“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” 

– Stephen R. Covey

6 million female-owned businesses in the US close in the first year. Very often, women who go into business have the desire to “do it all” and “be it all” for everyone and at our expense. This belief contributes to the beginning of the end.

As a wife who currently manages 4 businesses without burning out, I understand the instinct to self-sacrifice for the good of others. But have since taught myself that sustainability is a must if I truly want to help those I love long-term.

Business is stressful.

Unglamourous, but honest.

“A day in the life of an entrepreneur” often fails to mention the stressful rigors of business. Focusing instead on the cutesy activites that are not the true meat and potatoes of the business world. In and of itself that is not bad, as entrepreneurship can and should have elements of fun, otherwise, why do it? But, it is important to keep honesty at the forefront so beginners have the full picture of what they are walking into.

For many of us, the entrepreneurial dream is to do what we want when we want, where we want, and at the best price 😉. To provide safety, security, and stability for our families. To exercise the depths of our creativity and innovation, to challenge, and push the boundaries of what our lives can be like.

After “failing” multiple businesses, losing hair from chronic stress, and feeling utterly hopeless, I have finally learned the secret to building the business of my dreams. And you can too!

My name is Kai Bergquist, a sustainable business advocate and coach for women who want to invest in themselves to build a burnout-proof business that supports personal well-being and professional ambition.

If you want a taste of what that looks like enroll in my 7 Day Stress Detox, a free email course for women entrepreneurs to learn simple strategies they can use to support their entrepreneurship journey.

The difference between the businesses that have closed and the four that are now thriving is the focus on sustainability.

Recognizing that stress is to business as sleep is to a sloth 🦥 you can set yourself up for success with the right expectations.

The goal is to run your business without it running you, here’s how:

How I Manage 4 Businesses Without Burning Out

While you cannot escape the stressors that naturally arise in business (deadlines, system crashes, learning curves, etc.), you can create an environment that supports you THROUGH the stress without being caught in it.

Historically, a captain should go down with their ship, symboling an act of devotion and responsibility. In the world of business, however, the economy (and our pockets) rely on us continuing to paddle along.

My expertise in business lies in the solopreneur niche. Those who work for themselves, by themselves. Once you step out of the 9-5 world the pull of autonomy is the most addicting drug there is.

After taking that step, the aforementioned learning curve is pretty steep. Which reinforces why half of businesses close in their first year or two. A sad fact considering it doesn’t have to be that way.

In my 27 years of life, I have been involved in 8 different businesses. The current 4 deal with transportation, fashion, retail, and services. Most have my name on the license and the remaining I manage the backend and admin for my husband.

With only 24 hours in a day, managing 4 businesses, being a wife, renovating a home, taking care of animals, and staying in touch with family (I haven’t even mentioned eating, sleeping, or exercising yet), how do I do it?

In one word: Self-investment.

I invest in my own well-being for the benefit of the business.

I see self-care (the more common term) to mean supporting yourself in the moment. Whereas self-investment is a deposit into the future.

As a solopreneur, if you burn out that’s it, the business ends. By ignoring your needs, and pushing through the overwhelm you build resentment towards your business. Steadily growing more frustrated and tired until you want it all to go away.

This is not uncommon, and nothing to be ashamed of. Business is hard and tests you at every turn. If you’re feeling this way take a breath and keep reading there is a way through this.

Think of it this way, without you your business would cease to exist. You are the greatest asset your business has. All ideation, ingenuity, and action come from you! Therefore, it is important to protect your well-being as the person who drives the ship. (I seem to really like the captain analogy today ⚓).

By creating an environment (internally and externally) that supports your personal life and professional endeavors you allow them to live in harmony and balance.

So specifically how is this done?

Focus on your mindset and systems. Take into account the aspects of wellness you find most important and develop a plan to incorporate those into your regular routine to keep you from burning out.

By keeping your mind focused on the purpose behind your actions, your “Why?” and supporting that purpose through your actions you can lead your ship through any seas. (Okay, I’ll stop with the captain stuff now)

That’s it, that’s the secret to how I manage 4 businesses without burning out. I make myself a priority as much as I do the business.

And side note, that doesn’t mean it’s all bubble baths and Italian soda breaks, rather it’s finding the balance between what you need to get done and how much energy you have to do it.

“It’s better to do good job once than a poor one twice.”

Being thoughtful in your productivity and gracious when you need rest.

Final Notes:

I hope I have not painted a picture of doom and gloom around entrepreneurship. My honesty was meant to be just that, honest. Business is hard but entrepreneurship is something I feel so blessed to endeavor at. It is exciting, rewarding, and provides so much creative expression and joy.

Being your own boss and leading your life is a gift you give yourself. Investing in yourself to build a burnout-proof business is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you want to learn more about my specific methods I welcome you to try my risk-free 7-Day Free eCourse for female entrepreneurs to detox from stress and start implementing strategies to burnout-proof your business.

Once it’s completed you’ll automatically join my bi-monthly mentorship newsletter (no spam here!) to receive notes, tips, and encouragement from one entrepreneur to another. I look forward to seeing you there.

Until nest time,

TLDR: By prioritizing and investing in your well-being through your mindset and systems, you can build a business that lights you up instead of burns you out.