Fuel Yourself First Before You Burn Out

Running a propane business means long hours, high pressure, and a constant need to stay on top of everything – from deliveries and safety to billing and service calls. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind without noticing the toll it may be taking on you. But here’s the truth: if you’re burned out, your team will feel it, too. Your energy sets the tone. When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, it often shows up in your team’s attitude, work quality, and overall morale.

Catching burnout early – especially in Fuel Yourself – can help prevent it from reaching the rest of your company and spreading to others on your staff. That means learning to spot the signs, make small changes, and set a better pace not just for your well-being but also for your team’s success.

Listen to Your Body and Mind
Burnout doesn’t just show up all at once. It creeps in slowly. You may feel more tired than usual, even after a good night’s sleep. You might struggle to focus or feel unmotivated about tasks you used to enjoy. You may be quicker to get irritated, or your patience is wearing thin. These are all signals that your body and mind are trying to send you.

If you notice yourself dreading work or constantly running on empty, don’t brush it off. These warning signs are there for a reason. Pay attention to how you feel at the start and end of each day. Are you energized or drained? Are you taking care of your health or cutting corners? The sooner you notice these changes, the easier it will be to address and fix them.

Watch Your Work Habits
As the owner or manager, you’re usually the first one in and the last one out of the office. But working nonstop isn’t something to be proud of if it’s slowly wearing you down. If you’re skipping breaks, missing meals, or working well into the night, that pace will eventually catch up to you – and bring with it negative ramifications.

There’s no room to breathe when your calendar is packed tightly from top to bottom. And when you don’t give yourself needed margin or time to reset, mistakes are more likely to happen. Look at your week. Are there meetings that can be shortened? Can some tasks be shared or scheduled better? Protecting even 30 minutes daily to slow down or step away from it all can make a difference.

Notice How You Talk to Others
Burnout can also manifest itself in your communication and response to your team. If you’re usually calm but now feel short-tempered or impatient, it’s a sign that your stress is rising and spilling over. Maybe you’re giving quick answers without really listening, or you feel like nobody understands how much is on your plate.

These unpleasant shifts can lead to tension with your team, which can spread quickly. If your tone is rushed or negative, others might feel discouraged – even if you don’t mean to come across that way. Step back and ask yourself if you’ve been snapping more often or avoiding conversations that used to come easily. These are indications that you are carrying stress that needs to be addressed.

Take Inventory of Your Joy
Burnout often takes away your sense of purpose. The propane business isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding when you feel like your work matters. If that feeling is fading, it’s time to reconnect with the reason you started working in this sector in the first place. You most likely used to enjoy meeting with customers, training new hires, or being in the field. If you’re doing less of what fuels you, burnout grows.

Consider and write down the parts of the job that you most enjoy. Then strive to do whatever is necessary to bring those components back to your daily routine. That might mean delegating more so you can focus on the areas where you really shine. Feeling proud of your work again and taking satisfaction in it will do much to help you regain energy and focus.

Set an Example Your Team Can Follow
If your team sees you pushing too hard, they might tend to think that they must do the same. But if they see you setting healthy limits, taking care of yourself, and staying positive, they will be more likely to follow suit. That creates a culture where burnout has a smaller chance of spreading.

Remember, you don’t need to be perfect. Just be honest with both yourself and your employees. If you’re making proactive changes to reduce stress, let your team know. That shows good leadership and will earn their respect. Everyone works better together when people see that it’s okay to speak up and slow down when needed.

Keeping the Flame from Burning Out
Burnout doesn’t just affect one person; it affects everyone around them. As a propane business leader, how you manage your stress directly affects your company. When you take time to care for yourself, you also protect your team and the service you give to your customers. By taking conscious steps to create more resilience for yourself, you create more resilience for your business as well. 

A Better Business Starts with a Better You
Burnout can sneak in during the busiest seasons, and it often hits hardest when you feel like you can’t slow down. But the truth is, slowing down a little now can help you avoid bigger problems later. By spotting the signs early, staying aware of your limits, and setting a healthy example, you create a stronger work environment – even during the busy times of the year. When you’re at your best, your team and your business will be too.