Are you an entrepreneur going through the motions of living? Stop. Start living
Posted on August 12, 2014 by Laura Mansfield, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Burnout is a common problem for female entrepreneurs. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of burnout and turn things around before it's too late.
For many years, I juggled the responsibilities of being a small business owner, wife and a mom. Yet, despite my professional success, a happy marriage and 2 amazing children, a critical ingredient of success was missing. Ironically, the missing ingredient was me.
So what went wrong?
When I started my business, “I” was there, inspired and excited about my new venture. I loved the flexibility of being home for my children and the opportunity to do meaningful work. I worked hard and my business thrived. So did my family.
My well-being took a different path. I wasn’t thriving. And it took time for me to notice the personal erosion.
What I did notice was the ongoing stress, fatigue and impatience; and the fact that my life had narrowed considerably. I had no time for hobbies or friends; only work and family. I was “fried” but brushed it off it as the result of a growing business and a full life. I was wrong.
I’m not sure what the tipping point was, but at some point I knew things had to change. I couldn’t keep going through the motions.
Time for a change.
It took time and focus, but things began to change. Over time, I began to re-emerge and come back to life. Let me tell you, it’s great to be here!
The days of dragging myself out of bed are over. I look forward to my work and my life, and they are are no longer one in the same. I am happier and have more energy to focus on the things that matter to me. I look forward to each day, rather than dreading what the day may hold.So why I am telling you this? Because I wish I had realized sooner that stress, fatigue, personal isolation and malaise are billboards. They’re signs that it’s time to find a smarter path or chart a new destination. They’re not signs that you need to put your head down and work harder.
If you’re frustrated, stressed and overwhelmed, it’s time to stop and re-consider your direction. Don’t ignore the signs. Life can be so much better. And you deserve it.
p.s. If you know someone who is going through the motions of living, or on the brink of burnout, I hope you’ll do them a favor and send them a link to this article. At some point, they’ll be glad you did!
