15 Ways to Avoid Burnout

By William Hofacker

I’m fortunate enough to have world class MMA fighters as good friends and training partners. I learn a lot from them. One thing that stands out is their dedication to every aspect of their training program, including recovery. If you’re reading this post, you understand the value of recovery in a training program.

But most people think that all these athletes do is train hard all day with a combination of sparring and heavy lifting.

The successful fighters I know train hard but are just as rigorous about things like:

• Massages
• Ice baths
• Relaxing between workouts
• Movement prep
• Supplementation
• Lighter, more technical sessions or even days

Truly successful entrepreneurs are highly competitive. They have a “never say die” attitude and are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

I haven’t met a successful business owner yet who didn’t have a really strong work ethic.

This is especially evident during two periods. First, when the business is starting off, hard work is a must. Cash flow is usually low in the beginning so plenty of sweat must be invested. Oftentimes, the owner is doing all the training, selling, marketing, cleaning, and everything else.

The other time you can expect to work extra hard is during a period of growth. Maybe you’re opening a new location or expanding into some other area. You will have to give up something in order to grow.

But you’re not scared of hard work. Your vision drives you to become great. You understand this quote by Thomas Edison all too well:

“Many people miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

When I say hard work, I’m not only talking about a lot of hours, although that will be the case in the above two areas.

A critical component of success is connecting with people. Connecting with your clients and your team. Connecting includes listening, motivating, and inspiring them.

This doesn’t happen automatically and although it’s rewarding, it can be draining.

Remember, this is in addition to all of the other daily operations.

Let’s be honest. To achieve lasting success, you’ll need to have plenty of energy and stamina to string together many of your best days. Without being intentional about staying energized, you’ll risk entering the dreaded zone of the “Scarcity Mindset.” This is opposed to the “Abundant Mindset.”

The scarcity mindset causes you to:

• Feel like a victim

• Drain your physical energy

• Feel anxious and frustrated

• Focus on what’s NOT working

The good news is that it’s not hard to keep your batteries charges over the long haul. Unfortunately, it’s also not hard to not do it and end up feeling burned out.

I’m sure that not all 15 of these will be good ideas for you. I’m hoping that at least one will be. This will be especially valuable if you are doing the Producer Challenge. I really think it’s things like this, as opposed to the next hot social media tactic that will be the key to your long-term success.

1. Notice

When you have the ability to really see more of what’s going on, you’ll see more choices. Reflection daily or weekly could be a great process for you. Ask yourself questions like, “What are my choices here?”

2. Realize you don’t know everything

You don’t know what you don’t know. It’s not only your thinking that’s true. Get opinions from other people you trust. I struggle with this myself sometimes.

3. Inject Humor

Read or watch something that will make you laugh.

4. Music

Listen to songs that will remind you of something positive.

5. Workout

It doesn’t have to be intense but moving around will get your juices flowing.

6. Connect

Sometimes getting around the right people is the best way to feel supported. Being around my family completely ENERGIZES me.

7. Disconnect

Other times you simply need to connect with yourself. Take a break.

8. Admit when things aren’t right

Being positive is great but there’s also value in admitting when something is painful. I tend to ignore things but they have a way of always creeping back in until they are acknowledged and addressed.

9. Give

One of the best ways to get your mind off of your own problems is to help someone else. It could be something as simple as a smile. Or you could give your most valuable resource, your time. Earlier this year some friends and I dedicated a Saturday helping a widow in our community with some housework. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so refreshed.

10. Be grateful

As Chris Hogan says, “It’s hard to be hateful when you’re grateful.” Make a list of 10-20 things you’re grateful for.

11. Focus on the positive

Set a timer for 5 minutes and only think about things that are going well. This will motivate you create other great things.

12. Do something you love

For me it’s BJJ.

13. Pictures

Look at some pictures that give you positive vibes.

14. Take responsibility

I used to get stressed out about where I was in life. Once I learned to say, “I am responsible for my situation,” a weight was lifted from me.

15. Take a nap

Take Mason Cooley’s advice: “When you can’t figure out what to do, it’s time for a nap.”

My very first mentor in the fitness business was an old school bodybuilder names Frank Rossi. Frank was the owner of the local club where I developed my passion for fitness. When I began training professionally he told me, referring to split shifts…

“It may not happen now or even next month but at some point it will catch up to you.”

As you can see, these things don’t take long. But just like anything else, you must be intentional. Schedule 5 minutes in your day for one of them. This will help give you the stamina you need to achieve greatness. Let me know what else you do to keep your batteries charged.