It’s true that entrepreneurs and small business owners bear a brunt of the responsibility when starting a business. Unlike major corporations who have the financial backing to afford a plethora of resources and support, most small businesses and startup companies are working on a limited budget. As such, the owners work themselves into a hole trying to get the business off the ground and functioning.
While wearing several hats can be a great solution in the beginning, if you’re not careful it can spill over into your health. Many executives, entrepreneurs and small business owners have encountered a stress related illness often referred to as executive or workplace burnout.
While exhaustion might be something that is pretty easy to pinpoint, those who suffer from a workplace burnout often don’t even realize the red flags their bodies are sending their way. While a burnout can present itself in many forms including bouts of exhaustion, there are some more subliminal signs that you may not be paying attention to. As a result, the illness ends up creeping up on you causing you to feel less than yourself.
The Silent Creeper
A burnout can creep up on you when you least expect it. One day you’re a budding entrepreneur or business owner looking to beat out the competition and the next moment you’re feeling a bit depressed, you lack the motivation and willpower to succeed, and things just seem… out of place. So how does one know when they’re on the brink of an executive burnout? Here are a few signs you may want to consider:
Lack of Concentration – One of the first signs that you may be dealing with more than just the common stress of running a business is the inability to concentrate. As you can imagine your body is only capable of handling a certain amount of stress, so when you’ve reached the point where the stress levels are out of control it can cause your brain to “shut down” in a sense which causes you to lose the ability to focus properly.
Guilt – Believe it or not another sign that you’re under a lot of stress at work is the feeling of guilt. No matter how much work you accomplish you feel like there is so much more that you can do. However, because you’re physically incapable of getting to it all in one day, you begin to feel guilty for not completing the work as it needs to be done. However, the truth of the matter is that you’ve got too much on your plate and lack of concentration has ultimately slowed your ability to work productively.
Changes in Mood – One minute you’re optimistic, the next minute you’re feeling down in the dumps. Emotional changes are another red flag that you’re doing too much and need to consider enlisting some help. Frequent mood changes can eventually turn into a more serious mental illness often referred to as depression.
Social Isolation – Another sign that something is going wrong and you could be dealing with a burnout is social isolation. You become so wrapped up in feelings of depression that you don’t want to be bothered with others. You begin to withdrawal from those personally and professionally connected to you.
Increased Substance Use – Last but certainly not least is the potential for increased substance use. Whether it’s drinking more alcohol at night or doing a little pot to take the edge off, it can lead to dependency and ultimately addiction. If you’ve reached this point, you may want to consider visiting a rehab facility that specializes in executive burnout. They will be able to assist you in getting back on track and kicking your habit before it ruins your career.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs it may be crucial to consider hiring help to remove some of the pressure from your work day. While saving money is the optimum goal for entrepreneurs and business owners, it can quickly cost you your health which certainly isn’t worth it. Also, make sure that you seek help for any issues with alcohol or drug use as well as mental illness as it can escalate to something bigger. Getting the job done is certainly important, but it’s always easier when you’re in good health.