Successful Entrepreneurs often sacrifice a lot, especially their own well-being. It's tough out there—twice the chance of feeling down or having those dark thoughts, ten times more at risk of dealing with bipolar disorder, three times more likely to battle addiction, and six times the probability of having ADHD. It's pretty eye-opening.
As a successful entrepreneur, running a business is like a wild adventure. There are good days and bad days, times when we win big, and moments when we face tough challenges.
Succeeding in business isn't just about having great plans and working hard; it's also about having a healthy mind.
Taking care of mental health is super important. It's like the secret ingredient for long-term success.
So, here are five important tips that have helped me keep my mental health in check while aiming for success in business. Ever heard the phrase, 'Success has many fathers; failure has one mother'?
Don't let that one failure be because you weren't giving your best every day and making the right decisions consistently to nurture your company's growth.
Able Mind: Making mental health counselling affordable
Rajeev Vijayan serves as the CEO & Co-Founder of TheAbleMind (DeStress Holistic Health Pvt. Ltd), an organization dedicated to making mental health counseling affordable.
With over 24 years of experience, Rajeev previously held the position of Managing Director at Accenture and Senior Vice President at ATOS.
The Able Mind was established with the mission to offer professional, inclusive, and easily accessible psychological counselling services while striving to maintain affordability.
The organization provides monthly subscription packages at Rs500, allowing individuals to engage in 24/7 chats with licensed psychologists.
The belief at The Able Mind is that collaborative efforts involving individuals, families, mental health professionals, and society at large are essential for holistic healing in mental wellness initiatives.
Rajeev has consistently re-imagined mental health care as a proactive endeavour, combining human expertise and compassion with cutting-edge technology to reach people and prevent feelings of despondency.
The organization's approach emphasizes the importance of prevention over cure.
The Able Mind has assembled a stellar team comprising psychologists, counsellors, psychiatric social workers, and mental health advocates, all dedicated to proactive and positive psychological practices, collaborative care, and holistic health.
These professionals bring extensive experiences from various domains to the table.
Harmonizing Business and Life: Balancing Dedication for Sustainable Success
Juggling a business and personal life is a delicate dance, much like raising a child. While it's tempting to pour every ounce of energy into your venture, remember to step back and nurture your own well-being.
Pushing yourself to the limit without respite can lead to burnout, which is detrimental to both your business and personal life.
As an successful entrepreneur, I've learned that establishing clear boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy balance.
Dedicate specific time slots to both your professional and personal endeavors, and don't hesitate to say "no" when your plate is overflowing. Focus on what truly matters, and avoid spreading yourself too thin.
The successful entrepreneurial journey is undoubtedly exhilarating but also demanding. Prioritize self-care, nurture a supportive network, manage stress effectively, learn from setbacks, and strive to achieve harmony between work and life.
A healthy mind is the compass that guides you towards lasting success in the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
Cultivate Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Running your own business is like riding a rollercoaster—it's quite an adventure. There's no shortcut to instant success; it's more like a bumpy ride with twists and turns.
You'll encounter skeptics, moments of self-doubt, and times when your great idea might not click with the market. But guess what? That's just part of the whole deal!
But there is a secret sauce. Failures are golden opportunities to learn and get better. Stay committed, trust your plans, back them up with solid data, and keep chugging along.
It's about keeping your chin up through the tough patches; that's the kind of resilience that propels you towards the finish line.
Develop a Growth Mindset to Become a Successful Entrepreneur
Think of challenges as your secret ingredient for growth, not as huge roadblocks. It's all about having a positive mindset.
When things don't go as planned, see it as a chance to learn and do better, like taking small steps towards improvement with every setback.
For example, when our business failed to hit the subscriber target we set for launch, rather than panicking and throwing money at marketing, we decided to embrace the opportunity to learn.
We delved into the feedback we received from our early adopters, used their insights to refine our product, and made significant strides in enhancing usability and engagement.
Instead of chasing numbers and quick fixes, we focused on building a stronger foundation—a product so compelling that it would naturally attract a wider audience over time.
It was about creating a solid platform for growth, not just chasing temporary spikes in user count.
Foster Self-Compassion
Practice self-compassion by acknowledging and accepting your limitations. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding during tough times.
Being self-compassionate allows you to bounce back from setbacks without being too hard on yourself.
Cultivate Optimism
I've witnessed countless individuals facing adversity, and I've seen firsthand the transformative power of a positive mindset.
When life throws curveballs, it's easy to succumb to despair, but it's during these challenging times that a positive attitude becomes our most potent weapon.
Remember those moments of self-doubt and uncertainty? Those times when you questioned your abilities or felt overwhelmed by obstacles?
It's in these moments that unwavering belief in yourself is paramount. Remind yourself of your past triumphs, the hurdles you've cleared, and the resilience you've demonstrated.
And this couldn’t be more relevant to successful entrepreneurs who face adversity almost every day.
Never Stop Learning and Evolving
Running a business and navigating your mental health are both journeys of continuous growth and learning.
Just as you adapt your business to market demands, be flexible in prioritizing your well-being. Learn from successes and setbacks, and implement strategies that promote resilience and balance.
Nurturing your mental health is as crucial to your overall success as refining your business plans.
Reach Out. Seek professional help
Speak to a professional and seek out proactive and preventive support before you realize that you have emotionally hit a brick wall, by which time it would probably be too late.
It's really important, as it helps you recognize your strengths and build the resilience you need.
Stay Open to Pivoting
When plans go awry or the market throws a curveball, don't despair; see it as an opportunity to learn and adapt without self-flagellation.
Adaptability is the savvy art of navigating new trends and unexpected hiccups with a cool head. Remember, switching courses isn't about surrendering; it's about making intelligent decisions that protect your business and your sanity.
Pivoting isn't about succumbing; it's about making calculated adjustments while nurturing your well-being. It's like transforming hurdles into stepping stones that propel your business forward while keeping your mind sharp.
Getting stuck in a rut can be mentally draining. Adapting allows you to remain mentally resilient while navigating change.
Embrace change, welcome it, and make smart moves—that's how you achieve success without compromising your mental health. Remember, forcing a failing strategy is futile; sometimes, shifting gears is the smartest move for both your business and your peace of mind.
Take care of your physical health
As someone who's been on the entrepreneurial roller coaster for a couple years now, I've learned that a healthy body is the cornerstone of a healthy mind.
I've seen how physical activity can lift my spirits when I'm feeling overwhelmed and how a nutritious diet keeps my mind sharp and focused. And I've experienced firsthand the power of sleep to restore my energy and recharge my batteries.
For entrepreneurs out there, remember that taking care of your physical health is not a luxury; it's a necessity.
Make time for regular exercise, eat healthy, and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Your body and mind will thank you, and your entrepreneurial journey will be that much more rewarding.
Build a Strong Support Network
The world of entrepreneurship is a thrilling ride, filled with exhilarating highs and crushing lows. Navigating this rollercoaster alone can be daunting, leaving you feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
However, surrounding yourself with a supportive network is like having a safety net, offering you the stability and encouragement you need to thrive.
Don't try to ride this rollercoaster alone. Seek out your tribe—your friends, fellow founders, and family.
Their support will fortify your spirit, making you mentally stronger, more adaptable, and ready to conquer any challenge that comes your way. Embrace the power of community, as loneliness can be crushing.
Conclusion
Running a business brings lots of stress—like figuring out how to make more money, handle expenses, pay your staff salaries, get external funding, and more. But guess what? That stress isn't going anywhere.
What can change is how you deal with stress so you are the best version of yourself every day. Try to see things differently, plan ahead, and keep a positive attitude.
Yeah, sometimes you'll face hard decisions, but being emotionally strong helps you handle them better.
Even if you're not feeling great about it, remember that some things just need to be done when running a business.
Written by: Rajeev Vijayan
Edited by: Aniket Joshi