In small business ownership and entrepreneurship, It’s easy to become so immersed in the pursuit of our dreams that we neglect the very vessel through which those dreams are realized: ourselves.

Time to get grounded and ready to bring in your last quarter without taxing your biggest asset – your well-being.

If you read Profit First, you know that I did not take this advice when I first started out. 

This isn’t new news, but I have some additional lessons to share from that time period.

Once upon a time, I had it all. 

Then I lost it.

Now, I wouldn’t have avoided this crisis if I had taken care of myself, but if I had focused on my well-being more, I would have managed everything way better and it may not have gotten so dark. Protecting your well-being isn’t just a method to get you through the day, but also through a crisis. Years back, I lost my business. My house. My pride. It was taxing on my wife and kids, and my mentality. In retrospect I realize that if I had been in a routine of taking care of myself in the first place, that I would have fared better as a person. 

I’ve come to understand that achieving my goals requires not just ambition and hard work, but also a strategic approach to maintaining my mental and emotional well-being. I want to share my insights and experiences on how to avoid burnout while treading the exhilarating yet treacherous waters of the entrepreneurial journey. Here are a few things that I haven’t talked about much:

1. Prioritize self-care: I know, zzzzzz. You’ve heard it before. “Self-care” gets thrown around constantly. But maybe there’s a reason. As entrepreneurs, we often put our businesses first, neglecting our own well-being. Remember, you are the heart and soul of your venture. Dedicate time to self-care activities that rejuvenate you – be it exercise, meditation, reading, or spending quality time with your favorite people. Just as your business needs nurturing, so do you.
2. Set realistic boundaries: Boundaries are essential, both for your personal life and your business. Define your working hours and stick to them. Create a dedicated workspace to ensure a clear separation between work and leisure. Setting boundaries not only prevents burnout but also enhances your productivity during working hours.
3. Embrace delegation and outsourcing: Clockwork that business of yours! As entrepreneurs, we often wear multiple hats, but trying to do it all can lead to exhaustion. Embrace delegation and outsourcing. Focus on what you do best and delegate tasks that can be handled by others. This not only relieves your workload but also empowers your team and fosters a collaborative environment.
4. Continuous learning and growth: Just as your business evolves, so should you. Invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, and conferences, and engage in online courses to stay updated and expand your skill set. Continuous learning not only keeps you engaged but also prevents stagnation, a common precursor to burnout.
5. Cultivate resilience: The entrepreneurial journey is paved with failures, setbacks, and challenges. Resilience is your armor against burnout. Instead of viewing failures as roadblocks, see them as stepping stones toward growth. Cultivate a mindset that embraces setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
6. Practice mindfulness: Yep – me again with the mindfulness lecture – because it’s now the cornerstone of my happiness. In the chaos of entrepreneurship, practicing mindfulness can be a lifesaver. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you stay present, reduce stress, and enhance your decision-making abilities. Taking even a few minutes each day to center yourself can make a world of difference.

So whether it’s in your storage room massage chair (see scary video above), a walk through the woods, meditation, reading a book, sleeping, or time with a loved one, promise me now that you will take time today to recharge and hit that reset button. Then, and only then, will you be clear for take off.

Remember, you’re here for the long game. Preventing burnout is not just a necessity; it’s a strategic imperative for any entrepreneur aspiring to build a sustainable and impactful venture.

Nurture yourself today, and then make it a daily habit. 

Wishing you health and wealth always,

– Mike