Entrepreneurs starting new businesses and young talent looking to make an impact and gain visibility often end up in similar situations. The pressure to prove success and see numbers go up differs from that of more tenured executives and the pressure of leading large teams, juggling multinational clients, team members, operations, and challenges. This article speaks to the former. Based on observations and learnings of the juxtaposition between hard work and overworking, this will offer suggestions on how to balance growth in business with personal progress.
Working consistent overtime, being passionate about growth and staying focused without enough breaks or outside stimulation, and feeling a sense of accomplishment for big wins without feeling gratitude for small wins can be signs of a potential burnout, stunting one’s ability to be more creative, energetic, focused long term, or even satisfied about their work. If you are feeling like you have a lot on your plate, here are a few recommendations to find balance and restore your energy.
- Restructure your work hours to include more regular breaks.
- Snack on healthy foods throughout the day.
- After work, do something less sedentary such as boating, swimming, a museum, a walk or jog with your top playlist, making a nice dinner, meeting with local friends/ family, or having a personal appointment to attend (hair, nails, massage).
- Plan your PTO a few months in advance. This will allow you to have something to look forward to and guarantee you time away from your work. If you have a limited PTO structure, work from different environments such as a work trip destination, park, new businesses where you can build a rapport.
- When out of office, don’t remain available. Have some requests wait until the next business day.
- Start working earlier, finish your day sooner
- Connect with leadership about transferring projects to others so that you can focus on internal priorities
- Especially if you are your own boss, get creative to put your name and product or services into the world on a regular basis by speaking at events, hosting networking events, and attending local events with a follow up practice.
- Practice mindfulness every day at the same time to build the habit.
- Schedule a 1-1 with leadership. You can discuss the workload, your strengths, needs, and share other observations.
- Have a full night’s rest
- Create a work:break ratio timer such as 50:2 or 120:4.
- Eat your lunch outside. If indoor options with coworkers are the only available solution, don’t discuss work during this time.
- If you work remotely, have separate spaces for work and personal time.
- Decorate your office space to stimulate your mind.
Author: Mia Brandon, Head of Branding and Creative Recruiting