Franchisees, especially those who are just getting their sea legs, are going to find themselves overwhelmed a lot of the time. There’s all the pressure of bringing in business, keeping staff on task and dealing with the franchisor’s requirements, as well as the pressure you may be receiving from other franchisees. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
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Burnout is a very real thing among franchisees, and it can take what is supposed to be a sweet business opportunity and turn it sour. Therefore, it’s important that you have a few arrows in your quiver for dealing with burnout if and when it arises.
Don’t Enter the Feedback Loop
Of all the pieces of advice for avoiding burnout, this may be the most valuable. Burnout really gets bad and starts to sap your confidence once it becomes a feedback loop. You start to feel rundown, you feel negatively for feeling rundown, that negativity makes you feel even more rundown, and on and on it goes.
Don’t enter the feedback loop. If you’re rundown, then you’re rundown. It’s as simple as that! If you’re lacking motivation today, then you’re lacking motivation. Feeling badly about these things only makes them worse. Just accept that you feel this way and try to move on. Doing so will keep you from heading down into the pit.
Start Delegating
New franchisees will be especially loath to relinquish control. When burnout begins to set in, though, it’s time to give up the ghost. You hired people to help you, so let them help you. There’s absolutely no reason to attempt shouldering the burden all by yourself, unless you’re intent on failure. Remember, too, that the only way you’re going to grow your business is by ultimately being able to take a step back.
Stop Taking Work Home
Have you been bringing things home at the end of the night because there’s just so much? Give yourself a break every once in awhile. It’s impossible to overestimate how much having a home/work separation is in our lives. If you’re a franchisee that’s working out of your home, then try taking your work elsewhere, or consider making the investment in one of those co-working spaces that are becoming so popular.
Ask For Help
Sometimes, no matter what you do, you’re going to reach bottom. Here, you need to have the wherewithal to know that this has taken place, and that it’s important to your health and success that you seek help. When it gets to be too much, reach out to a colleague or, better yet, see a professional!
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An Ounce of Prevention…
The best way to avoid having burnout rob you of the joy of owning your own business is to be vigilant for signs that it’s taking place. If you notice that you’re feeling frustrated, dissatisfied, or run-down more often then normal, then know that’s a sign to take a break. We know you can’t leave your business for too long, but sometimes a 20-minute break can be all that you need.
