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Are You a Workaholic?
Are You a Workaholic? 1024 683 corpus

It’s been a long day. You’re tired, and your brain is fried. Still, you stay late at the office to finish just one more project because you know that if you do, you’ll be able to free up more time to work tomorrow.

You don’t recognize your 60-hour workweek as a problem. When loved ones advise you to cut down on your work to get some rest, you brush them off. Besides, what do they know?

They don’t have to do everything seamlessly to be up for that next promotion. They don’t see that the extra time you spend working from bed answering emails is your version of rest. After all, you become easily stressed when you’re not working, so why stop now?

Is any of this ringing a bell? If so, then your work may be tipping the scales of your work/life balance, which is no good for your relationships and health.

Then again, you may not even realize you are a workaholic. Although there are many signs that you can look out for:

  • You no longer make time for your hobbies because you’re “too busy.”
  • You feel guilty taking a break.
  • Your work consumes most of your thoughts outside of work hours.
  • You view working weekends as normal.
  • Your job is the first and last thing you think about each day.
  • You experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach problems due to stress from work.
  • You’re starting to feel like you would rather stay at work than spend time with family or friends.

Workaholics thrive off their work and put in more hours than is necessary or healthy for them or others. They may have trouble delegating tasks because they want control over everything, leading to burnout if not managed well. Workaholics also tend to feel like they don’t deserve breaks, leading to depression when they finally get some time off.

If you are starting to recognize that your work/life balance may be out of whack, here are some tips for creating a healthy balance between all aspects of life – including work!

  • Take an objective look at your life and see how much time you spend on different activities each day—notice misalignments between your life goals, needs, and priorities and where you spend your time. Figure out where you can create more space for other things that matter.
  • Set some rules and boundaries for yourself, such as not checking emails after hours or taking work calls on weekends.
  • Take time for yourself every day to relax, whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or just taking a break from technology.
  • Talk to your supervisor about finding a better way to manage your time, such as working from home one day a week.
  • Invest in tools that will help you automate or delegate tasks (email templates, scheduling software, etc.). Try using technology such as Siri and Alexa to help with household chores while at home so that you can spend more quality time with loved ones!
  • If you feel like your work is consuming most of your time outside the office, make a list every night before bed to plan what tasks need to get done tomorrow. Do the best you can to push the low-priority tasks to the next day, and so on.
  • Take at least one break each workday! Even if it’s just for 15 minutes to walk around the block or drink some water.
  • Seek external support; talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and what you’re struggling with, or attend a Workaholics Anonymous meeting to start taking steps toward recovery.
  • Set up an appointment with a therapist to help you set up the best treatment plan for you.

Creating a healthy work/life balance is possible, but it takes time, effort, and sometimes outside help to get there. If you are starting to feel like your work is taking over your life, remember that no amount of money or career advancement can only take you so far if you don’t have your health and happiness!

 

 

 

           

 

           

Facing Obstacles in Entrepreneurship
Facing Obstacles in Entrepreneurship 1024 683 corpus

Every entrepreneur knows that there are obstacles along the journey to growth and success. The path isn’t straightforward. There will inevitably be twists and turns that throw you off track. The key to getting back on the right path is identifying which obstacles are holding you back.

 

Generally speaking, there are three common types of obstacles that prevent most entrepreneurs from reaching their goals:

 

  1. External obstacles are the ones that are outside of your control (the economy, a physical limitation, etc.) If the obstacle that’s holding back is external, move on. Recognize that it’s not something you can control or change; therefore, it’s not a good use of your time and energy.
  2. Internal obstacles are sometimes more like issues you have that are standing in the way of reaching your goals. These obstacles can range from not having the right employees or enough cash flow to grow to the next level.
  3. Habitual obstacles are another type of obstacle many entrepreneurs face. These are the obstacles that occur when people get in their own way! You can only fix habitual obstacles when you recognize that you need to change your behavior to grow.

As a mental health professional, I speak a lot about building resilience in life. All too often, setbacks and challenges can trigger depression, anxiety, and relapse. The key to breaking free and moving forward is building more resilience.

 

Resilience is all about bouncing back. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall. The important thing is that you get back up again, put one foot in front of the other, and keep moving forward in the right direction.

 

The same is for those on the entrepreneurial journey. It’s rarely a straight path forward. It if was, then entrepreneurship would be easy…but it’s not. So, no matter how many times you’ve fallen on your professional path, dust yourself off and get back up. Remember, baby steps in the correct direction count!

 

How To Get ‘Unstuck’ And Move Forward On Your Entrepreneurial Journey
How To Get ‘Unstuck’ And Move Forward On Your Entrepreneurial Journey 1024 684 corpus

We’ve all heard it before: “Look on the bright side or try to see the glass as half full.” But sometimes, the bright side is very hard to see and it seems like the glass has been empty for days- even months! As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get ‘stuck’, especially when you are in a growth stage.

 

Maybe you are having trouble finding a resolution to a problem. Perhaps you feel ‘stuck’ because you are spending too much time working in your business instead of on your business. There are so many reasons entrepreneurs feel stuck…here are some tips to help you move forward.

 

    Determine why you are stuck

Recognize what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling that way. Sit down and journal or write a list to help you identify the source of your negative feelings. Talking to a therapist or friend can help, too.

 

Given how you feel now, it may be tempting to rush this process and start making unnecessary changes in one area of your life. Take your time and try to identify the source of your discontentment, whether it’s your friendships, work, or partner.

 

    Set an attainable goal

As you’re thinking about how to get “unstuck,” remember that change is a good thing. Create a new goal for something you want to achieve for yourself and make a concrete plan.

 

It’s okay if you haven’t quite identified the source of your rut, but if you have, consider connecting this goal to that area of your life. The idea is to have something to guide you and keep you going in a forward direction.

 

    Take a step back and try something new

It’s easy to assume that nothing will change just because you decide to get outside and go somewhere new or try a new hobby. But consider this instead: every day is not the same, and neither are you. This is what your rut is trying to tell you. Consider that getting unstuck isn’t an end goal but rather a process – a critical part of your entrepreneurial journey.

The Entrepreneurial Journey: Turn To Your Community For Support
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Turn To Your Community For Support 1024 683 corpus

Any successful entrepreneur knows that there are bumps along the road to success. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. These challenges can hold you back if you let them.

The key is sustaining your energy and motivation even when you experience setbacks. As the saying goes, “If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.” Don’t lose sight of your goals even if you have to change the plan.

If you do have to change the plan along the way, remember that we all have the power and ability to transform. It starts with changing your mindset before you can change your business. You have to discover YOUR vision in order to pave the way to success and profit.

You are the leader of your business and you need to build a roadmap for success.

Think of your entrepreneurial journey as taking a trip. Before you leave, you have a destination in mind. You know where you are going on vacation, how long it will take to get there, how many stops you’ll need to take along the way, and how much money you’ll spend on your trip. Of course, you’ll need a map to show you how to get to your desired destination.

All of this is true for your business, too.

With the right tools, planning, and destination in mind, you can do great things in 2022 and beyond! The key to keep moving forward is to find daily inspiration through your community.

 

Build A Community of Mutual Support 

Remember that supporting others’ success along the way won’t dampen yours! If you are looking for inspiration and motivation, turn to other entrepreneurs. There are success stories everywhere, you just have to find them.

Sometimes, it’s easier to believe YOU can achieve something when others have proven that it’s possible. When you are building your community, look to include like-minded entrepreneurs who can provide the right tools, support, and resources you need to grow as an entrepreneur.

5 New Year’s Resolutions For Growing Entrepreneurs
5 New Year’s Resolutions For Growing Entrepreneurs 1024 683 corpus

Everyone has a new year’s resolution (or two) by the point of the year. Did you know that polls show most people give up on their resolution by February 1st? That’s only one month of commitment! As entrepreneurs, we have to do better.

An essential part of success in setting a new year’s resolution is setting goals that you can actually attain. Here are a few resolutions that can help you gain success in life and in business this year. 

 

Commit to flexibility. 

Every entrepreneur knows things don’t always go according to plan.  Being flexible can strengthen your ability to build resilience and bounce back quickly.   Bonus…flexible entrepreneurs also create better work/life balances with less stress.

 

Support other entrepreneurs.

 In return, they’ll likely support you! Building community an essential part of growth. The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely but you can build a support community that helps you thrive.

 

Empower yourself. 

Arm yourself with the right tools, resources, and support you need to make decisions about your business. Remember that knowledge is power. 

 

Learn something new. 

As I’ve said many times before, leading is a lifelong process. Whether it’s reading book, enrolling in an online class, or joining a new networking group, never stop learning. 

 

Above all, practice self-compassion this year even if you don’t reach all of the goals you set out to achieve. Self-care as a growing entrepreneur is essential because chronic stress can really take you down. Make time to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being this year. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, it just has to be a priority this year. 

How To Avoid Entrepreneurial Burnout
How To Avoid Entrepreneurial Burnout 1024 682 corpus

Physical burnout is something many entrepreneurs can relate to. Burnout can surface in many ways and looks different on everyone. The long days, sleepless nights, and early mornings all add up until you feel completely exhausted.

Sometimes, it’s hard to separate yourself from the business.  But overtime, physical exhaustion builds up and starts to impact your emotional health. Chronic stress happens when you don’t allow yourself to rest mentally and physically. It can lead to disorders like muscle aches, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

When you are working another 12-hour day, it might seem like you are being productive but the opposite is true. Even the busiest entrepreneurs need to take time to rest, recharge, and refocus for productivity and improved wellness. Here are three ways you can avoid entrepreneurial burnout this holiday season and beyond.

 

  •     Exercise More 

You don’t have to train for a marathon, but make a commitment to move each day. Low-impact exercises like yoga can have many benefits for your mind and body and don’t require extensive equipment.

 

  •      Schedule ‘Me Time’

Remember self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Entrepreneurs will work from sunrise to sunset without taking a break. Relationships, fun, family, and other basic important needs are put on the back burner. Successful entrepreneurs make time for themselves! Carve out a little time for YOU each day.

 

  •     Destroy Your Stress Triggers

As a mental health professional, I talk about triggers a lot. It’s important to take note of the things that are stressing you out in life so you can find ways to better manage them.

 

  •     Remember, Happiness Is Yours For The Taking

Constantly pushing yourself to the limit is not going to make you happy in life. True happiness comes from slowing down and tapping into mindfulness. Even when your schedule is full, make time to appreciate the wonderful things that are right in front of you.  We all get the same 24 hours in a day, it’s how you spend it that matters in life and in business.