Starting Up Without Burning Out

Guest Author, Wanda Shapiro writes: Starting your own business is a rewarding experience, but it can also be exhausting – mentally and physically. Startup princesses are particularly vulnerable to what I call startup fatigue because we’re passionate and therefore more likely to put in the extra hours and settle for a semi-constant state of tiredness.

Recently, I started my own publishing company and I’ve learned a lot about exhaustion.  I’ve become increasingly aware of my own human limitations and I’ve learned a few tricks that help ameliorate the effects of my startup princess pace.

The first thing to do is pay attention to the warning signs of startup fatigue which, when not severe, might be dismissed as normal tiredness. That’s when you run the risk of burning out.

Warning signs of startup fatigue

• Eye fatigue – Your eyes Itch and burn and you have difficulty focusing – especially at the computer.
• The caffeine slippery slope – Two cups of coffee per day has turned into five or six.
• Confusion –You have trouble concentrating and small things take longer than they should.
• Forgetfulness – Three times this week you forgot something somewhere.
• Dizziness and/or nausea – This is actually a side effect of eye fatigue and you’re most likely to feel it at the computer, but it can be easy to miss the connection.
• Lack of coordination – You have two bruises on your shin because you’re bumping into things lately.
• More emotional than usual – Whether it’s on the irritable side or the weepy side, you find yourself overly emotional.
• Physically there, mentally not – Often mental and physical exhaustion come together but not always. Sometimes you get  fourteen hours of sleep and you still can’t concentrate.

All of these are signs that you’re pushing yourself a bit too hard – even for a startup princess. If you’re experiencing a few of these symptoms, or if your symptoms are getting worse,  you’re at risk of startup burnout and that’s never good.

The first time I pushed myself to the burnout point, it was actually scary and I promised myself I would never do that again. I learned to pay attention to the warning signs and I learned there were things I could do to avoid that burnt out feeling.

Avoiding startup fatigue

• Pay attention to the warning signs – This is key because it’s easier to recover from fatigue than burnout.  If you’re starting to feel it, put down the list and sleep.
• Be realistic with your deadlines – You might seem like it, but you’re not actually superwoman. Keep the to-do list in the humanly possible range.
• Stay organized –Staying organized will save you a ton of time each day.
• Do things that balance you – Whether it’s yoga or cooking or reading a book, take time to do things that make you feel good. Extended periods of time without these re-energizers can take its toll.
• Let your friends recharge you – Spending time with people you love can be energizing in a way sleep can’t.
• If you do get sick, just stop – Take the eight count you need and you’ll get well faster.
• Rest up before a push – Sometimes you can see an insane week on the horizon and when you can, take a little break before it.
• Afternoons off – If you’re working seven days a week, schedule some afternoons or evenings off and really don’t work during those times (not even on your phone).
• Listen to the people around you – If your Mom sends you an email that starts, “I saw that picture on your blog honey and you really need to get some sleep…” Don’t just pooh-pooh it; your mother is probably right.

Startup princesses are bound to be a bit tired, but for the good of the project, know when to buckle down and when to take a break.  And remember – you’re not the only one vulnerable to startup fatigue. Pay attention to warning signs in others like your business partners and your own family.

Wanda Shapiro wrote a novel called Sometimes That Happens With Chicken and decided she didn’t need a publisher to sell books. She’s taking literary fiction indie and bringing her debut novel directly to readers. For more information, visit http://www.onegirlonenovel.com where you can learn all about the girl, the novel, the plan, and how you can help. Also on Twitter @WandaShapiro