You became an entrepreneur because you love what you do & wanted to give that service or product to others. You work harder than anyone who works for you. You put in long hours, working weekends and evenings. You're always promoting, marketing, working behind the scenes. You're making sure your business is successful. You can't think of doing anything else for the rest of your life. You are doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. Right? Right!
But what are you doing for yourself?
As a fellow entrepreneur, I can tell you the first year is really hard on you mentally, physically and emotionally. The second year isn't much easier. They say it gets better the longer you do it but I think you just get more efficient. You also learn a lot about yourself in the first couple years... things you never thought you'd find out.
When I started Sisarina, I decided to also run my first Half. I started training around the same time business started rolling in. After the first month of training, I felt like I didn't have enough time to run. I started getting up earlier in the morning to get my run in due to being at networking events in the evenings. The runs got longer and I felt like a bad business owner for not going in to the office early enough - like I was wasting time.
After hiring my first employee, I started mentioning that I felt this way and she noticed that I was less grouchy and more focused on days I trained. My mood was much more positive and I had more energy, despite waking at an earlier hour. Over the last year and a half, I've noticed this same thing about myself and tend to get grumpy when I don't run, bike or work-out. My hormones get out of whack, my positive attitude takes a dive and I end up complaining much more if I haven't had my daily dose of adrenaline. Running is what gives me time to think, helps me stay focused and gives me the drive to make things happen.
Training for a race is just like running a business.
There's a goal but it's never the end. You're always setting goals, beating them or learning from them, and setting the next one. You have to get up bright & early every morning and hit the pavement hard so your clients know you're always ready to help them. You have to keep a positive attitude and be ready to make things happen. When you're up at 6am with the sun rising as you head out on a trail, you realize that you're alive... that you are in tune with the world... that you are going to take it over.
What gives you focus & drive?
I can tell you that it's not working all the time. You'll hit a wall... just like I have. Over and over and over. As a business owner, you think you should make sure everything is always done before you can enjoy yourself but in reality, you need to take some time and let the creative juices flow without staring at your computer screen. You are the reason your business is successful but if you're not in tip-top shape mentally, you'll fail... and it won't be pretty.
Running does it for me. It's not the same for everyone. It could be ready a book, putting pen to paper (no, not typing), taking your dog for a long walk, taking an nap, going for a bike ride, taking a long drive in the country, visiting a winery, enjoying happy hour with friends. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time at least once a week to just shut down and shut off. Your smartphone will be there when you get back. So will your computer. Just go enjoy yourself for a little bit & find out just how much more you can accomplish after a little downtime.
Tell me what allows you to shut off:
I'd love to hear what gets your creative juices flowing & gets you away from your work. Leave a note & your website or twitter handle. I'll tell others about it!
