Ever feel like chucking your laptop out the window and shutting it all down? Do you wonder if all your hard work isn’t more than just glorified stress with a logo? Though they can feel overwhelming and intrusive, thoughts like these are not uncommon. Every entrepreneur is a cocktail of sky-high confidence mixed with a pinch of “I am so unqualified for this.” One day you’re strutting around like a boss, and the next you just aren’t sure you can do it another day. I think they forgot to emphasize the hustling bit when they encouraged us all to chase our dreams.

This gig is not for the faint of heart. Bringing your wild ideas, heartfelt passions, or “why-hasn’t-anyone-fixed-this-yet” solutions to life takes guts, grit, and a stubborn refusal to quit (even after your fifth identity crisis of the week). It requires a deep conviction able to withstand opposition and unsolicited criticism. It takes stamina, perseverance, courage and sacrifice.

I’ve certainly not been immune to days when throwing in the towel seemed like the next best step! But over the years, I’ve learned a few practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining a healthy family life, and steering clear of burnout.

1. Remember why you started this whole adventure in the first place. For me, it’s about opening doors for women who have faced setbacks, showing them that their identity and potential are not defined by what may have happened to them, or even by what they’ve done. When paperwork is stacked, bills are overdue, and progress is slow, reconnecting with the passion that started it all is often just what I need to push through. We all have a “why” tucked away somewhere, and honestly, we should remind ourselves of it more often, and maybe brag about it a little, too.
   
   
2. Say no (seriously, practice in the mirror if you need to). One of the biggest causes of burnout among entrepreneurs is “chronic stress from wearing too many hats.” I’ve learned to delegate, to protect my boundaries, and even to let a few things fall apart every now and then. And honestly, some of that falling apart created the space for things to come back stronger, more sustainable and more effective. If you don’t learn to let a few balls drop, you may end up face-planting in the middle of your own circus.
   
   
3. Set realistic goals. Entrepreneurs are often brimming with ideas and are eager to make them happen. But in our enthusiasm, it’s easy to set lofty goals that stretch us (and our teams) a bit too thin. I once asked my staff what I could do to better support them in their roles. Without skipping a beat, they all agreed that they didn’t always know what to focus on with the revolving door of new ideas I was throwing at them. That honest feedback was a turning point. Not only do they now set their own WIGs, but I am committed to more deliberation and planning prior to implementation. Sustainable momentum comes from having a clear focus and achievable wins.
   
   
4. Redefine success if you need to. Numerical metrics have their place. They help us to track progress, and they keep the spreadsheets happy. What they rarely do though, is capture the heart, grit, or eternal value behind our work. People might raise an eyebrow when they hear we’ve had “only” 140-something students in our Career Training and Job Placement program over the past four years. But those numbers don’t tell you that 87% of those placed retain employment. That one of our dropouts left to pursue college. That one graduate started her own training center in her village. Or that another finally felt safe enough to be loved by a family and now dreams of building one of her own. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is stop chasing numbers and start celebrating impact. Redefining success might be the thing that brings the most fulfillment… and ironically, opens the door to even more growth.
   
   
5. Take a break. Like actually take a break. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a full-on vacation, or a staycation in your pajamas on the couch with a good book (or bad TV), make it a habit to step away from the grind. No emails, no messages, just pure, unapologetic rest, play, or whatever fills your cup. Not only will it do your body, mind, soul, and emotions a whole lot of good, but an occasional “fresh start” or returning with a fresh set of eyes can do wonders on productivity, creativity, and your general ability to not lose it on a Tuesday.