As founders, entrepreneurs often find themselves consumed by their businesses, leaving little time for personal pursuits. However, in the rare moments of free time they do manage to carve out, many founders engage in activities that not only benefit themselves but also strengthen their businesses. These activities range from meditation and bouldering to studying behavioral economics and psychology.
Krish Chopra, founder of NPHub, prioritizes daily meditation for emotional stability, which helps him make sound decisions as his business scales. Blake Olson, from Smart Prop Trader, finds bouldering to be a unique challenge that enhances problem-solving skills and cultivates patience and resilience. The collaborative nature of bouldering also fosters a spirit of teamwork that he brings back to his organization.
Others, like Kristin Kimberly Marquet of Marquet Media, LLC, find value in studying behavioral economics and psychology, gaining insights that improve their business strategies and communication with teams and clients. Blair Thomas of eMerchantBroker believes that traveling broadens horizons and forces individuals out of their comfort zones, ultimately leading to better decision-making and self-awareness when they return to their everyday lives.
Engaging in volunteering activities, like animal adoption events, can also provide beneficial experiences. Bryce Welker from Testing.org highlights how these events demand quick problem-solving and clear communication skills, similar to those needed in running a business. Plus, helping animals find homes reinforces the importance of caring and responsibility, qualities he integrates into his business practices.
Journaling is another popular practice among founders, with Chris Christoff of MonsterInsights spending time daily to reflect on his progress and learnings. This habit helps him recognize patterns, improve each day, and ultimately become a better leader. Shu Saito of All Filters has recently taken up Pilates, noting improved energy levels, posture, and concentration as a result, all of which have positively impacted his business leadership.
From finding solitude to read fantasy series or listening to podcasts and audiobooks, founders have various ways to better themselves and their businesses in their free time. Meeky Hwang of Ndevr, Inc, dedicates time to total solitude to enhance creativity and strategic thinking, while Travis Schreiber of Erase Technologies, LLC gains insights from exploring fictional worlds in fantasy series. Kalin Kassabov of ProTexting listens to educational podcasts and audiobooks to stay informed about trends that may impact his business. Ultimately, these diverse activities allow founders to grow personally and professionally, benefiting their companies in the process.
