. When you find yourself in this funk, ask yourself these questions:

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• Workload Assessment: Are you burdened with an excessive workload?

• Rest and Recovery: Are you allowing yourself adequate rest and recovery time?

• Productivity Evaluation: Is there room for improvement in your productivity?

• Passion Pursuit: Are you making time for activities that genuinely inspire you?

• Boundaries Set: Have you established healthy boundaries for work-life balance?

• Learning and Growth: Is your schedule accommodating space for continued learning and self-improvement?

Being honest with yourself can shed light on what's really bothering you, paving the way for a comeback. Learn more about how to spot entrepreneurial burnout here.

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Reigniting Your Entrepreneurial Flame

Based on your answers to the above questions, you might need to tailor your comeback strategy. But in general, here's how you can reignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

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• Craft a To-Do List: Embrace the power of checklists. They serve as a GPS for a cluttered mind, making it easier to handle tasks effectively.

• Reflect on Your Journey: While it's often said not to dwell on the past, reflecting on your progress can be inspiring. It's a reminder of how far you've come, which can be a potent motivator.

• Embrace Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being. Every successful business owner needs a personal health plan tailored to their needs. This could mean regular exercise, a balanced diet, or any wellness practices that keep you at your best.

•  Dive into Action: Oddly enough, sometimes discouragement is rooted in procrastination. Prioritize important tasks to boost your sense of accomplishment, then reward yourself with leisure time.

• Shun Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others in your industry can be counterproductive. Your path is uniquely yours, and focusing on your growth yields better results.

• Commit to Lifelong Learning: Overcome impostor syndrome through continuous self-improvement. Dedicate time each day to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. Confidence blossoms from competence.

•  Don't forget why you started your business in the first place — to do what you love: If a task no longer brings you joy, delegate it or eliminate it altogether. Incorporate daily activities that make you happy.

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Feeling disheartened as an entrepreneur is merely a brief stop on your journey. It's a sign of personal growth and pushing your limits. Stay the course, knowing that even the most successful entrepreneurs face similar challenges. 😊

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*Courtesy of Zipdo

**Courtesy of addVENTURES

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Want to learn more about entrepreneurial burnout? Read this study from the National Library of Medicine.

Need some help achieving your business goals? Read this blog post.