Are you a small business feeling stressed? Around March I’m feeling burnout. January starts with classes and I’m going hard teaching, designing, creating, coaching, and just being present and responsive for a packed 3 months. Come April I need 10 days of no meetings (doesn’t happen). Come summer time, I’m ready to stop staring at a screen for 10 hours a day.

Re-coding the Work Calendar for Small Businesses

In 2021 I decided to adopt a school year calendar where the summer and last couple of weeks around the holidays are a break from being on a screen from eyes open to eyes closed. The first summer I spent a few weeks in New England and planned a memorable Family reunion. 2022 was the awe-inspiring GUIDED Road Show – 10 cities in 6 weeks plus a host of business matchmaking events. 2023 took me out of the country for an extended time which led to new product ideas.

Working – making a living as an employee or an entrepreneur – should be fulfilling. Especially later in life when you’ve had exposure to know what you like and don’t like.

Write your RECHARGE plan, business owner

Pro tip: Prioritize yourself. You won’t be able to function on anything if you don’t take care of yourself.

Recognizing that you’re tired and need rest is a crucial step in self-care. Small business training programs and courses can help you manage your workload effectively, allowing time for rest. Books like “The E-Myth Revisited” are among the best books for small business owners to learn how to balance work and rest.

Try to Pinpoint The Cause of Your Mental Health Stress

Pinpointing the cause of your stress is another essential step. Perhaps administrative tasks bog you down? Small business consultants can help streamline these processes or consider hiring someone to handle them. Books on starting a small business often provide useful insights into managing stress and workload.

Small Businesses: Stick to a Working Schedule 

Adhering to a working schedule can also alleviate burnout. As a small business owner, it’s crucial to set office hours and stick to them, leaving ample time for personal life.

Know Which Goals to Prioritize First for your Small Business

Knowing which goals to prioritize can significantly reduce overwhelming feelings. Multitasking may seem efficient, but focusing on one task at a time often leads to better results and less stress.

Seek Extra Hands for  Tasks That Don’t Require Your Attention

Don’t shy away from delegating tasks that don’t require your direct attention. Your team members have unique skills and talents – utilize them effectively. Remember, asking for help means four hands are getting more done than two.

Celebrate Your Success, Entrepreneur!

Finally, celebrate your success! Recognize your hard work and dedication. Milestones are not just achievements; they are reflections of your perseverance. Regular celebrations can bring fun to your work and act as a buffer against burnout.

Incorporating these tips into your routine can aid in preventing burnout, allowing your business to continue growing. Remember, balancing work and rest is not only beneficial for your health but also for your business’s success.

Want more inspiration? Follow Cauley & Associates’ blog, a highly-sought after mental health practice for Hollywood’s tech and entertainment industry.

I was recently asked for advice for small businesses and I said “find your people.” Getting through the valleys along the entrepreneur journey are MUCH easier when you have fellow entrepreneurs to talk them out with.

Here are a few more resources:

1. 1. Small Business Stress Management: 10 Tips to Keep You Sane – This article provides ten practical tips for managing stress as a small business owner.

   2. Self-Care Strategies for Small Business Owners – This American Express article discusses various self-care strategies specifically tailored for small business owners.

   3. The Importance of Self-Care in Small Business – A Forbes article that highlights the importance of self-care in running a small business.

   4. How Entrepreneurs Can Reduce Stress – An Entrepreneur.com article discussing different ways entrepreneurs can reduce stress.

   5. 7 Self-Care Habits for Small Business Owners – This QuickBooks article outlines seven habits that small business owners can adopt for better self-care.

What does your re-coded work schedule look like? Please let us know. Share on IG@GuidedBusiness. 

Guided Business Plan is an entrepreneur education firm simplifying business growth strategies. Learn more – Guided for small businesses..