Everybody knows how depressing business ownership can be and yet, depression and business ownership is not a topic we see addressed widely in business articles. Instead, would-be entrepreneurs often have an illusioned view of business ownership. They see the rewards of business. They see yachts, fast cars, and profits that seem to go up every month. And while all of these luxuries and more are attainable in business, we do a disservice to potential entrepreneurs when we don't show them that running a business is not always easy. You may not always hit your target. You may fail many times before you succeed! Running a business may leave you depressed for a sh*t ton of reasons. I have many articles to write on this topic and intend to do such, however, here I want to share with you my 8 tips for overcoming and dealing with depression as an entrepreneur.
- Connect with your Tribe: Know you are NOT alone. You need to know that you are not by yourself on your entrepreneurial journey and that depression in entrepreneurialism is probably more common than we talk about. Connect to a group of loving fellow business owners who can help you share the emotional weight that often comes along with business ownership. You can join a meet-up group, for example, talking to others who can relate can help.
- Therapy is a secret weapon: This recommendation really could be number one. I cannot stress the importance of having a qualified therapist on your team. I advise business owners for a living, and I stress that therapy is added to the budget. There are also free therapy programs as well. Releasing your feelings to a therapist can help you shift through mental clutter, keep sane, and maintain clarity.
- Meditate like the golden buddha: I know meditation is such a mystery to most of us and yet really, as Eckhart Tolle and others like him would say, the best meditation is one conscious breath. In other words, mediation is simply you becoming aware of the world within you and around you. It's you tapping into your energies, not you running away from what you are feeling. It's you stepping into the awareness that you are here, breathing and alive. It's you releasing that within this moment is all that matters and everything you need is provided for within the moment. With each breath is a possibility. A reason to hope!
- Affirm the best and keep affirming: Please note here I am not saying to ignore your concerns and pretend that everything is okay. Yet what I am saying that is in order to attract favorable outcomes you have to focus your conscious and subconscious mind on what you want and not what you don't want. Life will bring you what you are focused the most on. If you focus on solutions, you will see solutions. When you raise your vibration by lifting your spirits you attract better outcomes.
- Re-write your burning desire: Sometimes as a business owner, you get burnt out and you feel like you are hanging on by a string. What always keeps me from giving up is remembering my why, what is it that led me into business in the first place, what is it what I want, who it is that I want to serve, what is it that I desire, what is it that I want to give in exchange for that desire and what is my timeline for accomplishing these tasks. When you hit an entrepreneurial wall oftentimes you need to regroup and get re-excited about your business.
- Become a tree-hugging, ocean-loving fool: Simply put, step out into nature and let it heal you and rebalance all of your chakras. When you feel like all hope is gone a stroll by the beach can work wonders for your mental well-being. Sitting by a tree can help you get regrounded and a trip to the mountains may help you feel unstuck. Let the sun and moon inspire you, let the energies of crystals soothe you. Literally, walk outside barefoot if you can, and allow your body to connect to mother nature. Feel secure and safe! Know that the universe is watching over you.
- Dance like no one is watching: What more needs to be said here? Put on your favorite music, sing, and dance like you are already living the life you dream of. Sing and dance in spite of what you see in front of you. Allow yourself the madness of breaking free from the weight of sadness. Give yourself the gift of music and dance to pull yourself out of your dark place. Shake yourself loose! Move the energy within your body.
- Hire a business mentor: Every successful student has a mentor in their life who has helped them at some point along the way. Please know that is not a sign of weakness to ask for help from a mentor, it is a sign of strength to rally support from someone who has already succeeded in an area of business you wish to succeed. This is wisdom and will cut your learning curve in half. Plus seeing someone else who is already successfully doing what you want to do and applying their keys is motivation to keep pressing on.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
