I want to talk to you today as fellow Christian entrepreneurs. Is burnout ever a problem for you? Most of you are probably shaking your heads or maybe answering verbally with a resounding YES!
Christian entrepreneurs are no differnet than anyone else in this regard. We can still become overwhelmed, overburdened with things to do, discouraged…
So, let’s talk about some practical things you can do when experiencing burnout.
- PRAY – ask God for His direction in prioritizing what you have to do. Start out your day in prayer and dedicate to Him. Ask God to guide all that you do, all that comes up – EVERYTHING.
- Make a “doable” list of things to do for each day. Don’t over extend yourself, as other things are bound to come up to. Make it reasonable and you will feel more encouraged when you are actually able to conquer your list:-)
- Analyze what is actually on your to do list. Are they things that are actually working? For example, if you are spending five hours every week marketing your business and you are not seeing any new business come in, it’s time to try some new things. Don’t do things just for the sake of doing what you’ve always done.
- Outsource – if you have some tasks that you can outsource, do it. It will free you up to do some of the more creative items and will reduce your stress level.
- Take a day off (or half a day) – maybe this sounds crazy when you’re already overwhelmed with work, but it can do wonders to change your perspective.
Burnout does strike Christian entrepreneurs, so take some active steps to overcome it.
I’m taking most of today off. My dd just left to go back to school. My son and I are a bit sad. I got my show notes done and an article off to a magazine two days early so I’m taking the rest of today off to have some mother/son time and wait to hear from her along the way.
It must be hard every time they go back. It’s a good idea to take some time off – one of the joys of a home based business.
Laurie,
Great suggestions! I usually find that when I get to that burned out stage it is because all of my activity is on items that are pressing but usually not very important. It is nice to take a walk or drive to starbucks for a cup of coffee and take an hour and ask myself if I am really focusing on the right things. God so often talks to us in a still small voice but we block it out through our flurry of activity. I have found that if we stop the storm and listen we will hear that voice clearly and He will renew our strength.
Brad