Starting and running a small business can be exhausting. You'll wear multiple hats until your company is successful enough to let you hire people to fill every position. When you're doing it all, it'll be easy to overwork yourself. However, don't let yourself reach that point. Set boundaries, such as the following ones, that will allow you to be successful without running yourself down.
1. Have realistic expectations
You may want to get everything up and running done right away. However, that's not plausible. Starting your own company takes a lot of time, effort and money, and if you overexert yourself, you're going to lose all of it. Setting attainable goals will allow you to pace yourself and keep you from feeling disappointed if you don't accomplish ones that weren't in reach, according to Entrepreneur. While it's good to think big, it's the exact opposite when you're making deadlines and schedules that aren't sensible. Instead, set smaller goals that will lead up to the overall expectation, even if it takes longer than you'd like it to.
2. Delegate
Just because you're the boss doesn't mean you have to do it all. You most likely have a few competent staff members worked into your financial plan that you can trust with certain tasks. Why not take advantage of that? Instead of stretching yourself too thin, get rid of some of your tasks and give your employees more responsibility, the source explained. This allows you to get rid of any jobs you don't like doing or at least permits you to switch up your routine. Even the smallest change can make a difference.
3. Talk it out
Bottling up everything is an explosion just waiting to happen. You already have enough stress just launching your business. Why keep piling everything else on top of it? Instead of keeping all your fears and problems inside, talk to someone, The OnRamp suggested. Making yourself sick with worry isn't just a saying. You can actually begin to feel ill as the stress adds up. Do yourself a favor and get all your business-related thoughts into the open. Talking them out with someone could offer you solutions and opinions that you may not have thought about.
4. Set aside 'me' time
It's impossible not to feel tired when you're always on the move, and that's exactly what you'll be when beginning your entrepreneurial career. However, you shouldn't run yourself ragged. Take a few moments for yourself, whether that's a couple minutes during the day, the entire weekend or a vacation. Making some time for the people and things you love will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on whatever comes your way, the source explained.
5. Take care of yourself
Working long hours with few breaks will leave you feeling rundown, but that doesn't mean your fatigue needs to control your life. You are part of your business so make sure you dedicate time to ensure you're on top of your game. Getting enough sleep, exercising and eating healthily are all part of keeping you going, so you can't ignore them, The OnRamp said. Your burnout will come a lot faster when you aren't taking care of yourself. You'll feel more stressed and tired, not to mention you increase your risks of weight gain, stroke and high blood pressure when you aren't living healthfully.
When you're feeling stressed and tired, your motivation and creativity can go out the window. You'll start questioning why you decided to follow this path of yours in the first place. The important thing to keep in mind is the reasoning behind setting out on your own. You had a good one when you started so try not to forget it when the pressure becomes a bit much.