Running a business requires a lot of time and effort, especially in the early stages of growth. There will be a lot of long days and sleepless nights, most of which necessary to get your business off the ground and keep it running. So much so that you will probably lose time for other important aspects of your life, but once your business gains traction, its demand for your time will likely decrease as you go along.
However, many business owners don’t outgrow the early stage grind even when they already have employees to help them out. Next thing they know, they’re spending too much time on the business and not enough time on more important aspects of life, such as family, travel, and health.
Does this sound like you? If you’re not sure whether you’re spending too much time on your business, here are the signs that point toward the affirmative.
1. You work every day
Everyone needs a day off, even business owners who have a lot of responsibilities on their plate. Working every day may allow you to get more done for your business, but there will come a time that you get burnt out, no matter how much you’re used to the workload. And as you can expect, getting burnt out does nothing good for yourself, your business, and the people who rely on you.
If you find yourself working every day, even on days that you don’t have to, it’s time to take a step back. Get a proper day off without checking up on your business. Buy educational toys for kids and spend some time with your children (if you have any). A day off is also a great opportunity to spend some quality ‘me time’ that you can use to enjoy the things you love, even if it’s not anything productive.
2. You’re always overwhelmed
Many business owners feel overwhelmed every day—most of them learn to live with constant stress until it becomes a regular part of life. However, feeling overwhelmed almost every day is a sign that you’re either spending too much time on your business or the system that you’re using is inefficient—or both. And even if you get somewhat used to the constant feeling of drowning in work, it’s still not healthy for your physical and mental health.
3. You’re always working overtime
Another obvious sign that you’re spending too much time in your business is, well, when you’re literally spending more than eight hours working. Working overtime is sometimes necessary, but it’s a clear sign that you have to step back when you’re doing it more often than not. Determine why you’re working more than the recommended hours each day, then from there, find a solution that will work best for your business.
Are you staying behind because of unfinished tasks? Find more efficient ways to get things done faster. Is it the lack of workforce that’s forcing you to work overtime? Hire another employee to help with the workload.
4. You’re sacrificing family and personal time
Have you missed too many of your children’s games or recitals? Is your spouse complaining that you don’t spend enough time at home? Have you not had any time for your personal interests and hobbies at all? Running a business will require a bit of sacrifice, yes, but it doesn’t mean you have to neglect other aspects of your life for the sake of your business. Don’t let your business take over the rest of your life—it is and will always be just a part of it.
5. Your dietary habits are changing for the worse
You’ve been drinking more caffeinated beverages than water lately, and you’re eating take out more than you’re eating home-cooked meals. Your work desk is also stocked with energy bars packed with insane amounts of sugar. Either that or you’re munching on multiple bags of chips to get you through the day.
Negative dietary habits changes are a common sign that a person is spending too much time on their work. These changes can either make you gain weight or lose weight rapidly, which is not good for your health in both cases. So whether your clothes are getting tighter or your face is becoming gaunt because of your new eating habits, it may be time to reel yourself back in a little.
Spending too much time on your business may help you gain more clients, get more work done, and make your business grow faster. But what about your family, friends, health, and other important aspects of your life? If you’re already compromising these aspects, it’s a clear sign that you’re spending too much time on work and need to take a step back.
