Ever felt down, tired, or consumed, both mentally and physically? Your startup journey is full of events happening really fast, and real progress is not tangible at times?
During your journey as an entrepreneur, your mindset is your strongest asset to lean on for support and inspiration. Pay attention to its status (fresh - worked up - exhausted). Like your body, it requires monitoring, exercising, and constant development.
First things first, make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, have time for personal reflection, and human interactions outside of work.
Secondly, self inspire. Lift your spirit up and keep moving forward.
How can you do that? Here are some of the suggestions I offer solopreneurs during our mentoring sessions.
Rediscover your sources of inspiration. It can be anything: sports, music, movies, books, a conversation with someone special, a walk on the beach, a night out with your friends, etc…
And make a habit of it. Don’t just do it once a month. Intentionally include sources of inspiration in your daily/weekly/monthly routine.
Surprise yourself. From time to time, surprise yourself with new experiences. Sample new kinds of food from different cultures, go sightseeing at a place that you have never seen before, go for a run/walk in the early morning. You never know what you might discover, embrace it with an open heart and mind.
Try old things in a new way. Do you sing? Make a video of it and post it online. Are you a good storyteller? Offer standup comedy shows to kids at a school. Do you like starring in the night sky? Use an app to identify the constellations and the different planets and learn about it. You don’t have to be good at it, but most importantly, you must be able to enjoy it.
Practice a hobby. It doesn’t have to be something that you are good at but definitely something you enjoy, in a group or on your own. So painting, playing a musical instrument, modern dancing or even group knitting. Whatever gives you a sense of freedom and personal expression. It also offers you something to look forward to, other than your upcoming meeting with investors or customers.
Express yourself, let it all out and do it regularly. The journey can be frustrating at times and most definitely humbling. So on regular times of the week/month, make sure to write down everything that frustrates you. Consider it to be your journey’s diary.
Don’t be a stereotype. Forget about the stereotype of the lone entrepreneur who works 24/7 on the startup. It is not the best approach to create something, and it is damaging and draining, to both your mindset and your startup. Being an entrepreneur does not mean that you are not alive anymore. Being an entrepreneur is being open to life, people, the world, and all the wonders they have to offer. Marvel at the world and I promise you it will inspire you.
Take care of your wellbeing. And when you can help others to do the same.
Goodwill and respect.
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