Running a business is rarely smooth sailing, and it's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of stress. So, here's five great ideas to help when you're contemplating if its all really worth it.
1. Remember the triumphs
It's so easy to get bogged down with the failures, the mistakes and all the things going wrong but in there somewhere, something's going right. You're still in business, aren't you? Whether you've won a new contract or you just got through the day, it's important to remember all the good things that are happening.
Get a whiteboard in your office and write them down or start journaling at the end of each day to physically recount what went great and what needs some work. TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie has journaled since a teenager. Before building his shoe empire, he had already sold many successful companies and is now worth $300 million, so it's worth getting pen to paper!
2.Set an intention before going to bed
Every business owner knows sleep is a luxury when you're running a company. Thoughts of your never-ending to-do list circle around your head as soon as you hit the pillow. So, start by setting an intention before going to bed. Even if you have a big decision to make, don't let it disturb your much-needed rest. Tell yourself that you will decide in the morning. This allows any anxieties to simmer down because you've made the decision to definitely decide the following day, meaning you can finally get some shut eye. You can either spend the night going back and forth with yourself of set clear intentions for the next day. It's a healthy habit that you may find super useful going forward with your business.
3. Take regular breaks
Most business owners don't know what a regular break is. Your business doesn't stop just because you need a break but that needs to change. Taking regular breaks is not only good for you but will help your sanity in the long run. Giving yourself a chance just to reset and help rebuild your energy levels means you're giving your business the best chance to succeed.
Stress and productivity are two completely different things. Stress is a stumbling block for productivity, so remember when you need 5 minutes for a cup of tea or get out for some fresh air and come back ready and raring to go again.
4. Hire the right people
The people who are around you when you're running your business can either make or break your business. Workplace stress is strife when you feel like the people you've hired aren't doing what they're supposed to or even worse, making your life harder. Be clear with what you want from an employee and help create a network around who'll make your life easier.
5. Take care of yourself
Again, this is another one that business owners find hard to grasp. It's easy to forget about yourself when you're trying to build a business but when you're looked after, your company is looked after. Try not to become a victim of business burn out. For you, your business is 24/7. No long weekends, rarely any holidays and no sick days. This type of routine can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. So, help yourself out a little.
Make sure you're well hydrated throughout the day, it helps you think better. Don't eat your lunch at your desk. Get outside the four walls of your office. No one comes up with groundbreaking ideas sat at their desk. It's when their driving or in the shower or out for a run.
The mind works through problems way more quickly when we are expelling energy through exercise. Stress management is much easier when you're fit and healthy because when you're healthy, it gives your business a better chance of succeeding.
