A 2023 study by Small Biz Silver Lining revealed that 75 percent of small business owners are concerned about their mental health, with over half having been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or stress-related issues. This issue is one that many entrepreneurs grapple with, including the founder of a financial education company who implemented strategies to protect her mental health. By being selective with her schedule and prioritizing self-care, she was able to work less hours while still making a substantial income and enjoying her work.
One key habit that helped the entrepreneur achieve work-life balance was dedicating time on Sundays or Mondays to optimize her schedule for the week ahead. Using online tools like Google Calendar allowed for easy modifications, while color-coding activities helped visualize different types of meetings. Grouping similar tasks together and utilizing scheduling tools like Calendly or Acuity further streamlined her schedule and allowed for greater flexibility. By setting boundaries around meetings and declining those that did not align with her goals, she was able to reclaim her time and focus on what truly mattered.
Establishing clear meeting boundaries became crucial for the entrepreneur, who learned to say no to engagements that did not serve her well-being or financial goals. By declining meetings without a clear agenda or that could have been handled through email, she was able to prioritize deeper discussions and avoid wasting time. Additionally, she refused meetings where she was asked to provide free advice or interact with unpleasant individuals, valuing her time and mental well-being above all else. By only attending gatherings that sparked enthusiasm, she freed up time to focus on her financial education company and personal growth.
The entrepreneur emphasized the importance of scheduling self-nourishment as a way to execute on money goals. Allocating funds and time towards physical and mental health activities allowed for a sustainable routine and prevented burnout. By prioritizing personal care expenses and incorporating activities like yoga, dance classes, counseling, and rest into her budget and schedule, she ensured that her well-being remained a top priority. By keeping her calendar drama-free and leaving room for spontaneity, she was able to approach her financial freedom journey with joy and intention, choosing how to spend her time and money based on what brought her fulfillment.
In conclusion, by implementing strategies such as setting boundaries around meetings, prioritizing self-care, and scheduling self-nourishment, the entrepreneur was able to achieve work-life balance and financial success. By being intentional about her time and focusing on activities that aligned with her goals, she was able to work efficiently, make a sustainable income, and enjoy her work. Ultimately, the entrepreneur’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting one’s mental health and well-being while pursuing financial independence, and the transformative power of prioritizing self-care in achieving long-term success.
