Ivy Sea Online: Quiz-Time: Are you courting burnout?

ARE YOU COURTING BURNOUT? TAKE OUR QUIZ TO FIND OUT.

There are telltale signs that someone is on the path to burnout. The tricky part is recognizing when burnout is looming. Unfortunately, each of us has the ability to mask this burnout or to make excuses about what’s going on internally, and why. We completely ignore the signs, do little or nothing to remedy the situation, and seemingly "wake up one day" fizzled out like a spent sparkler on July 5th.

Take this quiz to gauge whether or not you’re headed for burnout. (Pay attention not only your answers, but also the way you react to the statements!)

1. Despite getting adequate sleep each night, I wake up tired.

2. Lately, I’d define myself as moody.

3. Increasingly, I see the negative, or what needs to be fixed, with my work and others’. Positive comments and thoughts are no longer the norm.

4. My vision of my business is becoming blurry, or harder to focus on, despite being clear in the past.

5. If I were totally honest with myself, I’d say I’m going through the motions at work, rather than contributing everything that I can.

6. I shorten (or wish I could do so) my workday just to leave work. (This does not include taking rejuvenation time!)

7. I lengthen many workdays to get the job done, instead of delegating or managing my time or mindset more effectively.

8. I cut down or stop other activities (such as hobbies or other rejuvenation activities) in order to "keep my head above water" in my business responsibilities.

9. I don’t have the time to reach out and connect with colleagues and mentors on a regular basis.

10. Relationships within and outside of my business are not as strong as they were.

Reading the Gauge

Most people can relate to each of these statements at one time or another. However, it is the number of "yes" answers existing simultaneously and the persistence of these feelings that determines the burn-rate.

Also, your reaction to the statements can be more telling that the tally of "yes" answers. For example, if you cringed at the familiarity of some of these statements, you’re probably acknowledging that your work-habits put you on the path to burnout.

Score yourself using this guide:

1 – 4 "True" answers: You could be in the normal ebb and flow of business ownership. Look for ways — and act on those ways — to reconnect with your vision, establish rejuvenating practices such as long walks or massages, and channel your work efforts most effectively.

5 – 7 "True" answers: These are a lot of worries and energy-drains to manage for any length of time. They are most likely tapping your greatest gifts and causing you to use those gifts unwisely. Within the next week, schedule at least two days offsite to reconnect and clarify your vision, and identify at least five action items that you can do to change course, refuel and recognize when the signs of burnout are rearing their ugly heads again (so that you can stave off any relapses).

8 – 10 "True" answers: Stop. Stop everything and take a deep breath. Honestly assess the reality of your day-to-day situation, and what you are fabricating in your mind. Schedule time within the next week to be away from your business (including e-mail, voicemail and cell phones) and revisit your vision. Using journaling, collaging or role-playing techniques, for instance, to bring your vision of your business, your life and your self to the forefront of your mind. Meet with colleagues and mentors who can help you get both feet grounded in what’s most important to you and how you can accomplish that reality. Give yourself one day a week, every week, for physically and mentally rejuvenating practices.

This article-series is an adaptation created for Inc.com, based on content featured in the book Big Vision, Small Business: The Four Keys to Success and Satisfaction as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur (Ivy Sea Publishing, October 2001), by Jamie Walters. Want to know the keys, or purchase the book?

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