7 Signs You’re a Burned-Out CEO (and How to Fix Them)

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.” — Anne Lamott

Introduction

If you’re leading a successful business but constantly feel exhausted, distracted, or emotionally drained, you’re not lazy — you’re likely burned out.

Burnout doesn’t just kill creativity; it erodes profit, team morale, and your quality of life.
The good news? It’s not permanent. You can recover, reset, and rebuild — if you catch the signs early.

Here are 7 red flags that mean you’re operating from burnout instead of balance — and practical ways to fix them.

1. You’re Always “On” — Even When You’re Off

You check emails during dinner and plan your next project while brushing your teeth.
💡 Fix: Create CEO Office Hours — structured times for decision-making and communication. Outside those hours, unplug completely.

2. You’re Doing Everyone Else’s Job

You’re the marketer, manager, and problem-solver for everyone on your team.
💡 Fix: Delegate one recurring task this week. Record your process once, and hand it off permanently.

3. Your Calendar Owns You

Every minute is booked — but none of it moves the business forward.
💡 Fix: Protect CEO Time Blocks — 2–4 hours weekly dedicated to strategy, vision, or growth projects only.

4. You’ve Stopped Celebrating Wins

Success feels like survival. You’re crossing finish lines but not feeling fulfilled.
💡 Fix: Start your meetings with “What’s working?” — train your brain to notice progress, not just problems.

5. Your Team Is Draining, Not Driving

You spend more time managing people than leading them.
💡 Fix: Define clear roles and outcomes for every team member. Clarity creates confidence — for both of you.

6. You’re Not Paying Yourself What You’re Worth

You make payroll, but your own paycheck feels like an afterthought.
💡 Fix: Follow a Profit Allocation System (like Profit First). Prioritize owner pay — because the CEO deserves compensation, not leftovers.

7. You Feel Disconnected from Your Purpose

You started this business to make an impact, but now it just feels like work.
💡 Fix: Reconnect to your Significance — your “why.” Realign your goals with your mission using the Burnout Audit™ as your reset guide.

Reset Checklist

✅ Take the Burnout Audit™ to assess your stress metrics
✅ Schedule one non-negotiable CEO block weekly
✅ Reconnect with your purpose — your “Significance”
✅ Revisit your compensation plan
✅ Delegate one recurring task today

Final Thought

Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’ve outgrown your current system.
The solution isn’t more work; it’s better structure, stronger boundaries, and support that aligns with your S.I.P.™ values — Significance, Impact, and Profit.

Ready to trade exhaustion for empowerment?
👉 Start with the Free Burnout Audit™ and find out where your time, energy, and profit are leaking — so you can lead with clarity and confidence again.