Entrepreneurship Burnout?

Entrepreneurship burnout is a real thing and I blame it mostly on one thing.

Goal addiction.

You'll set business goals, pursue them relentlessly, achieve them, and then think "What's next?"

You're always pushing yourself to "think bigger" and "work harder" all while being your own worst critic. You carry the weight of shame of "not being where you should be, by now."

You'll create an identity around being "consistent" or being the "hardest worker in the room."

This cycle repeats itself, forever. The only two options to break this cycle are 1) Literally dying or 2) Becoming aware of patterns and making conscious changes.

The personal development space has created a vacuum where logic cannot breathe, due to an overabundance of inputs telling you to pursue things based on the emotion of feeling lack.

The intentions behind these motivational messages are good, but they never consider the sacrifice and damage that occurs, as a result.

Entrepreneurs have a long history of pursuing success...

But sacrificing their relationships, or getting divorced.
But losing their physical health and fitness.
But struggle with mental health, and cope with drugs or booze

So what are the required changes?

  • Learn to feel gratitude for this present moment. Don't get caught up in the future. Be present.
  • Work with a therapist or coach that will challenge you, to ensure you're doing things for valid reasons, rather than because of ego or fear.
  • Create a list of non-negotiable rules, your personal core values. These rules will navigate every decision in your life. Do not ever violate your own rules, this is where confidence disappears.
  • Do not allow labels like "Consistency" to define you, when there isn't a net positive or happiness that comes as a result of being consistent. It's okay to skip once in a while, especially on vacations. We each deserve a pause, so stop fearing judgment from others just because you take a break from something.
  • Use technology to make your business more efficient, gaining back more valuable time. Do not backfill this newly found time with more work. Use that time for yourself, doing things that make you happy and fulfilled.
  • Continue to set goals, but also make time to celebrate and savor them. Reward yourself, instead of always thinking "What's next?"

Remember this;

You won't care about what critics said while in your grave.
Nobody cares who worked the hardest in a graveyard.
Living a rich life has nothing to do with money or status.
The world would be a better place if the best you existed.

-Tony