How do you stay motivated when you’re feeling burned out?

June 22 2006 - Syracuse Post Standard

Julie:
When I start fantasizing about sitting in a cubicle all day working for someone else, I know it’s time to take a break. No matter how much you love your business, there will be times when you want to lock the doors and not look back. For me, it’s a sign that I’ve been obsessing about my business for an extended period of time and I need to regain some perspective. The best solution I’ve found is to walk away for a while. It might sound counterproductive, especially if there is some problem you’re trying to work through, but there is definitely a point of diminishing returns. When I start resenting my business, I take a little time off. Sometimes I’ll work in my garden, and sometimes I just sit in the sun and enjoy the flowers. Often, the answer to my dilemma presents itself once I relax and stop thinking about it and I’m able to return to work motivated and enthusiastic.

TRACY:
Every entrepreneur faces burn out at some point in their career. It takes a great deal of energy, mental toughness, and fortitude to run a business. Sometimes burn out is really boredom, exhaustion, lack of creativity, or low drive in disguise. I suggest you take some time to analyze why you feel burned out.
If it’s boredom, consider creating a new innovative product or service to get you excited about your company again. If you are exhausted, you have to schedule some time off and rejuvenate yourself. If you’re lacking creativity, research what’s new in your industry and implement some of these ideas into your business. If it’s lack of energy or focus, talk to other entrepreneurs you know who have experienced these same feelings and ask how they regained their entrepreneurial zest.
By identifying the real reason behind feeling burned out, you’ll be taking the first step towards a solution and renewed energy.

Ann Marie:
Sometimes you just have to step away from your business for even a few hours to recharge your battery. If you can’t afford to take time away, try to tackle a task that is a little less daunting first or even something in your business that you have always enjoyed doing, but haven’t had time for. The gained sense of accomplishment will sometimes be enough motivation to get you going again. This can help motivate you to attack the not so pleasant tasks. I also find that making lists really help a lot. Attacking the easy jobs first and crossing them off is very cathartic. Even listing things like “create a file for this month’s receipts” or “pick up stamps” are worthy of going on your list and are easy conquests that still feel good drawing a line through. Never underestimate the power of crossing items off a to-do list- it is almost therapeutic. Sometimes the more you get done, the more you want to do.