Work burnout is real.  Running a business can be one of the most rewarding things you could do. But as any small business owner will testify, it isn’t as easy or effortless as it looks. You are juggling many things and also constantly having to learn new things as you go along. Many business owners end up burning the candle from both ends.

Work burnout can cause you to be constantly tired and stressed. It can also cause you to be less productive and efficient. In other words, you end up not being able to do the best for your business. Here are 4 ways to avoid small business burnout:

Organize Your Business

One of the most efficient ways to avoid burnout is to get organized. Here are some tips:

• Have quarterly, 6-month, and yearly goals and ask yourself how you will measure your achievements.
• Break your goals down into weekly schedules. You can use planners or simply make lists for yourself. Break these down further into daily to-do-tasks and tick these off as you go along.
• It helps to do your planning first thing in the morning before life starts to get in the way. That way you have your focus for the day and get important things done in a timely manner.
• Order your goals and tasks in terms of priorities. What tasks need to be done ASAP and what tasks can take longer (but need to be done eventually)?
• Schedule meetings and review them as you plan your day. It is okay to say NO if you absolutely cannot take on a new project.
• Set fixed work-hours for the day. The rest of the day should simply be me-time, family-time, or friends-time. Remember to take a break, or switch off and unwind when you need to.

The Importance of Delegation

The importance of delegation cannot be stressed enough. As tempting as it is to do everything yourself, delegation really is the most efficient way to do business and avoid work burnout.

• Delegate tasks to others who have specialized experience in an area. For example, accounting or finances, tech support, or website development.
• Delegate tasks that are time-consuming, such as creating product listings and keeping them updated for your store.
• Resist the need to micro-manage and learn to trust.

Ask for Help

As a small business owner, you are not alone. Know that there are other business owners just like you who have the same struggles. It is hugely important to network and be part of business communities that can support you. Remember to support others in the groups as well, and they, in turn, will want to help you.

Also, consider the option of using a coach. They have been there and done that and can be a source of tremendous insight and support for your business.