We just had Mental Health Awareness month in May, but that doesn’t mean we stop taking it seriously. A recent study from Inc. reported that 70% of CEOs and Founders report feeling overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. They are burnt out due to trying to manage it all. Running a company is one of the most rewarding but also one of the most emotionally draining roles anyone can take on. In industries like healthcare, real estate, and e-commerce, where urgency and high stakes are the norm, the pressure can feel constant.
Running a company where people are looking to you for leadership. While also managing a personal life can seem like a lot. During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, it’s always time to talk about what too many leaders silently endure: burnout.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overworked. It’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It often leads to:
- Reduced productivity
- Feelings of detachment or cynicism
- Mental fatigue and lack of motivation
- Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
How Burnout Impacts CEOs and Founders
- 72% of entrepreneurs report being directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues.
- Michael A. Freeman, UCSF researcher
- 49% of entrepreneurs experience burnout.
- Harvard Business Review (2021)
- 59% of business leaders report feeling worn out by the end of the day.
- Deloitte, 2022 Well-being at Work Survey
- 77% of executives have experienced burnout in their current jobs.
- Indeed, Employee Burnout Report (2021)
- 63% of small business owners have considered quitting due to mental health concerns.
- Xero and The Mind Share Partners Report, 2022
So What Can Be Done?
Awareness is the first step. The next step is getting support. Many CEOs suffer in silence, thinking delegation is a sign of weakness when it’s actually a strategy for sustainability.
Delegate with Purpose – Hire a Virtual Assistant from MyOutDesk
As a CEO or founder, doing it all isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a fast track to burnout. That’s why smart leaders delegate what doesn’t require their direct attention. With a highly trained Virtual Assistant from MyOutDesk, you can confidently offload tasks like scheduling, email triage, customer service, social media management, research, and data entry.
Freeing up your time isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about protecting your mental bandwidth so you can lead strategically, think clearly, and focus on what drives real growth.
Set Boundaries Around Work Hours
When you’re leading a company, it’s easy to work 24/7. But constant availability leads to mental exhaustion. Set hard start and stop times for your day and stick to them. Protect your evenings and weekends like they’re board meetings.
Prioritize Your Health Like You Do Revenue
Regular movement, nutritious meals, sleep, and even downtime are essential, not optional. If your body and brain break down, so does your business. Treat your mental and physical wellness like key performance metrics.
Create a Strong Support System
Burnout thrives in isolation. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, therapists, or coaches who can give you perspective, guidance, and encouragement. Talking to people who understand the unique pressures of leadership can be a lifeline.
Reconnect with Your “Why”
When everything feels like a task, burnout sets in fast. Take time to reflect on why you started your business in the first place. Whether it’s to create freedom, impact, or legacy, realign your daily tasks with your core purpose to reignite your motivation.
You can’t scale your business if you’re running on empty.
This month and beyond, choose sustainability over sacrifice. Let MyOutDesk support you with trained, reliable Virtual Assistants so you can focus on growth without burning out
Leadership doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being.
