Even startup leaders can also undergo burnout; it’s called “founder stress”, and it mostly affects young entrepreneurs who had to deal with the initial challenges of running their startups.
While it’s no different from the kind of stress affecting other people, founder stress is defined by anxiety, depression, and a sense of uncertainty for the future. These are understandable considering the challenges that startups face in the first few months.
It’s never easy if you’re a startup founder, but the most successful concepts had to go through a trial by fire at some point before they made a breakthrough. It’s only a matter of dealing with founder stress and staying on the right course. Here’s a guide to help you out.
-
Set manageable, attainable, time-bound goals
It’s easy to set ambitious targets knowing that you have the tools and the time to put together a startup. However, there are still numerous hurdles ahead, from financing your startup to hiring the right people. You often run the risk of setting unrealistic goals. There’s nothing wrong with that, but expecting too much with what little resources you have will only prove counterproductive.
When setting targets, make sure they are clear and attainable within a specific period. That way, you will have little room for error and experience minimal losses if things don’t turn out for the best. The biggest benefit of this is the peace of mind you will get in the end. Starting small gives you fewer things to worry about.
-
Make delegation the center of your operation
Some startup founders are able to pull off handling admin work, networking, and sales on their own. However, burning out is expected when you’re operating as a one-person army. Especially as business starts to pick up, you will be spreading yourself too thin and causing your business to stagnate as you focus more on daily operations than on growth.
You can’t do it all on your own. When your startup reaches a point where it will make a breakthrough, you need to get a more hands-on board. Instead of making social media graphics and handling search engine optimization yourself, hire a digital marketer for the task plus other creative campaigns.
If you’re flooded with too many requests and inquiries, get a virtual receptionist to handle calls, chats, and other communications. You will have few worries left to save for figuring out how to expand your startup into other sectors.
-
Invest in self-care and grow your emotional capital
Being a startup founder isn’t as glamorous as many people initially believe. The reality on the ground can be so unforgiving, so much so founders had to sacrifice their well-being just to launch their products. Regardless of the results, these sacrifices will only add up to more stress which becomes a crutch.
As much as you want your startup to become self-sustaining within the first few months of launching, it’s still important to guard your emotional well-being. Consider blocking out days for a well-deserved pause in case you run into a creative rut. You can also try mindful meditation which gives your mind and body space to relax.
Other ways you can guard your mental health are found in simple solutions like getting ample sleep and exercise. Your mood influences the energy you put into growing your startup, so learn to invest in yourself first. Everything else will follow.
-
Undertake the right interventions
When power naps and post-workday yoga sessions fail to treat the stress you deal with, then you may need professional guidance. You can reach out to a therapist who has worked with business leaders before. Chances are, they will prescribe the right medication for treating severe stress
Other than that, you can also try several organic medications that can help improve your concentration and keep you from burning out. Your doctor may not prescribe cannabidiol oil as a way to treat chronic stress, but small amounts of THC are scientifically proven to reduce anxious feelings. You can try out Delta-9-THC edibles as a start. Before you do however, make sure local laws allow you to purchase and consume these products.
Endnote
Founder stress isn’t new, but it’s often the reason why many young entrepreneurs give up before their startups finally take off. With the guide above, you should be able to stay on course towards building a thriving brand without compromising your mind, body, and social circles.
