The theme for World Mental Health Day is “Our Minds, Our Rights.” As an entrepreneur of nearly 10 years, I’ve learned many lessons, and some of the most important ones revolve around mental health and mindset. In the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting new entrepreneurs and business owners starting their own journey, and here are five things I would like to share with anyone embarking on this path.
When you’re working for yourself, the biggest challenge is putting yourself first when everything else seems like a priority. Today, I’m teaming up with adidas to share some of these important lessons.
1. Embrace the Power of ‘Me Time’ to Recharge Your Creative Juices
When pursuing your passion and turning it into a career, I found that the line between work and fun would often blur. Doing what I love for work is a dream, but too much of it can lead to burnout. I encourage you to find a hobby outside of your passion that helps you unplug and disconnect. It should be something unrelated that challenges you but also invigorates you such as hiking or golfing. I spend about 90% of my time on devices like my phone and computer. Hobbies like rock climbing, cooking, and playing the piano gave me that mental break and kept my hands off those devices completely.
Link to outfit: Z.N.E. Tee and Z.N.E. Shorts
2. Connect with Like-Minded People*
Building a startup can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, attend networking events, or become part of online communities where you can share your wins and woes. It’s not just about learning; it’s about knowing you’re not alone on this wild ride. Sometimes, a simple “I get it” from a peer can be a game-changer for your mental health. One of the main reasons I created Fitness Ambassadors was to find other like-minded people. It can be so validating to know you’re not in this alone.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Delegate
Letting go of control is one of the hardest lessons to learn. One of my mantras is “done is better than perfect.” As a recovering perfectionist and control addict, this has been a complete game-changer. Build a solid team, ask for help, or hire an assistant. The investment will pay off when you can let go and delegate. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a smart move. Less stress on your plate means a happier and more effective entrepreneur.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
It’s super easy to achieve those goals and move on quickly because your to-do list is long, and you’re already thinking about the next thing. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Landing a new client or project, or getting a rave review—these are all moments worth celebrating. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, boosts your self-esteem and keeps you motivated for the long haul.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster. The highs can be exhilarating, and the lows… oh so low. I’m an advocate for therapy and medication when needed. Running a business is not for the faint of heart. It’s normal to experience stress, anxiety, and burnout. Personally, I’ve battled with an anxiety disorder and major depression. Finding the right counselor to equip you with the right tools, resources, and support can make such a difference.
Being an entrepreneur is exhilarating, but it’s also mentally taxing. Your mental health matters just as much as your business success. So, embrace ‘me time,’ connect with the right people, delegate tasks, celebrate the small wins, and never be afraid to seek professional help. Remember, a healthy mind is your ultimate secret weapon in the world of entrepreneurship.
