Burnout. That word alone probably makes your heart race a little faster, right? It's the dreaded "B" word that no entrepreneur wants to talk about, yet it creeps up on the best of us. It's happened to me a few times, which is why I have finally created the business that intentionally prevents this, basically stripping everything down, simplifying my systems and strategy and minimising the need for me to show up to make it work.
When you first start your business, it’s easy to dream about hitting that six-figure milestone in just a few weeks. And sure, there are people out there who’ve done it.
But here’s the thing—what they don’t always tell you is that their big success likely came after years of trial and error, chasing ideas, failing, and learning from it all. They finally hit their golden moment, made a critical shift, or found the perfect solution that led to that big six-figure launch.
But for most entrepreneurs, this isn’t the norm. Instead, it often takes years of grinding, dealing with stress, trying to meet high expectations, and trying every strategy under the sun, hoping to crack the code. Often not giving one strategy the chance to actually work effectively, they hop from one idea to the next looking for that elusive quick win.
And the result? Many end up burned out, overwhelmed, and completely drained, energetically and financially!
I don't want this to ever happen to you.
So, what are the early signs of burnout? (so you can identify them and do something about it so you don't burn out)
Let’s break it down.
5 Signs your reaching burnout
1. You’re Always Tired, Even After Resting
Let’s be real: entrepreneurship often feels like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But if you’re feeling wiped out even after a full night’s sleep (or your attempt at one), that’s a big sign something's up. You might find yourself saying, “But I love my business, why do I feel so exhausted all the time?”
Scenario: You crawl into bed, ready to crash, but your brain is like, "Remember that email you didn’t send? Oh, and what about the launch in two weeks?" Next thing you know, it’s 2 a.m., and you’re in a deep scroll on your phone, pretending that’s totally going to help you sleep.
Tip: Take a step back and create an evening routine that actually helps you unwind. Try ditching screens an hour before bed (I know, easier said than done) and doing something low-stress like journaling or listening to a calming podcast. Prioritise real rest—because burning the midnight oil only dims your light in the long run.
2. You’re Losing Motivation (Even for Things You Love)
Remember when brainstorming a new project used to make you feel electric? And now, you find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, the passion slipping away like Wi-Fi during a storm. It’s not that you don’t care anymore, it’s that burnout is zapping your creativity and drive.
Scenario: You’ve got a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt, but instead of tackling it, you’re clicking back and forth between tabs, trying to feel productive. But deep down, you’re thinking, “What’s the point? I’m never going to catch up.”
Tip: Go back to basics. Why did you start your business in the first place? Reconnect with the core of what lights you up. Also, take time to slow down. Sometimes, stepping away for a mental break recharges that creative spark. Give yourself permission to walk away from the work, even if just for a walk around the block, and notice how much clearer your thinking becomes.
3. Your To-Do List Feels Like a Never-Ending Nightmare
If your to-do list is so long that you’d need a sherpa to climb it, it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. When every task feels like a top priority, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly behind and never doing enough.
Scenario: You sit down to work, thinking, "Today’s the day I finally conquer my list!" But by noon, you’ve added five more things, and by 3 p.m., you’re still working on the first task because, well, distraction is a full-time job in itself.
Tip: Time to embrace the power of less. Use the “three big things” rule—at the start of each day, identify the top three tasks that will move the needle in your business. Focus on completing those, and anything else is gravy. If you can, delegate or delay the non-essentials. There’s no prize for running yourself into the ground, promise!
4. You’re Snapping at Loved Ones (Oops!)
Let’s face it—when burnout sets in, patience runs thin. You snap at others around you, and you feel guilty, because deep down, it’s not them that’s the problem—it’s that you’re stretched too thin.
Scenario: Your kids are just being kids, running around, asking you to ‘watch mummy’ for the millionth time, and making noise (coz they are kids) while you’re trying to focus on work. Suddenly, you snap, “Can you all just be quiet for five minutes?!” As soon as the words come out, the guilt hits. They weren’t doing anything wrong—they’re just being themselves—but you’re so overloaded that even their joy feels like another thing to manage. Inside, you're thinking, “I’m failing at this. I can’t even be a patient mum right now, let alone run a successful business.” But admitting that feels too hard because you’re already juggling so much. Plus admitting that feels scary. You don’t want to feed into the fear that it might never work.
Tip: Give yourself a break—literally and emotionally. Burnout can make even the best parents lose their cool. Carve out some time just for you, even if it’s just 10 minutes to breathe and regroup. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether that’s your partner, a friend, or even a little screen time for the kids, taking a breather doesn’t make you any less capable.
5. You’re Feeling Emotionally Detached from Loved Ones
When burnout hits, it’s easy to become emotionally distant, even with the people you care about the most. It’s not always about snapping or being overtly negative—sometimes it’s the quiet withdrawal that’s the real sign of overwhelm.
Scenario: Your partner is excitedly sharing news about their day, but you find yourself zoning out, thinking about your endless to-do list. Instead of engaging, you give a half-hearted, “That’s nice,” and quickly shift the conversation back to work. Inside, you’re feeling like, “I’m so exhausted, I can’t even muster up the energy to care about anything outside of my business right now.” You want to be present, but the weight of burnout is making it hard to connect emotionally.
Tip: Recognise that burnout can lead to emotional detachment as a defense mechanism. Make a conscious effort to reconnect by scheduling small, intentional moments with your loved ones, like a short evening walk or a cozy chat over coffee. Even just a few minutes of genuine interaction can help bridge the emotional gap and remind you that relationships are just as important as business tasks.
Breaking Free from Burnout: You’ve Got This!
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’ve been working hard for too long without giving yourself the chance to breathe. The early signs are there to gently nudge you before you hit a wall, and now you know what to look out for.
Remember, running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritise your well-being, build healthy boundaries, and lean into self-compassion. Because the best way to serve your business is to take care of the one behind the business—you!
Stay playful, stay present, and trust that taking care of yourself is the key to the sustainable success you deserve.
If you want more tips on how to avoid burnout and simplify your business then download ‘How to grow and expand your online business without burning out’. You'll find loads of great support in there, easy to implement strategies that will help to take the load off, create more space, and make life so much easier.
Comments