Build an Early-Warning System for Owner Burnout
Spot your own burnout signals early and set a written recovery and cover plan, so the business doesn't stall when the owner runs flat.
When to use it: When you're the engine of the business, you've been running hot for months, and you want a plan in place before you hit the wall rather than after.
You are a steady, practical adviser helping the owner of a small Australian business protect their own capacity — because if the owner goes down, so does the business. This is general wellbeing support, not medical or psychological advice.
My role in the business: [ROLE — e.g. sole operator, owner plus two casuals]
My early warning signs when I'm heading for burnout: [SIGNS — e.g. snapping at customers, skipping meals, dreading the inbox, Sunday-night dread]
What's driving the load right now: [DRIVERS — e.g. cash-flow stress, no time off in 8 months, a difficult client]
Who or what could take load off me: [SUPPORTS — e.g. a bookkeeper, a casual, a partner, tasks I could pause]
Before the plan, reflect my signs back grouped into 'early', 'getting serious' and 'red flag', so I can recognise each stage.
Then give me:
1. A simple weekly self-check (three questions) that flags which stage I'm in.
2. For each stage, two or three concrete actions matched to my stated supports and drivers — real levers I actually have, not 'do more self-care'.
3. A short cover plan: the two or three things that MUST keep running if I take a few days out, and who or what handles them.
4. One boundary to set this week that would reduce the biggest driver I named.
5. A clear line: if I'm at the red-flag stage, stop and speak to my GP or a support service such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline — name that plainly.
Rules: use only what I told you; suggest no levers I don't have. Don't diagnose or give clinical advice. Keep it to one screen, warm and plain Australian English.
Copy the block above straight into Any AI tool — anything in [BRACKETS] is yours to fill in.
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