Did you know that if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re at a higher risk when it comes to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction? What’s wrong with this picture? There’s an emotional toll to entrepreneurship that many people don’t talk about. Many entrepreneurs struggle to create a proper work/life balance.
They constantly feel pressure, which ultimately results in neglecting self-care. Statistics even show that 8% of businesses move toward failure when founders burn out.
Many stressors that entrepreneurs feel come from lack of time and investment in themselves. And I get it. As business owners, we’re so busy focusing our money, time, and energy on our teams and business that all too often, nothing is left for us.
I recently read the article Why Entrepreneurs Should Keep Investing in Themselves (And Not Just Their Businesses). There are many takeaways from this article, but the one I want to focus on is about burning the candle at BOTH ends as a business owner:
“Somehow, burning the candle at both ends has become something to boast about. But this should not be the way to go. ‘People seem to wear lack of self-care as a badge of honor,’ said David Lojko, co-founder of Earn2Trade. ‘Unfortunately, this comes at a cost. No entrepreneur is invincible. They are susceptible to the same health problems as anyone else when they are stressed out, sleep deprived, don’t get regular medical care, or fail to stay in shape’.”
So, here’s the thing: I am a holistic health coach, own my virtual franchise with Juice Plus Whole Food Nutrition, and am personal development coach. I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and I am active in my community. I attend church, am a regular in my Sunday school class, and love Jesus. I eat well 95% of the time, exercise, and try my best to do the things necessary to help my body have the fighting chance it needs. The one thing I am not doing well is getting enough sleep; and stress does weasel its way into my life. I did mention I have two teenage daughters AND a few businesses, right?
If you are a business owner and have found yourself in a space where you are seriously BURNING the candle at both ends, what is your plan out? Personally, I invested in personal development that has kept me on my game, and kept my sanity intact. I make my physical health a strong priority, but can always do better. My focus now is really working on a daily devotional to set my intention for the day. I have found that when I focus on the teachings of my devotional, my day tends to start better and stay more on track.
My challenge to you is to read this article and CHOOSE ONE area of your life where you could do just a little bit better! Make a structured and committed plan to improve in that one area. Make your goal strong and be sure to find someone that will help hold you accountable. This is that person who loves you and will speak truth into you - even when it hurts a bit if they do it in a very kind and helpful way.
Moral of the story: INVEST in yourself! YOU are worth it. And remember - without your health, nothing else really matters. Make it a priority.
Krista Hawkins
Original ideas can be attributed here: https://bit.ly/2NbHIwk
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