Business Education

How Entrepreneurs can Improve their Mental – and therefore Physical – Health

Andrew Carnegie. JP Morgan. John D. Rockefeller. Once, these men were titans of industry and the most successful among American entrepreneurs. This, at a time when technology was extremely limited by today’s standards. Communications were not nearly as instantaneous, and the advantage of a democratized autodidact education couldn’t have come from the internet. Now, it’s an entirely different world – except in some remarkable respects. Business owners are still subjected to a lot, particularly stress. And this means these individuals will suffer both mentally and physically.

Common Causes of Mental and Physical Stress and Poor Health

Being an entrepreneur comes with many challenges. Business owners often have to deal with a high level of uncertainty and unpredictability in their ventures. This can create feelings of a lack of control and lead to stress and anxiety. Plus, having to work long hours to keep their business running, can lead to fatigue, burnout, and poor physical health.

It’s no secret that entrepreneurship in the startup field comes with a lot of uncertainty and stress. Researchers from Harvard Business Review interviewed 65 entrepreneurs and found that stress and fear had both motivating and inhibiting consequences. For example, fears related to financial stress actually encouraged greater persistence, while fears of failure related to aptitude had an inhibiting result. —Forbes

Running a business can be financially stressful, especially during the start-up phase. Money worries can cause anxiety, depression, and affect overall well-being. What’s more, entrepreneurs may neglect their physical and mental health due to the demands of their business. This can include poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep.

How Entrepreneurs can Improve their Mental and Physical Health

Entrepreneurship can be a very difficult endeavor. While the rewards of building a successful business can be significant, the pressure to perform and the constant uncertainty of the future can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health. However, there are several effective ways that entrepreneurs can improve their mental and physical well-being.

Prioritize self-care. Entrepreneurs often have a lot on their plate and may neglect taking care of themselves. It is essential to set aside time each day for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and relaxation. These activities not only improve physical health but also help clear the mind and reduce stress.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Entrepreneurs can practice mindfulness by setting aside time each day for meditation or other mindfulness practices such as yoga or tai chi.
Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on one’s mental and physical health. Entrepreneurs should aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help improve energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall physical and mental health. Entrepreneurs should aim to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Connect with others. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely endeavor, and it is essential to maintain social connections with friends and family. Entrepreneurs should make an effort to connect with others through activities such as networking events, social clubs, or volunteer work.
Seek help if needed. Entrepreneurs should not be afraid to seek help if they are struggling with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Help is available through counseling, therapy, or support groups.

As you can plainly see, entrepreneurs can improve their mental and physical health by prioritizing self-care, practicing mindfulness, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, connecting with others, and seeking help when needed. Remember that taking care of yourself is crucial for your business’s success. What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions that others can benefit from? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Like this article?

Is This the Most Valuable Business Lesson of the Ukraine War?

March 6, 2025 No Comments

Sensational headlines about ending the Ukraine-Russia war dominated the news last week and will likely continue for several days, weeks, or months.

Use Your Past to Build a Better Future

May 16, 2017 No Comments

Mistakes, missteps, adversity, hurt, and failure. All of these are negative experiences, at least, at first impression. We’ve all dealt with heartache and heartbreak, with disappointment and resentment. So many pessimistic experiences and impressions can easily discourage to the point of apathy. It’s choosing another path to deal with such occurrences that’s one of the single most difficult things to do in life, and in business. There’s just no avoiding the fact that mistakes will be made, perhaps even to the extent of leading to outright failure of a company, even for entities that are established and realizing a profit. No matter the size or presence of a brand, it can deteriorate and ultimately flounder to the point of no return. We’ve seen this before in the business world, particularly in giants: Blockbuster Video, Circuit City, Borders Books and Music, Radio Shack, Montgomery Wards, Steak & Ale, the list goes on and on. Use Your Past to Build a Better Future One obstacle to overcome is being creatures of habit. Sure, these definitely differ from person to person, but regardless, remain part and parcel of our day-to-day routines. It’s quite easy to let this phenomenon creep into a business environment, and sometimes, with the best of intentions. Habit (read: practice and procedure) can be a good thing. It can also be a death knell, and when you can’t pinpoint the root cause, make you susceptible to more than one failure. The more clearly you understand your strengths and how they enabled you to get to this point, the more effectively you can leverage them into a bright and fulfilling future. It’s important not to regret the past. Instead, you must appreciate all of your positive experiences and find a way to learn from the negative ones. —Business Insider Our past is part of who we are, but, it doesn’t have to define who we are or what we can become. If you think about it for a moment, your past is one of the most valuable weapons you have in your arsenal leading you into the future. This is so understood, it’s actually become a set of quintessential cliches. We see these motivating messages all the time and get a lift. That feeling subsides and it’s human nature to let the past work its negativity on us. I share with my clients that although my successes are something I appreciate, it is my failures that provided me the learning to excel and help others accelerate their success in less time and less mistakes. Failure is the precursor to success. Failure is an event so do not let it define who you are. Use your past to empower yourself and move forward with your future: Change small things, one at a time. There’s a technique in the world of psychology known as, “solution focused brief therapy.” In short, it works by putting focus on building solutions instead of problem solving. It works in a splendidly simple way: you change one small thing at a time. It could be waking-up 10 minutes earlier, exercising just a little every day, or working on this or that skill. Whatever it is, when you become better at it, you’ll feel a genuine sense of accomplishment. Take-on tasks you regularly avoid. Speaking of exercise, this is one thing many people avoid, though it certainly isn’t the only one. You might not like talking on the phone, going-over or creating certain documents, or some other task. Here again, whatever it might be, incremental change is key. Know and accept your weaknesses. You might not be good at this or that, and that’s perfectly okay. For entrepreneurs, this is a very difficult concept to accept. Being natural self-starters, optimists, and enthusiasts, not being able to excel at something is foreign and frustrating. When you do accept your weaknesses, you’re actually demonstrating your own strength, particularly if you bring-in someone else that has those exact skill sets. Look at yourself through another’s eyes. You probably get compliments from time to time, though these might not be overt. Take stock in each one by accepting them for what they are, and know it’s how the person who gave it truly feels about you. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them

October 13, 2023 No Comments

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them Holding employees accountable is a vital aspect of effective leadership. However, finding the balance between accountability and maintaining a positive work environment can be challenging. Micromanaging or being rude can lead to demotivated employees and a toxic workplace. How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Hold Their Employees Accountable Again, holding employees accountable is an important part of being an owner or manager. It helps to ensure that employees are meeting expectations and that the team is on track to achieve its goals. Still, it is essential to hold employees accountable in a way that is respectful and does not micromanage them. Here are some tips for holding employees accountable without being rude or micromanaging them: Set clear expectations. Establish clear, specific, and measurable goals for each employee. When expectations are transparent, employees understand what is required of them, making it easier to hold them accountable. Discuss these expectations openly during meetings or performance reviews. Encourage ownership. Encourage employees to take ownership of their tasks and projects. When employees feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to hold themselves accountable. Foster an environment where employees feel responsible for their work, and acknowledge their achievements and responsibilities. Communicate effectively. Open and honest communication is key. Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive. Clearly communicate the impact of their work on the organization, emphasizing the importance of accountability for overall success. Listen actively to their concerns and be receptive to their feedback. Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational objectives. Regularly monitor these KPIs and discuss progress with employees. This data-driven approach makes it easier to objectively assess performance and hold employees accountable for their results. Provide adequate resources. Ensure employees have the necessary resources, tools, and training to fulfill their responsibilities because a lack of resources can lead to unmet expectations. Regularly assess their needs and address any gaps promptly. Adequate resources empower employees to be accountable for their tasks. Encourage problem-solving. When issues arise, encourage employees to participate in problem-solving. Instead of imposing solutions, involve them in finding resolutions. This collaborative approach fosters accountability as employees take responsibility for implementing the solutions they propose. Recognize and reward accountability. Acknowledge and appreciate employees who demonstrate accountability. Publicly recognize their achievements and efforts. Rewards, both monetary and non-monetary, can motivate employees to maintain their accountable behavior. Celebrating accountability creates a positive reinforcement loop within the workplace. Lead by example. Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. Demonstrate accountability in your actions and decisions. When employees see leaders taking responsibility, they are more likely to follow suit. Be transparent about your own challenges and how you overcome them, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Foster a supportive environment. Create a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help or clarification. Encourage teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be accountable, knowing they can seek assistance when needed. Lastly, be sure to address accountability lapses, but do so professionally. If an employee consistently fails to meet expectations, address the issue professionally and respectfully. Schedule a private meeting to discuss concerns, providing specific examples of their behavior. Offer support and resources to help them improve. Approach the situation with empathy, understanding that everyone faces challenges. Right now, you can get John Waters’ latest book for FREE! (Currently selling for $19.95 on Amazon). This inspiring book titled “Profit by Design: The Blueprint to Successfully Scale Your Business and Regain Your Freedom” is a must-read for business owners who want to do just that! Request your FREE copy in any of the following ways: Phone 602-435-5474 Visit Waters Business Consulting Group Send a quick email: Steve@WatersBusinessConsulting.com