What are some strategies for maintaining mental and emotional well-being as an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur can be challenging, so it's important to take care of your mind and emotions. Set achievable goals, manage your time wisely, and surround yourself with supportive friends or family. Make time for breaks, exercise, and sleep to keep yourself physically and mentally well. Learn from mistakes instead of getting discouraged, and remember to celebrate your successes. Draw clear lines between work and personal life, and don't be afraid to ask for help from professionals if you need it. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy what you're doing. Taking care of yourself is not just good for you; it helps your business succeed too!

Do what you love and love what you do. It's not about 'happy joy joy' every day; it is about doing something that gives you meaning and makes sense to you. Keeping the bigger picture in mind (for that, one needs clarity on the vision) are key ingredients for a more balanced and resilient worklife.

Firstly, I'm a firm believer in the power of structured 'unplugging'. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with notifications and updates, setting aside time to disconnect from digital devices is vital. Looking to the future, I see these strategies not just as tools for individual well-being, but as integral components of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. A future where entrepreneurs prioritize mental health is one where innovation flourishes, as individuals are more creative, resilient, and open to collaboration. In this landscape, I envision my startup not just as a service provider, but as a connector - facilitating collaborations that leverage diverse strengths and foster collective growth.

3 Ps for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing as an entrepreneur: 1) Pace Yourself, 2) Progress over Perfection, and 3) Peer Support. Firstly, entrepreneurship is a marathon of sprints and it's important to pace yourself towards finishing the marathon, rather than winning a sprint and losing the marathon. Secondly, for early stage startups particularly, aiming for perfection can kill progress. Be practical and prioritise where you want to achieve excellence and where being less than perfect is sufficient for that business stage. Lastly, entrepreneurship is not a solo sport, lean into peer support to find the strength to go the distance. No human is a super human nor should they be, even machines break down. Learn to ask for help.

As entrepreneurs and CEOs, we put too much pressure on our shoulders and set unrealistic expectations. The best thing we can do is to build and count on a Leadership Team. It helps so much to be surrounded by the best!

My stress diminished when I stopped setting goals, chasing results, and trying to control my environment. It took years of entrepreneurial experience to figure out a new approach. I spend my life chasing results, managing my businesses, and forcing success. I've worked for myself for 20 years and done $17M in revenue from my efforts throughout my life. Mastery of my mindset, productivity, and setting goals got in the way of the freedom, satisfaction, and happiness that I now enjoy as an entrepreneur. Why? Life offers us an innate wisdom that provides all the necessary answers. They are inside and available. Everything changed when I went inside for answers and stopped working on myself and the business.

*Don't forget about what you are working for.* It's crucial to never lose sight of the purpose behind the hard work and dedication put into building a balanced lifestyle and maintaining mental well-being. Whether it's your faith, family, friends, or making a difference, the end goal should not be a better business. The end goal should be a better life. Your work (or business) is simply a conduit to make it all happen.

Adopt positivity: When faced with challenges, focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems. A positive mindset opens doors to creativity and resilience. Set clear goals: A well-defined goal provides a roadmap for your actions, keeping you focused and motivated. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps for a sense of achievement. Learn from setbacks: Shift your perspective on failure. Extract lessons from setbacks, adapt, and use them to propel yourself forward. Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you. Embrace continuous learning: The more you invest in your personal and professional development, the more capable you become of achieving the impossible.

One piece of advice I would like to emphasize is to carefully choose the people you surround yourself with. We often hear entrepreneurs brag about surrounding themselves with people who are smarter than them to help scale their company. But what about surrounding yourself with people you can trust, who can empathize with you and support you when you need their help most? Surround yourself with people who are the right fit at your workplace and in your personal life. I remember reading in the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad that the people you spend the most time with determine who you become. So, ditch people who give you unnecessary stress and start building a support network that motivates you to stick to your vision as a founder.

One day in my mid-30s, a sudden recognition washed over me: I was working my company toward a big exit but I was simultaneously working my body toward a heart attack. Realizing that I was working myself to death spawned a question: Was dropping dead at 40 or 50 worth it if there were big exits in my rear view mirror? No. My biggest learning was that I couldn’t – and shouldn’t – have a finger in every pie. In other words, I needed to learn how to better delegate. Delegating doesn’t come easy to most. It’s a skill, like any other, and it needs to be practiced and refined. I hear from a lot of young entrepreneurs who say that they don’t have the time to delegate. To them I say: Actually, you don’t have the time to put it off any longer.

Support and feedback are instrumental in development. Seek guidance from individuals who can provide candid and honest feedback. Confront the harsh realities and address them directly.

Absolutely! Entrepreneurs often flourish within supportive ecosystems like tech incubators. For instance, Y Combinator acts as a community hub, offering advice, resources, and networking opportunities. Founders receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, gaining insights into scaling, product-market fit, and fundraising. Additionally, the peer network fosters collaboration and idea exchange. Emotional support is also encouraged, acknowledging the stressors of entrepreneurship. This illustrates the significance of seeking guidance, both professional and emotional, fostering resilience and holistic growth on the entrepreneurial path.

This was something I struggled with for so long. I didn’t ask for help, did everything myself, and eventually burned out. The ability to seek help, support, advice and direction is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of a true leader, and is one of the most important qualities of a leader. Everyone needs community, but you build it by sharing with those people what you need and how you can help them. Then suddenly, you’re surrounded by the most powerful support team that will get you through anything! Ask for help! Build the community! Succeed.

How I seek support and feedback: -I try to surround myself with people who are successful. We become like the people we spend the most time with. I do this by networking in person and online. When networking, I try not to ask people for favors, but be ready to provide value when I can. Creating goodwill with others will come back to you in unexpected ways. -I don't seek advice from people who are not successful. Friends and family sometimes offer well-meaning advice to protect our feelings, and keep us from getting our hopes up. If those people haven't done what you want to do, are they the best ones to listen to?

As my friend Piyush Patel says, entrepreneurs don't have really good coping mechanisms. Truth! Many entrepreneurs lose interest after the start up face and start looking for something new. If that is not possible, we tend to start acting out in other ways, drinking, gambling, sex, etc. I resisted hiring a coach for 24 years. I had used my EO forum to provide support and feedback, but when I hired my coach, things really began to change for me and the business. Being able to unpack your brain with someone that is objective is critical. Having a coach that ask the right questions to give you clarity is invaluable.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a scientist was that before you jump into doing an experiment that you haven't tried before you should discuss your plans with a more experienced colleague. I have lost count of the times where taking the time to ask for feedback and advice has been invaluable and this has also applied just as much in building Cortex. One thing I have seen a lot is new founders feeling like they have to present an impression that everything is great and nothing is wrong regardless of whether or not this is the case. I have seen a lot of founders burn out from this. What I have found is really helpful is to be honest about what is going well and what isn't with your team, mentors & investors.

Trying to join a network of people who have a similar life style and vision of yours is very helpful. Finding someone who understands your thoughts, and struggles is a blessing. This can help you shorten many difficult paths for you by learning from their experience. For example, I usually attend events that are for startups not necessarily to promote my startup but to create that connection, or I created a Whatsapp group to connect with entrepreneurs in my area.

Entrepreneurship is a lonely and long journey. It's essential to have a close-knit group of people that you can rely on for support. This group can be online or in person. You can also seek support from other founders as well.

Regularly check in with your mentors and advisors, and be proactive in building and maintaining your support network. The insights and guidance you receive can be instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieving long-term success.Seeking support and feedback is a valuable aspect of entrepreneurship that can contribute to your personal and business growth.

Don't compare where you are to others. It just depletes your energy and enthusiasm. Tend your own garden. That includes not just your business but your physical, mental and emotional health. If you're like so many of us, you may feel that anything less than perfection is failure. Stop doing that to yourself. There is no such thing as perfection. Aim for progress, and celebrate your wins large and small. Pay close attention to your body's signals. Listen to what it's telling you. Don't make yourself sick, depressed or exhausted trying to be an "overnight success." Being successful, in large part, is about learning how to navigate the ups and downs with equanimity.

Set good routines, which become healthy habits Careful with what information you consume that makes you overwhelmed, gain FOMO and deviates you from what you are good at and want to do Definitely be gentle on goal setting, you are building something not running a marathon Never work with people you do not like or drain you. It's not just bad for you, it's bad for your business

We are only as strong as our weakest link. A positive mind and sharp decision-making skills are 2 of the most important traits of an entrepreneur. But if you allow your body to stay weak and tired, your mindset and cognitive abilities will suffer terribly. An entrepreneur's schedule is typically busy and complicated, with work hours and places that vary a lot. This is why it's so important to have a workout plan that is both flexible and highly time efficient. Seek help from a trainer who specializes in entrepreneurs and busy executives if needed.

I rediscovered during COVID how amazing I feel when I exercise regularly. I haven't stopped since. It's no wonder that many of the top entrepreneurs and executives exercise, read, and meditate on a regular basis. You'll need these practices to revitalize and bullet proof your body and mind.

I don't feel confident in saying that a good night's sleep is the key to success. I do feel confident in saying that success is near impossible to come by without a good night's sleep. "Burning the candle at both ends" has become near aspirational in our productivity-obsessed culture. Here's an obvious thing I learned the hard way: burning a candle at both ends only means that the candle is going to go out quicker. And sure, there are sprints and moments in your career where an occasional all-nighter is just part of what you must do to get the job done -- but it's not a long term strategy. Burnout is real. The solution? Stop fetishizing sleep deprivation and take a GD nap.

Make sure you make time for your body to be nourished and rested, and that your mind can wonder and create wonderful ideas. Find what works for you. For some is running, for others are walks, for me it’s definitively social activities by the water, like rowing and kayaking.

Just like a business needs proper maintenance, so does the entrepreneur running it. Prioritizing basic needs—sleep, nutrition, exercise—is non-negotiable. They directly impact cognitive function and decision-making. Additionally, carving out time for relaxation and hobbies is crucial. It's not indulgence; it's recharging your creative batteries. Self-care isn't selfish; it's an investment in sustained performance and well-being on the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.

You cannot give what you don't have. By taking care of your energy, health, and overall well-being, you will not only make sure you will be fit and strong for yourself, but also for all the people that need you. All the ones that benefit from your ventures. Create healthy routines, fuel your body with the right energy, and don't procrastinate rest for "later" in life.

Prioritize self-care as part of your routine. Ensure adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga to manage stress. Remember, your physical and mental health directly impacts your effectiveness as an entrepreneur. Regular self-care is not a luxury, but a necessary investment in your long-term productivity and business success.

Some ways to get started -Sleep at least 7-10 hours everyday -Exercise daily from 20minute- 2 hours, do the exercise you love -Journal 5-10 minute everyday, brain-dump your thoughts and feelings without judging yourself

Consider the tech industry's landscape where a positive mindset is pivotal. Take Elon Musk—he faces setbacks at SpaceX but maintains an unwavering optimistic vision. Gratitude fuels his drive, acknowledging progress amid challenges. Optimism steers his ventures forward, envisioning interplanetary travel despite hurdles. Self-compassion allows him to learn from failures, crucial in SpaceX's iterative process. The key takeaway? Mindset shapes entrepreneurial journeys; cultivating positivity fosters resilience, innovation, and the fortitude needed for success.

Some mornings my inner critic is loud, particularly because I am neurodivergent (a commonality with entrepreneurs). I'm not alone, and if this resonates, neither are you. I've trained myself to temper those thoughts with gratitude and self-compassion, recalling previous successes, talking with old colleagues, visioning future opportunities and forgiving myself for inevitable missteps. It might sound a bit woo-woo, but writing it down, getting it out, it helps. I recently rediscovered a letter I wrote to myself at university; a list of the companies I aimed to work for 'oneday'. I realised I had worked for all of them by the time I was 30. Mindsets sculpt reality, so I nourish optimism and POSSIBILITY. Where focus goes, energy flows!

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 ↳ It’s even more important than your current skills. ↳ Working through self-doubt, fear of failure, disappointment, and unfair circumstances is almost inevitable. The way you handle those moments makes all the difference. 👉  Pro tip: Most things that knock you down won’t matter in 5 years. Remember that.

Is being optimistic important? Absolutely! To me it's the key to putting things in perspective. Because sometimes things are just bad. It's that optimism that helps me take a step back and look at it as neutral as positive. Is this bad? Sure. Could it be worse? Hmm... probably. (What) can we learn and improve from this, though? Absolutely! Because there is always a good takeaway if you look hard enough. So let's move on and keep going forward.

A positive mindset is the only way to keep your sanity. Entrepreneurship is tough and lonely; even with so many people around, failure is a big part of the game, and you stress most of the time on how to be ahead of your game. With all of that, you need a positive mindset. My biggest mental trick that I never saw any failure in my entrepreneurial journey, but seeing it as I am getting equipped for an infinate game. Without that I think that I must have been out of the game lomg ago.

When things go south, it's hard to accentuate the positive. You may have to do so publically but behind the mask you may be weeping. As Victor Frankly so famously put it, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Too often, when we receive a stimulus, we react immediately without pausing to consider how we'd like to react to it. It is in this space, this tiny space that you have the means to gain better control of your emotions. But make no mistake, when disaster strikes, when the inner critic drowns out the inner friend, when you want to hit apple x on the day, this is hard. But the mere act of having a go helps

Mindset is paramount for entrepreneurs (for everyone actually!) In order to succeed, a person has to BELIEVE they will succeed. One has to have FAITH that it will happen. Make a declaration that you are a success, and spend your time working toward that end. You will run into obstacles constantly. These obstacles are not dead ends! Just detours. Have faith that you are walking the path you are meant to follow. Entrepreneurship is somewhat like blazing a trail through the forest. There will be obstacles you must walk around, hills too steep to climb, cliffs too steep to descend. We find our way around them, or we just turn around and go back. Don't turn around! Find your way! You have already decided you will succeed, press on until you do!

Gerade das Thema Mindset wird im Unternehmertum groß geschrieben. Man denkt, es seinen Sprüche oder Denkweisen, die dazu führen ein "geeignetes Mindset" entwickeln zu können. Aus über 20 Jahren Unternehmertum kann ich sagen. Es stimmt nicht! Zumindest habe ich einen ganz anderen Eindruck davon gewinnen können: Die Gedanken die Du hast können Dich blockieren. Deine Challenge ist a) herauszufinden welche Gedanken das sind und b) herauszufinden was Dich blockiert. Um hier effizient voranzukommen empfehle ich Dir professionelle Unterstützung von Therapeuten. Die können blinde Flecken aufdecken und Dir helfen, die Blockaden daraus zu lösen. Das ist anstrengender, als sich Power-Sätze vorzulesen, aber das Einzige, das wirklich funktioniert!

Without clear boundaries, work can infinitely inflate. Boundaries are personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. There are no rules, other than leaning into what works for you! I fiercely protect my personal time for family, but interestingly, maintaining balance across all my roles allows me to show up fully as a mother, entrepreneur, partner, friend, and myself. I am still learning my limits, and strive to honour them. Wellbeing requires daily nurturing, and people scoff at the fact Sunday is my favourite day to work (no distractions, emails or phone calls). I take Friday to be with my family instead. These intentional choices help me thrive mentally, emotionally, and in business.

Don't try to run a marathon at a sprint pace. Set limits on how much you will devote to your business and don't fall into the trap of working late "just this time" so often than you undermine all the other points above.

This is a tough one. We are our own worst boss. One reason to be an entrepreneur is to want freedom. If all we ever do is work, do we have the freedom we seek? I use a calendar app (I use Google calendar) to block off important events on my calendar. That includes time I want to protect for family events. Before I commit to something, I quickly check my calendar to see if I am free. I may be booked for a business event, or I may be booked for a family event. In either case, I try to fence time off for the things that are important. Using a calendar app can be helpful.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗲𝘀. ↳ When you go solo, everything just tries to grab your attention. Shiny objects. ↳ Getting involved in a lot of stuff is very tempting, but most will suffer for lack of attention. ↳ Say ‘f**k off to opportunities and unreasonable clients’ is a must-have skill. 👉  Pro tip: Say no to something today. It will get easier.

Establishing physical boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being as an entrepreneur. While working from home might seem convenient and cost-effective, it can blur the lines between professional and personal life, leading to issues such as: * Unintentionally extending work hours * Reduced social interactions * Associating your living space with work stress and not relaxation To mitigate these challenges, even in a home environment, it's essential to designate a specific area just for work. This physical separation helps in mentally distinguishing between work time and personal time, fostering a healthier work-life balance. Remember, the space where you live should primarily be a place for rest and recharging, not just work and stress.

Working more does not necessarily equal more high quality outputs. Focus on the output. There are times when you can give more of yourself and times when you can give less. Expect your team to give less than you give. It's only fair. In my experience, I generate the best outcomes when I'm well rested and living a somewhat balanced life.

Founders also need to accept there is life beyond their company. Investing in friendships/relationships outside the sphere of work is crucial to grow as a well-rounded individual. This will bring in the needed balance and a mind that's refreshed.

When you've set boundaries you'll also need to consider how to reinforce them. Simple things like shutting off email notifications after 5pm or talking to colleagues who contact you in the evening to let them know you're not working now but available in the daytime sets clear precedents. Remember other people's urgencies are rarely yours, or your teams for that matter. Don't forget to check whether it's genuinely urgent when people contact you, and if it's not, don't be afraid to tell them why not. Don't be directed by others false sense of urgency.

Definir cuándo, dónde y cómo trabajas, y adherirte estrictamente a estos límites, es crucial. Un emprendedor equilibrado es más productivo y creativo, lo que se traduce en un mayor éxito en los negocios y en la vida personal. No por trabajar todo el rato llegarás más lejos, eso sí, llegarás amargado y agotado.

I don't believe in balance. I trust in boundaries and priorities. Consistently looking for balance takes a lot of energy and not everyone needs balance. As a firm believer of living the best of your life, when you forget about balancing everything you will find out that living unbalanced is in fact very natural. Look for your own definition of success and live accordingly with that, your boundaries and priorities.

An additional aspect fundamental to maintain mental and emotional wellbeing is accountability. Often we know what we should do, but we keep on procrastinating it, because there is always something more "urgent". This in time sabotages our health and well-being. Think about establish new habits and get rid of negative ones. When we fail to do it by ourself, we should learn to ask for help. A friend, a family member, or a specialised coach, can help you turn your resolutions into reality.

A mentor offers invaluable wisdom and experience, providing insights and networking opportunities. Accountability buddies keep you on track, offering support and motivation to meet your goals. Together, this trio forms a powerful support system, offering diverse perspectives and guidance essential for rapid progress in your entrepreneurial journey.

Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being as an entrepreneur is essential for sustained success. Establish clear work-life boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure adequate rest. Regularly engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise or mindfulness practices. Cultivate a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs or mentors for shared experiences and advice. Embrace a positive mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Know when to delegate tasks and seek professional help if needed. By consciously integrating these strategies into daily routines, entrepreneurs can navigate the demands of their ventures while safeguarding their mental and emotional health.

I think the main thing to remember when starting out as an entrepreneur is not to fall into "comparisonitis" and compare yourself too much to competitors or fall into the trap of thinking you need to go on alot of courses. Entrepreneurs started on this entrepreneurship journey because they have skills to offer, and please don't compare your beginnings with someone's progress after many years. Focus on your own offer and put your energy into that- this is going to help the most! Get a great coach, mentor and accountability buddies to speed up your progress.

Your mental wellbeing is going to get smashed. Frankly, it doesn't matter what anyone's opinion is on this or whatever tactics you implement. The reality is you are building something you are passionate about and you are solely responsible for the wellbeing of the team. Others can take mental health days, but not you because you are in charge of payroll. This is ok by the way, it's what you signed up for. So once you get that out of the way you know the rules of engagement. So expect burnout, but try to see it coming and surround yourself with a support network. As with all things, this too shall pass.

Make sure your core values are aligned with your entrepreneurial goals and daily activities. Life is a dance to be enjoyed and not so serious we can't find time to smile everyday.

Put together a killer team. Much like a chain you're only as strong as the weakest link, so your crew is super important! Make sure they are motivated and the best you can find.

Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely ride. Build an support system to lean on during tough days. A sympathetic friend, coach or mentor listens without solutionizing, helping relieve pressure in a judgement-free zone. Make time for low-key self-care too - your wellness fuels success far better than exhaustion ever could.

My one in a million advice is, build a business, not a startup. Even if your goal to exit it later. Businesses generate cashflow, jobs, and solves real life problems.

Die wichtigste Erkenntnis in meinem Leben als Multi-Unternehmer ist: Habe einen sicheren Hafen! Unternehmertum kann oft sehr einsam sein oder sehr einsam machen. Du kannst Dich inhaltlich nur mit wenigen Unterhalten, insbesondere wenn es in die Tiefe gehen soll. Oft haben Leute, die Deine Themen nachvollziehen könne selbst zu viel zu tun, um gerade wirklich für Dich da sein zu können. Organisiere Dich also eine Person, auf die Du Dich verlassen kannst. Die Dir zu hört. Der Du Gedanken anvertrauen kannst. Und, vor der Du scheitern darfst! Eine Person, vor der Du nicht mutig sein musst, sondern die einfach für Dich da ist. Ohne diese Person kann Unternehmertum zur Qual werden.