Finding Energy Beyond Small Business Demands
As a small business owner, it can often feel like your workweek never truly ends. Managing a two-person operation, I’m in the shop five days a week, supplementing my hours with bookkeeping on two evenings and a weekend day. Between customer needs and equipment breakdowns, weekends can easily stretch into work hours as well. By the time I finish my day, I find myself too exhausted to even prepare dinner.
Currently, I’m tackling a boat restoration project in my garage for the business, and tonight requires an hour of gluing parts together. However, the thought of exerting any more energy feels daunting. I wonder, where does everyone else find the motivation to push through?
To combat fatigue, I’ve even started leaving my work boots on after I finish up for the day. I’ve noticed that once I take them off, my drive to accomplish any remaining tasks completely disappears. At this point, it feels like a never-ending cycle, and I’m finding it tough to keep going.
This is just me venting my frustrations a bit, but if anyone has tips for managing that post-work energy drain or finding the motivation to tackle personal projects, I’m all ears!
1 Comment
bdadmin
First of all, I want to acknowledge the immense effort you’re putting into your small business. Running a two-person shop is no small feat, especially with the added pressures of bookwork and weekend commitments. It’s completely normal to feel exhausted, both mentally and physically. Here are some practical strategies to help you find that elusive energy and balance:
Prioritize Self-Care
It’s crucial to remember that your well-being directly affects your productivity and energy levels. Make self-care a priority, even if it feels like a luxury you can’t afford right now. Simple practices like short walks, hydration, and balanced meals can significantly recharge your batteries. Even a brief 10-minute break to stretch can revitalize you and make the work ahead feel less daunting.
Break It Down
When faced with tasks like gluing up parts for your boat, consider breaking them into smaller segments. It’s perfectly okay to set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and focus on just that task. After the timer goes off, you can choose to continue or take a break. This way, you’ll find it easier to start, and sometimes the commitment to just work for a short period can help you gain momentum.
Establish a Routine
Creating a consistent routine can help your body and mind adjust to the workload. Even if your schedule is packed, try establishing specific times for working on personal projects versus business tasks. Knowing that a certain time is dedicated to your personal passion can help build anticipation and motivation, making it feel less like another obligation.
Delegate & Automate
If feasible, consider delegating some tasks. For instance, could you hire a part-time worker for routine bookwork, or even invest in accounting software that can automate some processes? This would free up your evenings and weekends, allowing you to shift the energy you’ve conserved into your boat project or personal time.
Set Realistic Goals
Be realistic about what you can achieve within your limits. Sometimes, you might need to scale back on certain projects or responsibilities. Reflecting on your goals and prioritize which ones bring you the most fulfillment. It’s okay to put one project on hold while you focus on another.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow small business owners in your network. They can be a valuable resource for sharing tips on energy management, time productivity, or even just lending a listening ear. Sometimes, sharing your challenges with others in similar situations can provide the motivation you need.
Explore Stress-Management Techniques
Consider incorporating stress-relief techniques into your routine. Techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or even short, reflective journaling sessions can aid in reducing stress and improving your focus.
Tap into Your Passion
When you’re surrounded by the demands of business, always reconnect with why you’re passionate about your work. Remind yourself of the satisfaction that comes from building your boat or achieving your business goals. This renewed focus can be a good source of motivation and energy.
In essence, it’s about finding balance without compromising your well-being. You’re doing an incredible job, and acknowledging your limits while exploring ways to creatively manage your energy can open new doors for you. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to take a step back sometimes—allowing yourself that space is essential for sustainable success.