You're acting as though you're busy. Rather, you're choosing to be busy. You're overworked because you believe you should be. You're a leader, and that's the way things ought to be. Isn't it?
No.
This isn't only an issue for new entrepreneurs and CEOs. It's a problem for everyone.
If you're feeling overworked, bear in mind the following tips:
Remember that being busy does not mean success
If you're constantly being pulled in many directions and have so much on your plate, you must be important, right? WRONG!
We go to great lengths to maintain our sense of importance. Unsurprisingly, leaders face the same performance dilemma as they try to get out of the critical path of their business or prioritise while being 'uncomfortably busy'.
Remember you'll have more time if you're less busy
When you're not constantly busy, you can devote more time to learning. You have the opportunity to look around, and you'll find that you are more in control. You have fewer excuses for making poor decisions.
Get your priorities straight
Take deliberate steps to direct your actions towards meaningful outcomes. Make an informed judgment on where your efforts should be focused based on your strategic objectives. Encourage your team to do the same and use these discussions to spark debate about whether more delegation, resourcing or restructuring is needed.
Be intentional and prioritise
Prioritisation might feel like an uphill battle in the hectic life of an leader. Be intentional about how you and your teams remain productive, stay focused on outputs and complete tasks efficiently.
Delegate
Stop trying to do everything yourself and start delegating tasks. Not everything needs to be on your shoulders. Don't be scared to hand tasks to people who can assist you.
Stop complaining you're too busy and take a break
Your mind requires downtime just as your body needs sleep. Make time for yourself. Set aside an hour each day to read, exercise or meditate. Your mind will ultimately collapse if it is always racing at 100 miles per hour.
TAKEAWAY: Prioritising and delegating are key to ensuring you don't burn out. If you intentionally involve your team in goal-setting, planning and strategy, you will be less busy yet more productive as the whole business won't be on your shoulders alone.