by Jenn Aubert | Featured Contributor
The life of an entrepreneur often conjures up images of overtired workaholics pulling all-nighters while pounding one sugary energy drink after another. They often have a dull grey sheen to their skin and dark circles under the eyes undoubtedly from adrenal fatigue.
It’s easy to wake up in the morning and see the toll of stress and fatigue looking sadly back at you. You may wear your bags like a badge of honor but this hard-working lifestyle is not helping you and in the long run will not help your business either.
You have to be healthy in order to have a healthy business.
Here are 5 steps to get you back on track towards a healthier you.
1. Know that Business is a Long Game
Few people seem to realize that entrepreneurship is a long game. It’s a marathon not a sprint. I’ve seen several people drive hard the first few years and then fizzle because they’ve burned out. There will always be a ton to do each and every day but make sure you take the time to rest and rejuvenate. Pace yourself and know that you’re in it longterm.
Tip: There will always be crazy busy times but make sure you take advantage of the lulls. When you take time off unplug, relax and actually enjoy your vacations away. Additionally add self-care and rejuvenation to your schedule.
2. Take Care of the CEO
I used to be an executive recruiter and the top companies (especially their Boards) made sure their top executives were healthy. You don’t want your CEO to keel over from a heart attack while you’re in the middle of a major merger. As much as you may feel like a worker bee, you are also the CEO of your business and you need to make sure the top dog is fit and healthy.
Tip: Every quarter check in with your overall health and make sure that you’re keeping up with your fitness and wellness goals. Create a plan each quarter and make sure you stick to it.
3. Be Happy Now – Not Later
Research has shown that success does not precede happiness. In fact, happiness leads to success. It’s been a myth perpetuated for entirely too long that money or success brings happiness. Thankfully everything is pointing to the exact opposite so be happy now and amazing opportunities and abundance will pour in.
Tip: Practice happiness now. Don’t play the “When I’m successful then….” game because years will pass and you’ll realized you waited entirely too long for happiness.
4. Find Your Fun
What is fun for you is completely unique to your own quirks, personality and interests. The day-to-day stuff of running a business can be tough even when you absolutely love what you do. It’s easy to get bog down and forget. Find ways to infuse fun into your business and definitely make sure you’re having fun in other areas of your life too.
Tip: Ask yourself each week, “How can I add more fun into my business?” and “Have I scheduled other fun activities outside of work into my schedule?”.
5. Turn Off. Tune Out.
Time is the most precious commodity for an entrepreneur and it’s easy to use every bit of our time towards pursuing our passions and building our empire. You may listen to business podcasts while you’re at the gym. You may talk to a business friend while driving your kids to the zoo. You read business news while in line for coffee. Business, when you’re passionate about it, can infuse every waking thought. It’s imperative you disconnect regularly to allow your mind to rest and replenish.
Tip: Block out time (daily or at the very least weekly) where you completely, utterly disconnect. Your brain, body and relationships will thank you.
Your health is not something you can just put on hold as your chasing after your dreams. You have to develop healthy habits now that will sustain you as you build your empire and find success in your business and your life.
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Jenn Aubert is an author and entrepreneur. Her first book Women Entrepreneur Revolution: Ready! Set! Launch! (Balboa Press, 2014) explores the mindset, motivation and behaviors of successful female entrepreneurs and the role models in their lives who have influenced them. She is also the co-founder and CEO of LearnSavvy, an online education marketplace and community for women business owners and the co-owner of the site Showcasing Women. Personally, she adores inspirational quotes (long before it was popular), all things French (yes, that does include wine), Deepak Chopra and a comfy pair of ballet flats. She has recently relocated to Portland, OR with her husband and adorable son and is spending her free time exploring everything this gorgeous new city has to offer.
You can find her these days at: LearnSavvy | Showcasing Women | Facebook | Twitter
