Are you struggling to get 2025 started? You're not alone. Here's why…
TLDR:
Entrepreneurial Burnout: Many high-performing men face burnout in February due to the lack of rest after the holidays. Studies show that 45.8% of entrepreneurs struggle with stress, and 34.4% experience burnout, impacting productivity and mental health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD affects about 5% of U.S. adults, with symptoms like fatigue and irritability. This condition is worsened in February, making it harder for entrepreneurs to regain momentum in the new year.
Self-Compassion for Resilience: Self-compassion is essential for success. Practicing kindness towards yourself reduces stress, builds emotional resilience, and helps you avoid burnout. Research by Kristin Neff confirms that self-compassion leads to better mental health and performance.
Importance of Relationships: Strong personal and professional relationships increase resilience and reduce burnout. Entrepreneurs with a solid support system perform better and stay motivated, with studies showing that social networks play a key role in mental health and success.
Building a Thriving Community: Entrepreneurs who engage in communities—whether for mentorship, networking, or accountability—experience greater growth and resilience. Being part of a community provides emotional support and helps entrepreneurs overcome challenges.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
– Charles Darwin
As we enter February, many high-performing men are feeling the weight of expectations, unrealistic goals, and the constant drive to achieve. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities but also a heightened sense of stress, burnout, and exhaustion.
Entrepreneurs are particularly vulnerable, often battling the pressures of unrealistic goals and the constant drive to perform. Unfortunately, the start of the new year doesn’t offer the rest needed after the busy holiday season, making it even harder to regain momentum.
If you’re feeling mentally exhausted and struggling to get started, you're not alone. In fact, many high performers experience these challenges at this time of year, and it’s important to recognize that the pressure to “push through” may not be the solution.
Entrepreneur Burnout: A Real Challenge for High Performers
It’s no surprise that Entrepreneurs are particularly susceptible to burnout. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 45.8% of entrepreneurs struggle with high stress, and 34.4% experience burnout (FounderReports.com). This doesn’t just affect your health—it impacts your productivity and ability to succeed. So it’s important to understand that for guys like us, our baseline for stress is already abnormally high.
But why is this even more difficult to overcome in February, you ask?
The Answer: Despite the New Year and your well intentioned resolutions…
You’re Running on Empty
After the holidays, many entrepreneurs have had little time to rest. The energy spent pushing through the end-of-year rush and the lack of mental space in January only heightens the pressure. These accumulated stresses, combined with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can make February feel like a mental and emotional slump.
SAD affects around 5% of adults in the U.S. every year, with symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and depression, often starting during the darker, colder months (VeryWellHealth). These symptoms are intensified for high performers who already carry the burden of immense responsibility and high expectations.
Sleep Deprivation During Holidays: A survey by Sleepopolis found that nearly 31% of people report getting less sleep around the holidays, which can significantly impact recovery and overall well-being.
Recovery Time After Holidays: Another survey indicated that 51% of Americans say it takes them weeks to feel less stressed after the holidays, with many individuals reporting that they do not take adequate time for recovery during this busy period (American Heart Association).
This said, it can be concluded that many of us struggle in February because we’re trying to drive our new agenda for the year in a car with a dead battery.
Self-Compassion: The Foundation for Resilience
As an entrepreneur, you might find it difficult to slow down or show yourself kindness when you feel behind or stressed. Just examine your negative self-talk and you will see quickly how we can be judgmental and even abusive to ourselves when we don’t feel “productive.”Yet, self-compassion is essential for long-term success. And doing “nothing” is still doing “something.” Research by Kristin Neff shows that practicing self-compassion significantly reduces stress, enhances emotional resilience, and leads to better mental health outcomes. When you’re kind to yourself during challenging times, you’re more likely to perform at your best without burning out (Self-Compassion.org).
Practical Steps to Integrate Self-Compassion:
Mindfulness: Dedicate 5-10 minutes daily to check in with your emotions. Acknowledge what you're feeling without judgment.
Journaling: Write down one small win every day, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Self-Care: Schedule breaks or downtime, whether it's a walk or an evening off—make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Inner Child Exercise: Reconnecting with Your Younger Self
One of the most powerful ways to practice self-compassion is by reconnecting with your inner child—the version of you that holds the innocence, joy, and vulnerability you once had. This exercise not only helps you treat yourself with kindness, but it also fosters healing from past emotional wounds, leading to better emotional regulation and sustained performance.
Research by Kristin Neff shows that self-compassion is directly linked to lower levels of stress, increased resilience, and better emotional health (Self-Compassion.org). Moreover, Bessel van der Kolk's work emphasizes that reconnecting with the inner child can help heal trauma and emotional pain (The Body Keeps the Score).
Steps for the Inner Child Exercise:
Ground Yourself:
Begin by finding a comfortable, quiet place where you can sit undisturbed. Take a few deep breaths, feeling your feet on the ground. If any emotions arise during the exercise, gently bring your attention back to your breath or focus on the sensations in your body to stay grounded.Visualize Your Younger Self:
Close your eyes and picture yourself as a child, around 5 to 7 years old. Visualize what you looked like, how you felt, and when you felt loved, safe, and joyful. Don’t rush the memory—let the feelings and images arise naturally.Speak to Your Inner Child with Compassion:
Now, imagine you are standing in front of your younger self. Speak to them with kindness and care. Ask yourself: How would I treat this child? What would I say to them in their time of need? Say these words to your younger self:"You are worthy of love, rest, and care. It’s okay to take breaks, and you don’t have to be perfect. I’m here for you, and I will take care of you."
Reflect on Your Current Self:
Shift your focus to your present self. How do you treat yourself today? Are you being kind, or are you pushing yourself too hard? Think about the areas where you’ve been unkind, such as overworking or neglecting your emotional needs. Acknowledge that self-compassion is essential for long-term well-being.Set Boundaries and Protect Your Energy:
How would you protect your inner child today? Reflect on the boundaries you need to set to safeguard your emotional health. What steps can you take to stop overextending yourself? Visualize the emotional protection you need.Offer Affirmations and Integration:
To close the exercise, reaffirm your self-worth:"I deserve rest and love."
"I am worthy of kindness and care."
"I will honor my needs and protect my energy."
Commit to taking one small, actionable step this week to nurture your emotional well-being—whether it’s a break, saying no to an extra responsibility, or simply being kind to yourself.
This exercise not only helps you reconnect with your inner child but also provides a healing pathway to greater emotional resilience and sustainable success. By practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and nurturing yourself, you ensure that your performance is sustainable and your well-being is prioritized.
The Power of Relationships: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Entrepreneurs often believe that success is an individual pursuit, but this mindset leads to isolation and burnout. Strong relationships provide not only emotional support but also the practical wisdom and accountability needed for long-term success. Entrepreneurs who have a support system are more likely to feel motivated, maintain focus, and overcome obstacles with greater ease.
A study by Cohen & Wills (1985) shows that social support networks increase resilience and reduce burnout. Entrepreneurs who engage with mentors, peers, and loved ones enjoy better mental health and perform better overall (PubMed).
Practical Steps to Strengthen Relationships:
Engage with Your Network: Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or even past clients to discuss challenges and successes.
Prioritize Personal Relationships: Schedule time for loved ones, even during busy periods, to maintain a healthy support system outside of work.
Seek Mentorship: Find someone who can offer guidance and help you navigate difficult periods with valuable insight.
Community Support: Thriving Together
Being part of a community isn’t just about networking. It’s about finding a space where you can share experiences, gain perspective, and feel emotionally supported. Research by Kirk & Latham (2020) shows that entrepreneurs with strong business networks experience lower levels of burnout and greater resilience. Having a community helps entrepreneurs maintain motivation and make decisions that lead to sustained growth (Kirk & Latham Study).
Practical Steps to Build Community:
Join Entrepreneurial Communities: Whether online or in-person, seek out groups where you can share goals, resources, and challenges.
Attend Networking Events: Make a habit of attending events that allow you to collaborate and grow.
Create Accountability Groups: Partner with other entrepreneurs to share goals and hold each other accountable.
Wrap Up: Thriving in 2025 Through Self-Compassion, Relationships, and Community
As you move forward in 2025, remember that true success doesn’t come from just working harder—it comes from aligning your energy, building strong relationships, and practicing self-compassion. These tools will not only help you avoid burnout but also create a sustainable path to long-term success.
By focusing on self-compassion, building strong relationships, and fostering community support, you’ll set yourself up to thrive in 2025 and beyond. And if you want to learn more book a Free 15-minute Zoom Call with me above!
Ready to restore your energy for 2025?
Download my Energy Alignment Checklist and start setting goals that honor both your ambition and your well-being. Let’s make 2025 the year you thrive, not just survive!
