How To Be A Badass Business Owner AND Keep Your Zen

There isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t feel the effects of stress.  Stress can have some significant effects on your body and mind.  Especially in uncertain times, stress can really spiral out of control quickly.

Arguably, entrepreneurs have some of the most stressful jobs around. They have to deal with constant uncertainty and being responsible for any decision they make. Studies show that entrepreneurs have the longest working hours.  They also have to rapidly develop expertise across all areas of management from finance, marketing, procurement, and operations to human resource management in the process of starting and managing their business.

Because of this, as an entrepreneur, you might believe that stress is a necessary part of being a successful business owner.  That in order to be successful, you need to be able to shoulder a significant level of stress.  Well, that’s just not true.

In fact, learning how to manage your stress is a skill that most entrepreneurs are not well versed in.  And when you manage your stress, you are able to get more done, do it with ease, and feel accomplished.  You can improve your sense of satisfaction from your business and create a little work/life balance while you’re at it.

Stay Positive

I know it’s not the easiest thing to do when you are faced with mounting stress, but it sure can change the circumstances.  Typically, when you are overwhelmed with the circumstance in front of you, you focus on all the threats or fears of what could happen.

Instead, focus on the potential opportunities.  What are all the things that could come out of getting through this task and doing it well? Maybe even say you’re excited even if you are really more scared sh!tless.  By saying it out loud, you will ease the negative feelings and thought spin, and promote a more positive mindset.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Let’s be honest, sometimes seeking assistance can feel like a sign of weakness. Like you don’t have the expertise that’s needed to get the job done. But what if it wasn’t a sign of weakness and was a way to collaborate with others - which is a positive thing. 

When you collaborate with others, you’re sharing responsibility AND the stress. Plus, seeking input and partnering with others often yields better ideas and a stronger final product.  It also improves your overall mood.  

Take Breaks

I know it sounds counterintuitive to take time away from work when you have a plate full of it, but it’s really not.  Taking breaks, whether they are quick coffee breaks, mental health days, or full-blown vacations, regularly helps your body and mind reset.  

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend taking some time for yourself to regain perspective. Stepping away, even for a few minutes, allows you to take a breath and relax - changing your perspective, clearing your mind, and improving your mood.

Self-Care

Similarly to breaks, a self-care routine is paramount in helping you handle the stress your work puts on you each and every day. Having a regular routine of activities you enjoy and are good for you, helps alleviate and counteract the effects of stress.

When you are so stressed out that you feel like you might lose it, go take a hike.  No really! Take a hike, breathe the fresh air and enjoy nature. The work will be there when you get back and you will be ready for it.

Believe in Yourself

As an entrepreneur, you are most likely already blessed with at least a small degree of self-confidence. But that doesn’t mean that it’s always fully charged and ready to go when you need it.

It’s important to remember how far you’ve come when you are faced with an overwhelming situation.  You started your own business, got it up and running, and have probably achieved at least a bit of success to even be faced with the stress that’s in front of you. So pat yourself on the back and remember that you can do it - cause you absolutely can!

Focus on Outcomes

One of the worst things you can do in an emergency is react. Successful entrepreneurs know that acting on their impulses in a tense situation may be the completely wrong action. 

By taking a moment (and probably a deep breath) to focus on the outcome or the bigger picture, you allow the space to make a decision based on the whole picture and not what’s just right in front of you. That bigger picture perspective helps frame how your decision will guide you toward the final outcome. Haven’t you ever heard of seeing the forest through the trees.