It’s something you always hear from your friends or strangers… “What I wouldn’t give to be able to strike out on my own and follow my dreams.” Being a single entrepreneur (solopreneur) has a lot of advantages and benefits. Imagine the satisfaction of starting a business from the ground up and watching it grow after a lot of hard work.
It’s also true that starting and running a business on your own can be a difficult task that defies most people’s expectations. Without any partners, employees, or help in general, all the burdens are on your shoulders – which, to be honest, can be unpleasant and feel insurmountable at times.
So, What Exactly is Burnout?
Burnout is defined as “a state of emotional, mental, and frequently bodily weariness brought on by extended or recurrent stress,” according to Psychology Today. Burnout, on the other hand, is defined by the World Health Organization as “a syndrome regarded as originating from prolonged working stress that has not been properly handled.” According to Health Insider (https://www.insider.com/what-is-burnout), work-related stress affects 83 percent of US workers, causing one million people to miss work every day. It’s a mind-boggling figure.
So, as a solopreneur, what can you do to handle and deal with the difficult times? Our team has compiled a list of six crucial points that every solopreneur should remember as they work to make their aspirations a reality.
1. Accept that stress is exactly what it is.
You must accept stress as a fact of life. Something like that appears to be simple, but as our members have told us, it isn’t. Managing a business, identifying your target market, and dealing with client issues may be difficult, especially when you’re on your own.
You want to make the best judgments possible, yet doing everything alone will never be simple. Sure, stress is unavoidable, but you don’t have to let it get the best of you if you know how to manage it.
“Your reaction to difficulty, not adversity itself, decides how your life’s tale will unfold,” German aviator and religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf once stated.
2. Assess Your Strengths and Areas for Improvement
It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what will and won’t work for you as a solo entrepreneur. Isn’t that how business works in general? What matters most is that you’re learning from your mistakes and applying what you’ve learned. When you recognize failure or problems, don’t be scared to make immediate changes. You feel empowered because of your decisiveness. The book Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a terrific resource for any solopreneur; it’s a short but powerful read.
Consider both your wins and losses and spend time to ponder on this information. Celebrating your victories with friends, family, or anybody else is an important part of maintaining your mental health. Entrepreneurs in general do not take the time to acknowledge and celebrate their successes. Be aware of this and make an effort to be purposeful when devoting time to something; it will have an impact on your stress levels.
3. Try to avoid multitasking as much as possible.
With their many hats, solopreneurs can’t really help but constantly juggle several tasks. Remember, nevertheless, that experts often have warned of the perils of multitasking.
It’s better to focus on a single task at a time rather than having to juggle several. For instance, making a schedule can be helpful. Don’t let yourself get distracted from your goals by developing a targeted to-do list.
4. Strike a good work-life balance.
“Preventing burnout is a duty that employees and company leaders must share,” says Jeffrey Oliver, Landmark Health’s director of employee relations. It will only work if both parties are committed. We shut down early before the holidays and have company-wide “unplugged” efforts. Each workplace has a designated “mindfulness space,” which usually includes a small water element, dim lighting, comfortable furniture, and, most significantly, a technology-free location to be alone.”
As a result, don’t let your work occupy all of your time. Take some time to relax. Put your phone on ¨quiet mode¨ in another room for a period of time. Make sure you get enough rest. Meditate. Consume nutritious foods. Exercise. Go for a stroll. Investigate the natural world. Watch a film. Get a book and read it. Take a break from work and go on a mini-vacation (under 3 days). Relax by listening to soothing music. Take up a new pastime. Make time for yourself. Simple activities like these will help you stay energized and productive as a solopreneur. This is an important factor to remember… You will be better able to take care of your business if you take care of yourself.
5. Hire a contractor.
Even if you still can’t afford full-time employees, outsourcing allows you to get aid from others. Thousands of qualified freelancers and virtual assistants are available to assist you with activities such as producing promotional materials, updating your social media accounts, replying to emails, and more.
Outsourcing can help you take your startup to the next level if you recruit the right personnel. And due to a variety of variables, you can also hire such contractors or freelancers for far less money. In addition, many of these freelancers are highly skilled and experts in their field.
6. Alter your work environment.
Let’s face it, you spend just as much time at work as you do at home. It’s likely that you’ll spend more time in your workplace as a solopreneur! You may run your business out of a coffee shop or even your basement. That’s completely understandable from a financial aspect. However, with so many workspace options (Co-working, flex working, etc. ), think about making a move: a change of scenery can also help you avoid burnout.
Of course, the most obvious workplace option is a local coffee shop with good Wi-Fi. Instead, look into coworking spaces in your area if you want a more professional atmosphere with privacy and unique facilities.
If you ever find yourself in Barranquilla, you’ll be delighted to know that Co.Labor has packages to suit your demands and budget. For example, people looking for a low-cost option can choose from our open space options (such as a day pass, hot desk, or dedicated desk), which include advantages like private phone booth access, unlimited coffee and snacks, showers, a podcast room, and conference room access, among others.
Meanwhile, individuals working in a group and needing more solitude can reserve one of our private offices. Are you planning a modest gathering? We’ve got you covered there as well, with loft spaces, meeting rooms, a rooftop, and a large event space.
Citations:
Rosario, M. (2021, August 26). How to avoid burnout as a solopreneur. Retrieved from https://www.thefarmsoho.com/magazine-blog/how-to-avoid-burnout-as-a-solopreneur
Meinert, D. (2017, July 19). Https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/0817/Pages/how-to-prevent-employee-burnout.aspx. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/0817/Pages/how-to-prevent-employee-burnout.aspx
Cairns, Rebecca. (2021, November 19). https://www.insider.com/burnout