Written by: Reshna Patel, 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.
When deciding to become an entrepreneur, what goes through your mind?
Is it the thought of being your own boss and no longer working 9-5 or is it the fact that you are making your own profit for yourself?
Well for starters, becoming an entrepreneur made me feel excited. I was always keen to become a leader in what I chose to do. I had the drive and perseverance which kept me going forward. I knew who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. It was like no-one could stop me on my journey, I was determined to accomplish it.
However, within a few months of learning the ropes on setting up a business, I started to get overwhelmed and that’s when I encountered ‘Anxiety’ creeping in. Anxiety is an emotion that affects us in one way or another. Even though we may not see it, we can feel and sense it.
In an ever-changing world whomever you speak or turn to has had a brush with anxiety, whether mild, severe, occasional or recurring. Whilst this may cause a hindrance in our progress, the longer we leave it by not acknowledging and addressing it, anxiety can start to affect us throughout our personal and professional life.
At first I didn’t know why I felt anxious, all I knew was that I felt overwhelmed. What followed was chest pains and feeling jittery. I started to reminisce the feeling I would get when working in my previous 9-5 role.
Thoughts of whether I would be good enough to run a business and high expectations in life started to overshadow me. Slowly by piecing things together and observing these reactions from a different perspective, I identified the Causes and Triggers, How it affects us and finally how to Overcome these Challenges.
Identifying the Causes and Triggers
Whenever sensitive topics would arise like financial concerns or having to speak publicly this uninvited emotion would surface. I would try to ignore the anxious thoughts and feelings hoping it would just disappear.
I started to identify what these triggers could be although there are many factors which can affect a person. Here are some common causes and triggers: Giving an interview, social stress amongst relationships at home or work, meeting people or even listening to the media.
How it affects us:
Anxiety can affect us at anytime and anywhere. It can show up in many forms such as: panic attacks, feeling nervous and lacking confidence, being constantly tense and frustrated, overthinking and overanalysing, requiring regular assurance or being fearful of life in general.
How to overcome these challenges:
Instead of stressing and fighting with anxiety, we can adjust to this emotional state of mind within us to help move forward in the best possible way.
The first step is to observe and acknowledge what the problem or issue is: Why am I feeling like this.
Secondly it is important to understand what has caused me to react like this. Finally, look into ways on how to overcome these barriers anxiety leaves within us.
Anxiety can drain us emotionally, mentally and can ultimately prevent us from enjoying things in our daily life. It is up to us to change our way of thinking by being strong and fearless.
I have created a quick 20-minute guide to help reduce anxiety:
1. Grab a pen and notepad. 2. Take a couple of deep breaths and clear your mind pushing away any thoughts that may arise. 3. Visualise on an upcoming issue or situation that you really want to go well. 4. Note down any thoughts, emotions, sounds or words that are affecting you. 5. Then with each behaviour and emotion add a positive affirmation to it. Here are some prompts you can use to start off with:
I am…
I will…
I can…
6. With each new positive affirmation, repeat it out loud x3. 7. So now when you think of the upcoming situation what do you feel or hear?
8. If any doubts, repeat steps 4 to 6.
9. Finally, are you Happy with your Outcome?
Here are some additional tips which can aid you whenever anxiety arises when least expected:
Make a list of affirmations and link it to each behaviour.
Try and connect with people on a daily basis.
Keep a Journal off your experiences.
By addressing your anxiety this way, overtime your mind will automatically be able to handle these situations swiftly. I would love to hear about your experiences with this quick exercise!
Want to learn more from Reshna? Follow her on Linkedin for more info!
Reshna Patel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Reshna Patel, is a professional Content Creator and Writer. She works with start-ups and medium sized businesses who are looking to communicate their story, vision and unique message clearly. With her creative mind and expertise she creates content for blogs, articles and web pages with onsite SEO optimization.
Her writing flair connects and speaks with emotion by bringing your business to life and converting content into sales.
