Entrepreneurs should mind their own personal business
Learning and loving should be the first order of business for every self-employed businessperson
Being a self-employed entrepreneur is gratifying when you’re applauded for having had the guts, determination, skills and know-how to create a startup company. You suddenly join the ranks of legendary, self-made titans of industry who ‘did it their way’ and are memorialized in books, films and even memes.
But while it is fulfilling to be able to make a living by pursuing your passion (and being your own boss), the proverbial ‘sweat and tears’ abound for those of us who run our own businesses. Your ‘to do’ list is never-ending; partners and employees sometimes let you down; deals suddenly fall through; and with the Ringgit in the gutter and the economic climate stormy, your company’s wellbeing is a daily worry.
But don’t let setbacks derail you. Remember what the great Nietzsche said: “that which does not kill us makes us stronger”. And it’s true: every letdown I experienced helped me grow, every defeat made me tougher. Above all, what helped keep me anchored and on an even keel was keeping my mind focused on ensuring that I:
Am surrounded by loved ones
They’re your rock during your low points, and the ones you celebrate with when you’re on top of the world. They make it worthwhile, keep you grounded, and remind you of who you are and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Even when you’re talking business, only your family or true friends will tell you the truth, no matter how brutal it is. They will crush you before your competitors do – and help you rebound from it.
They’re your rock during your low points, and the ones you celebrate with when you’re on top of the world. They make it worthwhile, keep you grounded, and remind you of who you are and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Even when you’re talking business, only your family or true friends will tell you the truth, no matter how brutal it is. They will crush you before your competitors do – and help you rebound from it.
Make time for exercise
When stress kicks in, running becomes an essential part of my coping mechanism.
It gives me space to not think about anything, or to figure things out when I need to. Studies have shown that exercise, in addition to making you physically fit, helps your mind to connect the dots, think more creatively, and, of course, releases your endorphins.
When stress kicks in, running becomes an essential part of my coping mechanism.
It gives me space to not think about anything, or to figure things out when I need to. Studies have shown that exercise, in addition to making you physically fit, helps your mind to connect the dots, think more creatively, and, of course, releases your endorphins.
Meditate
Many great, self-made figures meditate – Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg and Deepak Chopra, to name a few. Meditation keeps me rooted in the present and gives me the clarity I need to achieve things I envision. It’s amazing how much focusing on my breathing and ‘letting go’ can do in helping me manage the chaos all around me.
Many great, self-made figures meditate – Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg and Deepak Chopra, to name a few. Meditation keeps me rooted in the present and gives me the clarity I need to achieve things I envision. It’s amazing how much focusing on my breathing and ‘letting go’ can do in helping me manage the chaos all around me.
Understand what makes me happy
If you can identify the experiences that make you happy, you can work towards creating more of them. Even little moments of happiness will accumulate to make you a more positive person – a happier person. That is important, because happiness brings success both to you and your business.
If you can identify the experiences that make you happy, you can work towards creating more of them. Even little moments of happiness will accumulate to make you a more positive person – a happier person. That is important, because happiness brings success both to you and your business.
From an article published by coffeepreneur and traveler Isabelle Thye in http://www.theartsycraftsy.com/
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