Laurissa Makings, a seasoned professional with 17 years of administration and allied healthcare experience, is the visionary founder behind a thriving virtual assistant business, Assistantly, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Running your own business is often hailed as the ultimate career goal, a mark of independence and success. Entrepreneurs are celebrated for their resilience, innovation, and tenacity. Yet, amid the accolades and admiration, there’s a significant challenge that rarely makes it into the spotlight: managing a business while dealing with emotional turmoil. This is the unseen struggle many business owners face, and it’s time to shed light on just how hard it truly is.
The unspoken reality of emotional turmoil
When emotional turmoil strikes, whether due to a person's loss, relationship issues, health problems, or any other significant stressor, it can feel as though your entire world is in disarray. Unlike employees who might have the option to take personal leave or delegate their tasks temporarily, sole business owners are often bound by an unspoken duty to keep things running, regardless of their personal circumstances. This relentless pressure can exacerbate the emotional strain and lead to a vicious cycle of stress and reduced productivity.
The toll on decision-making
Running a business requires constant decision-making, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Emotional distress can cloud judgment, making it difficult to think clearly or make sound decisions. The mental fog that accompanies emotional upheaval can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and a general sense of disorganisation. The fear of these consequences adds another layer of stress, further impairing the ability to lead effectively.
The isolation factor
Entrepreneurs often find themselves isolated, both in their professional and personal lives. This isolation becomes more pronounced during times of emotional distress.
Many business owners feel they must put on a brave face, avoiding any display of vulnerability that could be perceived as weakness by clients, or competitors. This stoicism can lead to a sense of loneliness, making it even harder to cope with emotional challenges.
Struggling in silence
There is a pervasive silence around the difficulties of balancing business responsibilities with personal crises. This silence is partly due to societal expectations that entrepreneurs should be perpetually strong and partly because admitting to struggles is seen as a risk to one’s professional reputation. Consequently, many business owners suffer in silence, without the support or understanding they desperately need.
Coping strategies
Despite these challenges, there are ways to navigate the difficult terrain of running a business while managing emotional turmoil. Here are some strategies that can help:
Seek professional help: Therapy or counselling can provide a crucial outlet for processing emotions and developing coping mechanisms. Additionally, executive coaches can offer guidance on maintaining business performance during personal crises.
Build a support network: Sharing your struggles with trusted friends or family members can offer invaluable emotional support and practical advice. Joining coaching groups allows you to connect with like-minded business owners who often work independently, providing a great source of support from those who understand your feelings. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Practice self-care: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can significantly improve your resilience and ability to cope with stress.
Set realistic goals: During times of emotional turmoil, its crucial to set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your business. Focus on small, manageable tasks to maintain a sense of progress and control.
Communicate openly: While you don’t need to share every details of your personal life, being transparent about your need for support can foster empathy and understanding.
Changing the narrative
The narrative around entrepreneurship needs to evolve to include the human aspects of running a business. This means recognising that business owners are not immune to personal challenges and that their well-being is intrinsically linked to the success of their ventures. By promoting a culture of openness and support, we can help entrepreneurs navigate their personal and professional lives more effectively.
Running a business while grappling with emotional turmoil is an immense challenge that is often overlooked. The pressure to maintain a facade of strength can lead to isolation and exacerbate stress, making it harder to manage both personal and professional responsibilities. By acknowledging these struggles and fostering a culture of support and openness, we can help business owners find the balance they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. It’s time to break the silence and provide the understanding and resources that entrepreneurs truly need.
Laurissa Makings, Allied Healthcare Virtual Assistant
Laurissa Makings, a seasoned professional with 17 years of administration and allied healthcare experience, is the visionary founder behind a thriving virtual assistant business, Assistantly, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Biography: Laurissa Makings, a seasoned professional with 17 years of administration and allied healthcare experience, is the visionary founder behind a thriving virtual assistant business dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Driven by a personal journey shaped by her own experience with chronic illness, specifically antiphospholipid syndrome, Laurissa embarked on the entrepreneurial path to create a service that goes above and beyond.
