May marks my fourth year in business as a mobile notary & loan signing agent. 2019 – 2022 were kind of a blur as I was constantly responding to texts & calls, printing docs, and running from one signing to another. The excitement of a new and thriving business was almost palpable, with the promise of success and growth fueling my energy.
Then came the dreaded slowdown, and like most notaries, I found myself looking in every direction to diversify my skills to maintain the income I had become accustomed to over the past 3 years.
I have been blessed to receive some great training and mentorship which has absolutely encouraged me to press on and strive to provide excellent service with dedication and to think outside the box regarding marketing my business. However, I tend to push myself to the limits, I love to set myself up with a plan and a schedule and to feel productive, so I frequently fill my days from 6 am to 8 pm. I often feel like I need to get everything done asap. Today.
As I reviewed the month of April, I realized I had achieved burnout.
Running 2 businesses – meeting with clients, networking, marketing, maintaining daily social media posts (for each business) multiple ZOOM meetings every week, creating products for my Etsy shop, building a website, and more has left me depleted.
As a notary entrepreneur, it’s not uncommon to experience burnout. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship. But when you find yourself feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and lacking creativity, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. When you’re experiencing burnout, you may feel depleted, unable to cope, and have a sense of detachment or cynicism about your work. Burnout can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and a lack of passion for your business.
What Causes Burnout?
There are several factors that can contribute to burnout, including:
- Overworking: Working too many hours can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained, leading to burnout.
- Lack of Control: Feeling like you have no control over your work volume and income can cause stress and ultimately lead to burnout.
- Insufficient Support: Not having the necessary support and resources to grow your business can make tasks feel impossible, leading to burnout.
- Monotony: Doing the same tasks over and over again can lead to boredom and ultimately, burnout.
Can you relate to any of those? For me, it’s definitely overworking.
Recovery
Let’s consider some ways to recover from and avoid future burnout.
- Set Boundaries: As a notary entrepreneur, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal life. However, setting clear boundaries can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may mean scheduling specific work hours and sticking to them, turning off notifications outside of work hours, and prioritizing self-care.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is essential to avoid burnout. Taking time to exercise, eat well, and practice relaxation techniques can help you recharge and stay focused.
- Delegate: Most of us don’t have employees to delegate to, but perhaps you could outsource some tasks to a friend or family member, or hire a freelancer or virtual assistant. This can help ease your workload and prevent burnout.
- Learn to Say “No”: It’s important to learn to say “no” when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking on too much can lead to burnout, so it’s essential to prioritize and be realistic about what you can handle.
- Pursue Hobbies: Pursuing hobbies outside of work can help you find balance and maintain a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, find something you enjoy and make time for it.
Going forward
This week, as I create my schedule, I am scheduling myself time to rest, relax, and take care of my health. I will limit the number of hours I work each day, and if I’m going to be at my desk for a prolonged period, I will get up every hour, walk around, stretch, or make some tea. I’m committing to having some downtime to read, maybe watch a little tv and I might even dig out my crochet hooks!
Having a successful business (or two!) is fulfilling but should not come at the cost of your mental or physical health. Experiencing burnout as an entrepreneur is common, but it’s not inevitable. Set boundaries and evaluate your priorities. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only beneficial for you but also for your business.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or any tips you have for avoiding burnout. Share in the comments.
