It is inevitable to feel like you’re burning out at some point. Whatever struggles you are facing, thankfully there are strategies to get you over this hump. Here are the top 5 tips to avoid burnout and stay motivated.

1. Quit comparing!

A case of the Joneses is about the best way to make you feel like you’re worth nothing. When such comparisons enter your head, recognize that these are just negative thoughts and let them pass. The key is to not fixate on them and let them go.

2. Done is better than perfect.

Many entrepreneurs are over achievers. This is a blessing and curse. It’s good to have high standards, but it’s worse to not finish tasks because you want them done perfectly. Either say no to tasks that you know you won’t be able to implement, or finish important tasks on time, even if they’re not perfectly manifested.

3. Adjust your expectations.

Similarly, if you are holding yourself up to impossible standards that you will never be able to meet, give yourself a break. You’ll drive yourself crazy and you’ll realistically be less successful in driving your business forward. Make realistic, yet ambitious goals: we know, it’s a fine line.

4. Identify what’s important to you and protect it.

Marisa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo, gives some wonderful advice about avoiding burnout. She believes workers burn out when they grow resentful. Figure out which personal commitments are important for you to keep and never let work get in their way. This can be having dinner with your kids, your weekly yoga class, having time in the morning to run, etc.

5. Make a plan to achieve what you want and stick to it.

This is the trickiest tip because it requires the most work. Thankfully with reflection, solid planning, giving yourself rewards for each step of your plan, and constant reevaluation, you should be fine.

• Visualize every single, small step of your plan of action.
  Just as you would create a detailed work plan for a new campaign, treat yourself to the same rigor. What will you need to do the first week, month, three months to accomplish what you want to?

• Have a friend hold you accountable.
  It is easy to get lazy with your plan if you don’t have anyone to report to. So check in with a friend each week.

• If you didn’t accomplish your goals, make your tasks smaller and more realistic.
  This is okay: things don’t always go according to plan. Now, just visualize your new, adjusted plan like you did before and you’ll be good to go

• Give yourself rewards for each step you’re able to accomplish.
  This will encourage positive thinking, which will also help you move forward.

• Strategize for when you’ll lack motivation.
  Yes, even though you’ve come up with this spiffy plan, life is life and you’ll still feel low sometimes. So, think of strategies ahead of time that will make you feel better. Mindfullness, taking walks, writing, and volunteering are all helpful coping mechanisms.