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The Dark Side of Passion

  • Business

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines ‘burnout’ as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is usually characterized by three dimensions:

  • feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
  • increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
  • reduced professional efficacy and productivity.

It is however not classified as a medical condition.

Recent data shows indicate that productivity losses attributed to depression and anxiety disorders in the workplace cost the global economy USD 1 trillion every year. Topping this infamous list is UK, where people taking sick days because of work-related stress or burnout is costing the economy GBP 28 billion a year. In the US, burnouts cost organisations more than USD 300 billion annually.

Further research suggests that entrepreneurs are 2.5 times more at risk of burnout because they tend to be extremely passionate about work and more socially isolated, have limited safety nets, and operate amidst high uncertainty. In fact, 95% of entrepreneurs do not know how to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Do you know any passionate business owners who often brag about how much they work?

I used to be one of them.

The ‘Always-On’ mode is actually one aspect of entrepreneurial culture that aspiring entrepreneurs often dread and find unappealing.

Entrepreneurs often make the bold decision to leave behind a steady-income job and start a business with a dream to one day achieve personal and professional success. Along the way they forget that a crucial part of achieving personal and professional success as an entrepreneur lies in finding and maintaining an adequate healthy balance of how you spend your time and energy.

Over the last 4 years as an Advisor to startups and growing businesses, I have personally come across many passionate business owners who are constantly working 10-12 hours a day 7 days a week. Many struggle to get out of the fire-fighting mode and hardly manage to switch off and take any quality time off away from their business activities. And because of their obsessive passion, they often neglect their family, friends and most importantly their own health.

As a business owner, you should aspire to grow your business and build a legacy for future generations. One sustainable way of achieving this is to create employment for others. Be mindful that your personal work ethic as a business owner is bound to influence the workplace culture you want to create and promote in your organisation.

It is therefore important that you set the example by keeping a steady schedule and making time for yourself regularly. Start by defining an adequate Time Mix which suits your needs:

  • 60-70% of your time should be spent running the business: the day-to-day stuff like overseeing operations and managing the books, administration, and other routine tasks;
  • 20-25% of the time you should be thinking about the business; taking a step back from operations to find ways to innovate and improve the business;
  • 10-15% of your time should be spent looking after yourself and re-energising such as gym, hobbies, family and social events.

Additional tips to avoid burnout:

  • Delegate tasks and responsibilities to those who can handle them. You cannot be everywhere and be good at everything!
  • Don’t isolate yourself from your co-workers, family, and friends. Ask for help when necessary.
  • Practice stress management techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises.
  • Set hours during the day where you disconnect completely from the internet. Social media browsing does not count.
  • Establish boundaries, such as certain hours where you can’t be disturbed. If you do not manage your diary, someone else will manage it for you.

If you feel that your business is sucking the energy out of your personal life and relationships, then it is time for you to take a pause and reflect on what needs to be adjusted in your daily/weekly routines.

Entrepreneurial burnout is real. Stress is real. You might think that being a business owner workaholic will help you and your business succeed. It won’t. In the end, your business will suffer.

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