3 Tips for Staying Positive as a Woman Entrepreneur
A lot of mompreneurs and women entrepreneurs will admit that negative self talk is a real challenge, probably even more so when you're first starting out but it can definitely resurface at almost any point in your self-employed career. Obstacles like imposter syndrome, unsupportive family and friends, and rejection from prospective clients can pose real risks to your self-confidence, mental health and your ability to be successful in business. In my time as a solopreneur, I've found a few practices that help me find my way back to (and stay in) a positive mindset.
1. Podcasts
When I first left corporate life and became my own boss, I found that I had a lot of time to get inside my own head. Especially since I was still working on building up a full book of business, most of my time was spent scheduling meetings, having meetings, following up from meetings and repeating the process. It took a lot of energy and by lunchtime I would usually opt for some fresh air and take the dog for a walk around the block. Rather than let rambling, chaotic, and sometimes really negative thoughts take over my mind on our walks, I quickly got in the habit of listening to podcasts. I found some really great podcasts about business, branding, mindset, and personal growth, and now I'm in a routine of turning one on when I'm on a walk, driving somewhere or cleaning my house. Podcasts are a great way to feel productive, get new ideas and feel inspired to keep chugging along in your business. And it's hard for negative self-talk to creep in when you have a really inspiring, smart and thought-provoking person talking in your ear. ;-)
2. Exercise
When I am at my best, I am exercising regularly. It used to be that I could fit a quick run or YouTube workout in before my family got up for the day. That's not the case anymore but I still try to get my workouts in after dinner or sometimes midday if I can swing it. I am not going to tell you that I'm great at it, because that would be a lie. I usually get in a good groove for a week or three and then something happens that derails me for a bit. The important thing is that I always go back to working out (eventually) and I know it's an important factor for my physical and emotional well being. I know it can be really challenging to get started. A friend recently told me that when she really doesn't feel like working out, she will commit to just 5 minutes and give herself the option to not continue if she's still not feeling it. (I'm sure you can probably guess what happens after 5 minutes.)
3. Gratitude Journal
One of the podcasts I listen to explained the importance of having a daily practice of gratitude when you run your own business. When I heard this idea, I was immediately brought back to the 9 months I was pregnant with our son because I kept a gratitude journal to help me stay positive when I knew not all of pregnancy would be sunshine and rainbows. Taking a few moments every day to write down one or two things that you're thankful for can really help keep life in perspective. Because, let's be honest, there are hard days when you're your own boss. People no-show for meetings, proposals get rejected, clients let you go...there are some really crappy moments that can take a toll on your mindset and outlook for the future of your business. You're allowed to be sad and mad and have all the feelings, but bringing yourself back to a place of gratitude will help ensure you stay focused on the big picture.
A positive mindset is just one of the many requirements for being a successful woman entrepreneur. If you're looking for more ways to stay on track and keep your business moving forward, let's chat about what your biggest challenges are and some possible strategies to help.