From Self-Doubt to Success: Boosting Your Mental Stamina for a Thriving Business

There is so much positive talk about women in business believing in ourselves and rightly so!

But let's get real for a second - building a business can be tough stuff. And as a woman entrepreneur, I know you are familiar with the unique set of hurdles we face (and if you are from an underrepresented community, this is even more true). But have you considered the toll the entrepreneurial journey can take on your mental health? When you are in the thick of things, you hardly notice the impact. But have you ever worked hard on a project over an extended period of ?time, only to become sick or exhausted when you finally get a break? Burnout is real – it’s official.

?So, it's crucial to prioritize your mental well-being in order to maintain the necessary focus and drive to achieve your goals. Women in business know this very well, but all too often we fail to invest enough time in ourselves to look after our mental state (see below for our resource list on how to develop mental stamina)

According to a study by the World Health Organization, one in four people globally will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. However, this statistic is much higher for women entrepreneurs, with studies showing that they are more likely to experience mental health challenges due to the societal pressures, biases and obstacles they face in the business world.

In a survey conducted by the US National Women's Business Council, 49% of women entrepreneurs reported experiencing daily stress, while 23% reported experiencing anxiety. Additionally, a study by the University of California found that female entrepreneurs experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to women in other professions.

These statistics are clearly not surprising to any woman entrepreneur but they do highlight the need for us to prioritize our mental health and develop the tools and strategies to maintain our mental stamina. By doing so, we can not only improve our own well-being but also increase our chances of building and maintaining successful businesses.

What is mental stamina?

But what exactly is mental stamina? It's the ability to maintain a positive mindset and emotional resilience even in the face of adversity. It's the strength and endurance that allows you to persevere through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. And it's something that can be developed and strengthened with practice. Yes, the hard times will toughen us up whether we like it or not but we can become proactive, on a regular basis, in developing our mental stamina.

It is true that we often face unique challenges as women that can impact our mental well-being. We face gender bias, imposter syndrome, or a lack of support and resources. But by prioritizing mental stamina, we can develop the tools and strategies to overcome these obstacles.

How can we build and maintain mental stamina?

First, it is important to note that making time for self-care is not a luxury…it’s a necessity! This could include anything from practices such as meditation, exercise, and prioritizing rest and relaxation (even a bit of Netflix and PlayStation, if that’s what works for you). Another key component is developing a strong support network, whether that's through mentorship, networking groups such as the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network, or therapy.

There are also numerous resources available to women entrepreneurs who want to prioritize their mental well-being. Organizations such as The Female Founder Collective and Women's Business Center offer support and resources specifically tailored to women entrepreneurs. And apps like Headspace and Calm offer tools for mindfulness and meditation.

We have a range of resources, links and information in an eBook for you to access at the end of this article, but for now...some gentle reminders for the dos and don'ts of building and maintaining your mental stamina.

Do's and Don'ts of building mental stamina

Dos:

• Prioritize self-care: Make time for practices such as meditation, exercise, and rest and relaxation to help maintain your mental health and build resilience.
• Build a support network: Seek out mentorship, join networking groups such as WinTrade Global Women in Business Network, or consider therapy to help develop a strong support network.
• Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, into your daily routine to help manage stress and improve focus.
• Set boundaries: Establish boundaries with clients, colleagues, and yourself to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Celebrate your achievements: Take time to celebrate your successes, both big and small, to boost your confidence and maintain a positive mindset.

Don'ts:

• Don't neglect your mental health: Avoid sacrificing your mental well-being for the sake of your business.
• Don't compare yourself to others: Comparing yourself to others can lead to self-doubt and undermine your mental stamina.
• Don't ignore warning signs: Pay attention to warning signs of burnout, such as exhaustion or irritability, and take action to address them.
• Don't underestimate the power of delegation: Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and hinder your business growth. Learn to delegate tasks to others.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don't hesitate to reach out to others when you need support or guidance.

Get more resources and support from WinTrade Global

Mental stamina is a vital component of success for women entrepreneurs. By prioritizing our mental well-being and building the tools and strategies to maintain it, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Let's make mental health a priority in our businesses and our lives.

We have created a resource list eBook with advice, organization links, and tools women in business can use to develop their mental stamina, which you can pick up with the link below.

Become a member of WinTrade Global today with a 14 day free trial to access it, plus bucket loads of resources, ?eBooks, videos, training, weekly masterclasses, and monthly events designed for women in business.

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