Let’s be honest: running your own business is a little like juggling flaming torches on a unicycle—exciting, impressive, but sometimes a lot. And if you’ve been feeling like the hustle has lost its sparkle, you might be due for a reset.
Burnout isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just that creeping dread when you open your laptop, or the fact that your creativity has packed its bags and left for a holiday without you. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing.
Here are 10 signs it’s time to hit pause and give your business (and yourself) a little TLC.
1. You’re Always Tired (Even After 8 Hours of Sleep)
You’re not just tired—you’re drained. Like, deep soul-level tired. That’s your body waving a little flag that says “Hey, maybe we need a break?”
2. You’re Dreading Tasks You Used to Love
Designing, writing, posting on social? Ugh. When your passion starts to feel like a chore, it’s time to check in.
3. You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Took a Day Off
If your weekends have quietly turned into “get ahead” days, burnout might be brewing.
4. You’re Snapping at Loved Ones (or Crying at Ads)
Heightened emotions, irritability, or feeling like everything is just too much? That’s not just stress—it’s burnout knocking.
5. You’ve Stopped Posting Because You’re “Too Busy”
When you’re too overwhelmed to show up online, it’s a sign your business might be running you, not the other way around.
6. You Keep Starting New Projects Without Finishing Old Ones
Burnout can look like distraction, not just exhaustion. Your brain’s tired, so it jumps around trying to stay engaged.
7. You’re Doubting Everything
Imposter syndrome, comparisonitis, second-guessing your pricing, branding, and business name? It’s time to reset and reconnect with your why.
8. You’ve Lost the Fun in the Function
You started your business for freedom and creativity—but lately, it’s felt like a job you can’t quit.
9. Your Health Is Taking a Hit
Headaches, tension, brain fog, poor sleep? Your body might be absorbing the stress you’re not acknowledging.
10. You Just Don’t Feel Like You
When you feel disconnected from your work, your audience, or yourself—it’s time to come back to centre.
So, How Do You Reset?
- Take a day off. Like, a real one. (The business will survive, promise.)
- Revisit your vision. Remind yourself why you started.
- Declutter your tasks. What can be automated, simplified, or outsourced?
- Try something creative—not for the algorithm, just for fun.
- Use tools that make your life easier (psst… have you seen our templates and planners?)
Final Thought: You’re Allowed to Rest
Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve been trying to do everything without taking a breath. Resetting doesn’t mean giving up; it means choosing sustainability over chaos.
Here at SkillsLab, we’re big believers in the long game. And if you need a little help getting back on track, our digital tools and challenges are here to support you every step of the way.