4 Signs that it’s time to take things slow
It’s the end of the year and 2018 is in sight.
Year endings are a time of retrospection for many of us with the action slowing, year-end holidays, numerous parties and meetups that happen. It’s a slowdown.
Just thought I’d share some thoughts on why slowdown is good sometimes.
Work gives us a sense of satisfaction and recognition. It gives us an adrenaline high. In this competitive world, there is a race in every field to establish oneself. Even more as an entrepreneur.
In the process of running forward with the crowd, often we neglect ourselves and our pillars of strength- our family and friends. We are so lazer focused about our job that it eventually leads to burnout. The problem is that many of us fail to identify burnout sneaking up on us.
When you are working like a superstar, responsibilities, deadlines, targets all lead to latent stress. Handling any responsibility usually demands a lot of time and focus. While it’s great to work, one needs a work life balance.
So is it really unfair to give yourself some days of slowdown to adjust that bearing and recharge your energy levels?
Here’s what this slowdown will help you avoid:
1. Exhaustion
Exhaustion is the primary sign of burnout. You will find yourself tired and disinterested all the time. It does not have to be physical exhaustion literally; exhaustion can be mental also with the pressure that gets into your head. If you feel that you lack energy to do anything, then it is time to introspect.
Running business exhausts you mentally and is overwhelming with a mile-long daily checklist to go through. Avoid start-up founder burnout by proper planning, creating a backup rung of leadership and taking an occassional break.
2. Lack of Motivation
Burnout makes you lose interest in your work and thus kills motivation. You might feel disinterested in going to work and will end up dragging yourself to work every day. If you have to think twice before going to work on a day or if Mondays scare you then it is a red flag. It is always better to take a break when you come across such situations.
3. Pessimism and negativity
If you are frustrated, angry or pessimistic all the time about everything related to your work then it is indeed the time to apply brakes. You might feel disinterested in doing anything and upset on anything and everything unusually if you burnout. The frustrations in your work can also pileup to eventually lead to burnout. Hence it is always necessary to de-stress yourself time to time and not fuss about time gone.
4. Incapability of reasoning
Burnout and stress may hinder your reasoning and decision making. It may get difficult for you to focus on your work and concentrate. Work done with a stressed mind will lead to clutter and chaos. Stress also hinders your ability to think. This will lead to under-performance and outbursts.
Concluding that,
All slowdowns aren’t bad ! Plan time out with those close to you and build everlasting bonds. Figure out when enough is enough, maximize by minimizing, take time management seriously to keep burnouts at bay. Busyness is not right if your health and happiness is at stake. As sleep and rest nurtures the physical us , quality time spent with family and friends nurtures the real us.
Before Ifinish, I’d like to recommend this really interesting read on Why entrepreneurs and leaders must take a break
Happy new year dear people!
