Written by: Keri Faith Knudtson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If you've been keeping abreast with the recent passing summer Olympic Games, then you probably have heard talk about the importance of mental health on the performance of athletes. The science of performance has been applying academic research in the area of Sports Psychology for years. But little focus on the actual psychology of the athletes themselves.
Now more than ever, thanks to advocates such as American Olympic icons Michele Phelps and Simone Biles, there is the need to focus on the mental well-being of athletes and spectators alike. And as you know, entrepreneurship is not a spectator sport or for the faint of heart. It mirrors the competition and opposition of any sport.
The parallels between a marathon and success in the business are frighteningly transparent.
The life of an Olympian, as well as an Entrepreneur, has inescapable pressures day and night.
Perhaps the expectation to perform without a moment to rest is always at the forefront of your mind as a busy, hard-working Entrepreneur.
What are the last thoughts before going to bed at night and the first thoughts upon awakening? That success or failure is just one click or one step away.
The worry of the world is on your shoulders as an entrepreneur, or at least it feels like it. Especially for those entrepreneurs who have mortgages, children going off to college, childcare to cover, and perhaps even student loans to pay off.
Some common thoughts running through your head might sound like,
"What if I fail?"
"I've spent so much time and money without a guarantee on a return of my investment. What if I lose my home with this investment?"
As an entrepreneur, I know you can relate.
You may have a team from 2 to a few thousand relying on you to stay strong or a family who depends on you and your financial stability. The weight of expectation as an entrepreneur can be more than one signed up for. Similar to those Olympians who were the chosen ones to represent their countries.
The worry on your shoulders might be comparable to that of an Olympian but equally challenging on your mental well-being.
It's no wonder that mental health became a hot topic of discussion for the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. It's time for Entrepreneurs to see the importance of it too. And the responsibility you play to keep the conversation moving forward.
Let's explore five ways in which you can put your mental well-being first as a busy, overworked, and sometimes underappreciated (and/or underpaid) entrepreneur.
Tip 1: Show yourself appreciation, gratitude, love, and forgiveness.
Not always will you meet your income goals or hit your KPI's and that's where a lot of shame, guilt, and feelings of failure come from. And when you combine those feelings with little sleep and few days off, it can create wear and tear on your soul. Don't drive yourself into the guilt and shame cycle. They both can cause physical and psychological wear and tear that will affect how you show up in your business, for your clients, and those that you serve. It also takes a large toll on your self-doubt. Many professionals are their own devil's advocate by advising to lead others and not walking their talk.
A long-term misalignment inevitably feeds ill feelings. As we know, a little appreciation can go a long way for employees. Be your best boss and express that appreciation, gratitude, and love for yourself before giving it to anyone else.
Tip 2: Get outside daily.
Did you know that hospital rooms that have nature photos on the wall or even fake plants have quicker recovering times than hospital recovery rooms without any nature photos or simulations of nature?
What does this mean?
A little nature goes a long way. The best way to support overall immune health is to be with nature or assimilate it with wall decor, plants, taking short breaks outside, or even buying an artificial plant or flowers in your working space.
Tip 3: Socialization.
The number one indicator of subjective well-being (SWB) is social connectedness.
As an entrepreneur holding the weight of the world on your shoulders can feel lonely and isolating. That's why scheduling time with others is vital for your mental wellness.
I know that networking can be another thing on your 'to-do list' and a chore if you are an introvert... When you go to networking events, use the opportunity to go deep with just one or two people... Do not approach it with the intention to grab as many business cards as possible. The depth of your relationships is related to your depth of happiness.
And if you are limited to online socialization ONLY because of the current pandemic situation, find yourself a virtual Mastermind. Moving forward in all areas of your life, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically with like-minded people, will enhance your interpersonal and intrapersonal needs during challenging times.
Authentic online communities make or break any virtual business owner. Don't limit yourself. Find different types of groups as well. One that will feed your spiritual needs, a different one for your emotional support, and perhaps another for your business growth. Remember, though, it's not about how many people support you. It's about how willing you are to go deep into your own needs for support.
Tip 4: Clear your physical spaces.
Since everything is energy, the cluttering spaces create a cluttered mind.
The clutter in your mind can lead to confusion, frustration, overwhelm, anxiety, and worry if you want to eliminate distractions, feeling drained and empty at the end of the day, clean and clear your physical environment.
Now is the time to 'let go' of all the old things that are not going to help you in the future. And that includes old material items you are holding onto for a 'rainy day'. How often do you have clothes in your closet that you haven't worn for a few years? Or old papers that you have no clue about in your office space?
Building the habit of clearing and eliminating is going to make you primed for grabbing new opportunities as they arrive. Even as simple as shredding an old contract for a new one.
Tip 5: Ask for help.
Too many times, pride, guilt, or shame get in the way. You built your business to solve a problem. But that doesn't mean you forget about all your own.
It's okay to take time off. Take a 'mental health day'. Or just take a personal day. Trust me, and it is going to save you in the long run. Taking short breaks now will allow you to avoid the catastrophe of burnout later.
Be honest with yourself about where you are and how you need to show up for yourself before showing up for everyone else.
In summary, how often do you feel like what you have been preparing for your entire life comes to one moment? That big online launch or negotiating a HUGE contract? Then you psyche yourself up and get into your head, and it fails?
Remember, there is no such thing as failure. Failure only comes when you give up. And giving up is not an option. Whether you are participating or being a spectator in your life, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Take time to honor both today and find the joy and adventure of not knowing the outcome but being your biggest fan.
Keri Faith Knudston, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Keri Faith Knudtson is a Conscious Energy Healer, Speaker, and Author. After overcoming a lifetime of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain with self-healing energy modalities, she has made it her mission to guide women to step up into their divine purpose while accessing their infinite power and potential from within. From Certified Sommelier to serving entrepreneurs in over 150 countries, she is bringing healers and leaders together with Masterminds, Workshops, and Retreats. As host of the 'Keri Faith On Purpose Podcast' she loves to transform lives; one thought, one mind, one day at a time.
