“How To Know If You’re Working Too Hard on Your Business”

Written by Doreen Dilger, The Home Based Business Coach

There is one universal truth for entrepreneurs, you’re a hard worker. Building a business, maintaining a business and growing it is hard work. Now it’s generally not back breaking work like a lumberjack might face. However it can be a 24/7 endeavor.

Even if you love your business and enjoy working on it day and night you may be working too hard on it. There are dire consequences to this imbalance. Burnout is an eventual probability. You may enjoy those 12 hour work days right now but down the road you may want to run away.

Another common downfall of working too hard on your business is the inability to see the finer details. It’s too easy to become overwhelmed by all of your plans, actions, and goals and miss out on the important details.

Additionally, you may try to do everything yourself and let’s face it, you’re not an expert at everything. Leveraging your resources can help you cut back on your tasks and responsibilities and actually improve your business. So how do you know if you’re working too hard on your business?

Let’s take a look at a few questions.

Are you consumed by your business? Do you think about it even when you’re not actively working on it? If your answer is “yes” then you may be working too hard on it. Designate planning and brainstorming sessions and schedule time away from your business.

Are you wearing all the hats? Do you do everything yourself or do you have a team of people working with you and for you? Ideally, you’ll spend your time performing tasks that fit your skills and abilities. You’ll outsource other tasks to experts. For example, unless you’re a web designer you might want to hire a pro to build your website.

How’s your health? If you often feel tired or like you’re fighting a cold then you may be working too hard on your business. It’s a subtle sign from your body that it’s time to take a break. Signs include anything from achy joints to insomnia. Pay attention to the cues your body gives you.

I’m Overworked, Now What?

Okay, maybe you’ve identified that you are working too hard but how do you pull back? There are still tasks and responsibilities. There are several steps you can take. Schedule time away, modify your action plan and deadlines and outsource some tasks. Prioritize and consider what’s truly important for the vitality of your business.