Build your business, but don’t Break yourself in the process

Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe is often synonymous with survival. In an economy where the formal job market is shrinking, many people turn to small businesses, vending, and informal enterprises as their primary source of income. From tuck shops in residential areas to vendors selling outside retail shops, the drive to make a living is relentless. However, this constant hustle, combined with the volatile economic environment, places a heavy toll on entrepreneurs' mental health.

The pressures faced by entrepreneurs are unique in Zimbabwe, where inflation, currency volatility, and economic instability create additional layers of stress. The temptation to “push through” or “hustle harder” can lead many to neglect their mental health, thinking it’s the price of success. But what good is building a business if it destroys your well-being in the process? As I always say, "Business is a part of you, and as you build it, don’t destroy your mental wellbeing in the process."

We should never normalize mental neglect or breakdowns under the guise of phrases like “it’s normal to struggle in business,” “there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” or “humble beginnings.” The truth is, there can be humble endings as well. To reach the light at the end of the tunnel, you must arrive with a sound mind.

Most people won’t tell you this, but the early days of business can be incredibly stressful and even depressing. We often normalize this because of the lack of formal employment opportunities. However, pioneering a business isn’t something everyone is naturally equipped to do—it’s a calling embedded in one’s soul. Not everyone has the capacity to start something from scratch and nurture it into success. That said, it doesn’t make anyone inferior if they are better suited to managing or growing something that’s already established. That’s their area of strength, and it’s just as important to the success of a business as the initial idea or creation.

The Realities of being an Entrepreneur in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's entrepreneurial landscape is largely informal. According to the World Bank , about 60% of the country's working population operates in the informal sector. While this sector provides a vital source of income for many, it also presents unique challenges, such as a lack of legal protections, limited access to capital, and minimal government support. Entrepreneurs are often expected to manage everything —marketing, finances, logistics, and customer relations — on their own. The pressure to succeed in such an unstable economy can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety, which often goes unacknowledged.

I recall laughing with Chad one day when he joked about the need for founder therapists because the entrepreneurial journey can indeed be daunting. It can strain your relationships with family, especially your spouse and children if you’re married. Don’t be fooled by the idea that two founders should marry each other to build an empire just because their goals are aligned. That’s nonsense. You don’t want your bedroom to turn into another boardroom because love won't cover the mental scars from running a business.

A 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Entrepreneurs, by virtue of their high-stress environments, are particularly vulnerable to these mental health challenges. The constant pressure to keep a business running, especially in Zimbabwe's volatile environment, makes it easy to neglect self-care, leading to burnout and even breakdowns.

If you are running a business, you will hear the word resilience a lot, and entrepreneurship isn’t just about bouncing back from failure. It’s about maintaining the mental and emotional strength to keep going through ups and downs, without losing yourself in the process. But resilience is often misunderstood. Many entrepreneurs think it means “gritting your teeth and getting through,” but real resilience involves acknowledging your challenges and taking proactive steps to manage your mental health.

In Zimbabwe, where inflation has reached record highs and the economy remains unpredictable, resilience can make or break an entrepreneur. The highs of winning new clients or achieving sales targets can quickly be followed by lows when inflation eats into profits or regulatory changes impact business operations.

But how can Zimbabwean entrepreneurs build resilience in such an environment?

Here are some practical, actionable steps that proved helpful from my own experience:

1. Prioritize Mental Health as a Business Asset

Mental health is not a luxury —it's a necessity. You are your business’s greatest asset, and if you’re not mentally well, your business will suffer. Start treating mental health like any other business priority.

Schedule regular “mental health check-ins” with yourself. Just as you would monitor your finances or inventory, evaluate how you're feeling mentally and emotionally. If you're constantly anxious, fatigued, or losing motivation, it’s a sign to slow down.

According to Harvard Business Review, entrepreneurs who prioritize mental well-being are 30% more likely to maintain long-term business success. This statistic highlights the direct link between mental health and business performance.

2. Develop a Support System

Entrepreneurship can be isolating, particularly in Zimbabwe, where access to business networks and formal support structures is limited. Building a support system, whether through friends, family, or other entrepreneurs, is essential.

Find a mentor or join an entrepreneurial community. In Zimbabwe, local business incubators like Impact Hub Harare and Eight2Five Hub offer platforms where entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and support each other through the challenges of running a business.

Research shows that entrepreneurs with strong support systems are less likely to experience burnout and more likely to navigate crises effectively. Talking to someone who understands your journey can make all the difference.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of growing a business, especially when success feels like it’s just around the corner. However, unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and burnout when things don’t go as planned.

Break down your business goals into smaller, more manageable milestones. Instead of focusing on scaling rapidly, prioritize sustainable growth that matches your capacity and resources.

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that entrepreneurs who set clear, realistic goals were more likely to maintain long-term resilience and experience less stress.

4. Learn to Say No

As an entrepreneur, you will always have more opportunities than you can realistically handle. Learning to say no to certain clients, projects, or tasks can help protect your mental health and allow you to focus on what matters most.

Set clear boundaries for yourself and your business. If a project or opportunity feels too overwhelming or stressful, don’t be afraid to turn it down. Not every opportunity is worth the mental and emotional cost.

Saying no can feel risky, but in the long run, it helps to preserve your energy for the opportunities that truly align with your vision and capacity.

5. Take Breaks and Rest

It may seem counterintuitive, especially in an economy as tough as Zimbabwe’s, but taking breaks is crucial for long-term success. Pushing yourself too hard without adequate rest will lead to burnout, which can have disastrous effects on both your mental health and business.

Build regular breaks into your routine. Whether it's a short walk, a weekend off, or even a vacation, stepping away from your business allows your mind to reset and gain clarity. Remember, rest is productive.

A study by the University of California, Irvine found that people who take breaks are more productive and creative than those who push through without rest.

Zimbabwe is full of opportunities, but it’s also fraught with challenges. From currency instability to market volatility, entrepreneurs face pressures that can easily lead to mental health struggles. Resilience, while essential, is not about ignoring those struggles—it’s about managing them. As you build your business, remember that your mental well-being is just as important as your financial success. In fact, the two are closely linked. The stronger you are mentally, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

In a country like Zimbabwe, where uncertainty is the norm, resilience and mental health are not just buzzwords—they’re survival tools. So as you continue to hustle, remember this:

Business is a part of you, and as you build it, don’t destroy your mental well-being in the process.