Small business owners often think of their companies as their babies. This is especially true when they are passionate about what they do. It can be difficult to step away from the office, even if it’s just for a short time. We all have to take a break from work sometimes, even if it’s hard.
Get Organized!
It can be stressful if you do not have control over your day-to-day administration, files and other data. Disorganization can be a distraction when you are working hard. You can avoid burnout by organizing your computer, files, desk and work processes.
02of 08
Prioritize First
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks we have to complete. You don’t have to complete everything at once. Break down your list (or whatever system you use to track your tasks) into smaller segments based on the priority. Focus on the top 1-3 priority tasks at a given time.
03of 08
Schedule Downtime
You will not be able take a break, or do something non-work-related without rearranging your schedule and adding to the stress. You can schedule time for an activity like a walk, or even as a meeting. This will soon become a habit and one of your most valuable time slots. Don’t forget to plan a vacation at the same time!
04of 08
Stress is a Factor in Your Life
You probably don’t like certain aspects of your job and procrastinate to the maximum. When you finally do them, it takes longer and is more painful than necessary. You need to be able identify these stressors so that you can make a plan on how to get them off your list.
05of 08
Delegate
Do you know the expression, “It’s a village that raises a child?” It is the same for a successful company. Recognize your weaknesses, get support for those areas and learn how to delegate effectively. This will help you maximize your time and your impact.
06of 08
Just Say No
Although it’s hard to refuse work, there’s no faster way to burnout than accepting work that you don’t really want to do. Create a list of ideal clients and ideal projects and compare all new work to that list.
07of 08
Set work hours
Some people work better with a schedule. Try creating specific hours of work if this is you. You can set your standard work hours to 9-5 or 5-9 if that is what works best for you. But once you do, you must stick with them. When the day ends, that includes e-mail.
08of 08
Take a Peek at Your Successes
It’s always a good idea, from time to time, to go back and see where you started. What were your goals for starting a small business? What motivated you? Celebrate your achievements and recognize how far you have come.
It’s all about taking time out, prioritizing your goals and taking breaks to recharge. Once you learn to do this, you’ll reduce stress and achieve a new level of productivity.
