Holiday Tips for Entrepreneurs
As a hard working entrepreneur there are no days off. It’s not arrogant to admit, it’s just fact. When you start your own business, you are the captain on an open sea. A ship without a captain is a wreck. It’s up to you to make the important decisions for the safety of everyone onboard. Family, employees, users, all putting their lives in your hands, trusting that you will take them to the right destination. While it is the passion that gets your engine running each morning, ready to navigate the high tides, the discomfort of what may be on the horizon still looms.
So comes the inclement weather. The breakdown of equipment. The re-routing. Not knowing what is next but knowing you’ve got the supplies and the determination as fuel. The holidays are often a time when your obligations are divided by circumstances that can feel out of control. Familial, social and personal responsibilities, all pulling your attention in various directions.
The holidays can feel like the storm on a calm sea, they’re inevitable, depend on the season, will affect your sail, and with all the familial and social obligations it can flat out be tumultuous. But the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit is built to handle whatever obstacle comes in the way. Whether or not you decide to take a vacation this holiday, the pressure and responsibility will still be there. Here’s how to navigate the storm:
1. Make time for yourself. Your employees, family and even pets are probably all asking for your time. Since our time is already so limited, let the holidays be a time for you to give to yourself. Go for an extra long run or enjoy the walk home. Get a massage. Wake up early and grab a coffee at a cafe and read the newspaper. Leaving yourself time for you is the best way to honor your hard work and rejuvenate before the New Year.
2. Schedule time for work and play. Having a schedule will help ease your mind. Set up a specific time to check your email. This will help you be truly present and enjoy what you work so hard for.
3. Stay Consistent. While it is tempting to indulge in more food and booze than normal, be mindful that consistency will thank you afterwards. Keep up with your exercise routine or start one! Plan for rest and play.
4. Reflect and Plan. Get some quiet time to reflect on all that you’ve done this past year. The hard work you’ve put in. The people that were there to support you. Thank them. Sending notes of gratitude and best wishes for the New Year. Then set up some actionable goals for the year to come. This will also help greatly in enjoying the days off as you will know what is to come and can rest well knowing you have a plan of action for the coming year.