Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Do you ever wonder how famous businesspeople seem to have limitless energy? They work hard and still seem to have time to enjoy life. The truth is, so much of what we do is not just unhealthy. It’s also counterproductive.
A healthy work-life balance is hard to come by for startup entrepreneurs. Employees are under stress to perform, and employers are under stress to maintain a profitable company. Burnout is all too common in the stressful world of startups.
It’s tempting to rack up hours in the office with so much potential at your fingertips, but at what cost? Your health may decline, your mental capacity to perform will decrease, and your relationships with your family and friends will suffer. Not to mention, you’re setting a terrible example for your team and establishing an unhealthy work culture.
But what if I told you that everything you’re doing to push yourself is actually counterproductive? What if I told you that you could enjoy your work, becoming more productive and happy, while building within yourself the ability to do more work.
How can you and your team avoid burnout while managing a startup? Step back and assess where your time is spent. If you are efficient and smart with your time, you’ll get more done in less time. Which means you’ll be able to spend evenings and weekends relaxing away from the office.
It’s About Productivity, Not Hours
There is a lot of research out there about how millionaires spend their time and build their routines. They priorities tasks, eliminate distractions and meetings, and schedule personal time. The most important thing to remember? You have the same number of hours in a day as Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Take small steps to be disciplined with your time, just as they have, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.
One idea for taking a small step to managing your time more efficiently is the Pomodoro technique.
The Pomodoro Technique
- First, decide what you need to work on, then put all distractions away—close unnecessary tabs, put phones on silent, turn off the TV. Whatever distracts you from working, leave it behind.
- Then, set a timer for 25 minutes and completely focus on that task.
- Once the timer goes off, check off the assignment, and reward yourself with a 5-minute break.
- Repeat the 25-on, 5-off four times.
- Take a longer 15-20 minute break. The more you tasks get done and checked off, the more momentum builds to keep checking off things your list.
Avoid Multitasking
Experts say that when you multitask, you’re actually decreasing your productivity.
“When we think we’re multitasking we’re actually multiswitching. That is what the brain is very good at doing – quickly diverting its attention from one place to the next. We think we’re being productive. We are, indeed, being busy. But in reality, we’re simply giving ourselves extra work.”
– Michael Harris, Author of “The End of Absence”
Put away your distractions and give your undivided attention to one task at a time. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.
Make Yourself a Priority
Make time for what’s important to you. Take a walk in the middle of the afternoon, help a stranger when running errands, spend time with family as often as you can. Taking time to do what makes you happy will help recharge and re-energize you. Leaving you more productive in the office and happier at home.
Stop Trying Too Hard
Time management may be a little less about time and a little more about you and how your brain works. If you can understand yourself and understand what tasks are really gonna get you there, you can do only what’s important and stay energized.
Do this right, and you won’t just avoid burnout. You could actually see your productivity start to skyrocket.
Need Help?
Our team at Mac6 knows there is not a one size fits all solution for striking a work-life balance. We have custom programs to help your employees achieve the balance that’s right for them while maximizing workplace satisfaction. Get in touch with us to learn more.