Rising Above Burnout: Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

I’m tired.

Really, really, really tired. I’ve been so tired lately it’s been reminding me of that time I had two kids in two years while running a business from home as a solo-preneur. Yeah, I’m THAT tired.

And looking back, with heavy lids shielding bloodshot eyes, I realize I’ve learned some great lessons that I’ve been applying this time around.

1. Don’t take sleep for granted. It’s very important. When you’re getting it you don’t think much of it… but regular sleep schedules are not just ideal for babies. Don’t take my word for it!
2. It’s okay to let some things slide… but do it strategically. You should always be aware of your personal and professional values and their hierarchy. One of my best tips for getting through shitstorms is to first prioritize your values, then prioritize the most important tasks inside of each value. So that, when you’re so tired you’re pulling into coffee shop parking lots to take a nap BEFORE you grab your coffee, you know exactly what you can let slide and what needs to get done the SECOND you’re back on your feet.
3. Be prepared with your nutrition. When you’re tireddddd (like I’m tired), you binge. And you don’t binge according to macros. You binge according to high-sugar, quick-energy cravings. So be prepared in your kitchen. Know your weakness and have healthy swaps at-the-ready. Mrs. Tate’s chocolate chip cookies and I had a disgusting love affair this week. I’m not proud of it. But… It made me realize the next point:
4. Give yourself grace. We’re hard enough on ourselves as high-achieving business people. Sometimes we just have to do what needs to get done, whatever it takes. Pay attention, though, and when you think of it, do better! Choose berries… berries are a much better option. And drink lots and lots of water.
5. Remind yourself that you’ve done this before, you can do it again!! Remember how strong you are. Remember the times when you didn’t think something was possible and you still made it happen. Know that your body is a miracle and it’s always trying to keep you alive. Stay grateful!!!
6. Ask for help. This one can also be a challenge. This is the time to take the help, at work and at home. People WANT to help you! I wrote about this a while back, “How to ask for help—without a side of guilt!”, and recorded a little video. 
7. Stop saying you’re tired. That’s right… your words have POWER! When I first started studying neuro coaching and was digging into my limiting beliefs, the first one I found was “I’m tired.” I said it CONSTANTLY! Inside my head and out loud. Many, many times a day. I used it as an excuse for EVERYTHING. So much that it became my identity. What we repeat becomes our beliefs, and our beliefs about ourselves are the most powerful ones of all!!! They impact every decision we make, which has a direct effect on what we do and what we create in the world. What comes out of “I’m tired?” Netflixing, scrolling, binging, moodiness, lack of self care, lack of movement, less laughter, less joy, more stress… I’m sure you can think of a few of your own.

You’re an incredible person with the biggest heart, the biggest dreams, and the grit to make anything happen that you want to. You’ve already created giant ripples in your life, and you have much more to do. Sometimes we need to slow down before we can speed up. Sometimes we need to listen to our bodies, let them recharge and rebuild, and double-down when we’re back to feeling ourselves. 

If we don’t, here are a few things that can happen:

•mistakes

•burnout

•tarnished relationships

•health issues (physical, mental and emotional)

•poor decisions

•financial hardships
•…and the list goes on

I’m tired as I write this, so pardon the typos. But hey, they’re not in my top values so I’m not going to let them stop me!! ;) 

If you’re too tired to read this, just go ahead and save it for after a power nap. If you're too tired to think of a way out of a pickle, let's put our heads together and get you back on track for success. (I promise, by the time this article is published I'll be wide awake again! ;) )

If you're not tired, I'm very proud of you for taking care of yourself!! Keep up the great work, and, make sure you're prepared with #s 2 and 3!