Are you suffering from entrepreneur "burn out"?

• Are you working harder and harder but accomplishing less?
  
• Are you getting more irritable, angry, and short-tempered with the people around you?
  
• Are you seeing close friends and family members less and less?

If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, you may be in the early stages of entrepreneur burn out. See our 7 burn out busting tips.

• Get Organized - Keep a calendar of all appointments, projects, "to do" list, etc. in one location. Get it out of your head and free up your brain for creative work and problem solving. Don?t add to your stress by trying to rely on your memory alone.
  
  
• Work Up a Sweat - The simplest and most immediate method to bust burnout is to make time for exercise. According to the National Institute of Health, working out improves the ability to relax or sleep, promotes self-esteem, enhances energy, concentration, and even memory.
  
  
• Set Boundaries - Learn to say "no". As a small business owner you may feel that everyone and everything is putting demands on your time. Determine what to do, delegate or dump by asking yourself this question throughout the day - "What is the most important use of my time, right now?" Get rid of the things that other people should be doing. Give your attention to those things that only you can do.
  
  
• Learn - Learn as much as you can, about as much as you can. Use drive time to listen to CD's on negotiations, sales, and time management. Attend a one day seminar on assertive communication skills. Read! Get involved with your industry trade association. Stimulate your creativity and benefit from the knowledge of experts by committing yourself to a continuing education program of personal development.
  
  
• Pack a Lunch -Pack some healthy foods and nutritious snacks to munch on throughout the day. A regular diet of burgers, candy bars and soda will only add to our burn out level - and waistline. Instead, a sandwich with deli meat, carrot sticks, fresh fruit, yogurt, and even pretzels are a much better choice to keep your energy level up throughout the day.
  
  
• Laugh! - Laugh with friends and co-workers. Laugh at yourself. Subscribe to an online service that will deliver a clean, humorous joke to your email every day. Make a point of keeping a sense of humor - even in tough times.
  
  
• See an SBDC Consultant - Our business consultants are available to discuss challenges that you are encountering in your business. They can offer helpful solutions and education on strategies for running your business. You don't have to do it alone - our center is here to help you every step of the way.