Is your business burning you out? More time, more money, and less stress are often cited as things people would like to change about their careers. And all three are directly tied to burnout. 

What is burnout?  

The World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon marked by a sustained state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Burnout manifests in poor job performance, strained relationships, and diminished long-term career prospects. 

What causes burnout? 

Burnout is typically caused by prolonged business-related stress and is more than a season to push through. Research shows a correlation between burnout and negative impacts on long-term mental and physical health, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. 

You don’t have to continue to live in a constant state of stress and exhaustion. You can rechart your life and reclaim balance. 

Follow these seven steps to break free from burnout: 

1. Log Your Stress 

Stress takes its toll on your entire body: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Pay attention to when your stress spikes and log it into a note on your phone, write it in a journal, or monitor a stress tracking feature on your smartwatch. While everyone experiences job stress occasionally, if you experience daily stress with your business, you could be at risk of burnout.  

2. Identify Triggers 

After tracking your stress spikes, see if there is a correlation between specific activities, conversations, or events and heightened periods of stress. Workplace stress can be caused by long hours, lack of support, uncertainty about the future of your business, negative relationships with colleagues or clients, strained finances, and a non-existent work-life balance.  

3. Re-evaluate Your Goals and Values 

If you are experiencing frequent workplace stress, you have the power to break free from burnout. Take a pause and make a list of what is important to you. Does the current state of your business put you on the right course to fulfill your goals and live your values? Now is the time to make changes in your business situation or completely reinvent your path.    

4. Figure out Your Finances 

Fear of financial instability is one of the most significant factors holding people back from making a change in their business. There are always paths to change; sometimes, we just need someone to show us the way. Proforma offers free business valuations and consultations to help you understand where your business stands in the market and what your options are.  

5. Prioritize Balance  

Budgeting your time is just as important as budgeting your finances. Protect yourself from burnout by setting boundaries. Make time for family, friends, and personal relationships. Schedule regular windows for hobbies and special interests. Your business is not your identity. Explore ways to offload some of your stressors to dedicate time to your family, friends, and other activities.  

6. Seek Systems of Support  

As the largest family-owned and operated distributorship, Proforma implements cutting-edge technology, resources, and industry expertise to empower business owners to optimize their company’s value and, when they’re ready, successfully transition their company while unlocking new opportunities. 

7. Make a Plan  

Whether you want to step back and have someone else chart the course, or you’re ready to sell your business to take on a new adventure, there are options. If you want to make a strategic move now or in the future, Proforma can help you navigate the essential steps to maximize your business’s value. 

For more than 45 years, Proforma has helped business owners like you optimize their company’s value and live the life of their dreams. Whether you need a partner to help steer your business on a smoother path or want to sell your company to pursue another passion, discover how to break free from burnout and get the most out of life by aligning with the industry’s largest, family-owned $650M+ distributorship.