Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor

How to Stay Energized While Building Your Dream

Building a business can feel like riding on an e-bike with your helmet on backwards through a busy intersection. Between client demands, social media pressure, and the never-ending to-do list, burnout doesn’t just knock on the door. It kicks it down! And if you’re a woman over 40 building something from the ground up, the stakes—and the exhaustion—can feel higher.

But here’s the truth: burnout is not a requirement for success.

The Problem: “I feel overwhelmed and exhausted by my business.”

Let’s face it, you’re exhausted. You love your business and all that it entails, but lately it’s draining you instead of energizing you. You wake up tired, you go to bed anxious, and somewhere in between, you question if this dream is worth the headache. (Spoiler alert: It is, but not at the cost of your mental, physical, or emotional health.)

The Solution: Practical Strategies to Reignite Your Fire

Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Stop saying yes to everything. Start treating your time and energy like the precious resources that they are. Because decision fatigue is real, and you’ll find yourself saying “Yes” to things you didn’t want to. So, set boundaries about who or what you’re willing to give your time and attention to, and grow from there.

Here’s a tip: Rank your decisions based on their importance and urgency. (Mook, 2025)

Build a “Recharge Routine”

Schedule rest and recovery like it’s a business meeting. Walks, naps, massages, wine nights—whatever fills your cup. I agree with this method because I put myself on my calendar to go for a walk. But I’m not the only one who believes in the recharge routine. Check out what Mellina Joseph, Founder of Coffee Cracked, had to say about setting aside time for self-care. “One of the main reasons entrepreneurs burn out is because they ‘grind’ too hard without taking rest. I personally like to engage in activities such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.” (Miranda Fracaccio, Contributor, 2023)

Outsource and Delegate

Just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should. Let someone else handle the stuff that drains you.

Reconnect with Your “Why”

Go back to the reason you started. That passion is still there—it just needs a little fresh air and breathing room. For more on this topic, check the Problem & Solutions Series blog post, Building a Business with Purpose: Aligning Your Values and Your Strategy.

Talk It Out

Don’t carry the weight alone. A mentor, coach, or sister-friend who gets it can help regain perspective fast. For more about this topic, check out the Problem & Solution Series blog post The Importance of Mentorship—Finding Your Guide.

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Don’t forget to subscribe to the Problem & Solution Series for these and other valuable tips and advice. For additional inspiration, listen to The Jameela Adams Experience podcast, available every Friday.

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