Does your life look good from the outside, but behind closed doors, you feel like you’re drowning because of all the things on your plate? You’re not alone!
Entrepreneur burnout is real, and it impacts so many more people than you may realize.
When you’re burned out, it’s hard to show up in your life, relationships, and business the way you want to. That’s why it’s so important to protect your energy.
When you protect your energy, you end up healthier, happier, and more productive. That benefits not only you, but the people in your life.
But it doesn’t come easily for everyone. Especially if you’re used to putting yourself (and your needs) dead last. So, Selena Soo (@selena_soo) thought she would share some of the ways she has personally prioritized and protected her energy as a CEO.
Selena Soo Shares The 5 Ways She Recommends To Protect Your Energy As An Entrepreneur:
1. Work in your “Zone of Genius”
I make sure I spend the bulk of my time working in my zone of genius. I’m great at connecting people, helping people be more visible, and helping people make a bigger impact in the world. I also love doing those things. Being able to make a living doing the things I love and are good at fulfills me and makes working something I actually enjoy.
Action Plan — Figure out the intersection between what you’re really passionate about and what you do better than most people. This sweet spot is your zone of genius and it’s where you should spend most of your time.
2. Hire a team of A-list players
I recognized what I’m good at but also embraced the fact that there are other things that just aren’t my strengths. I also knew there were certain essential business tasks that I just don’t enjoy. So rather than trying to do it all, I started building a team of people who had different skills than I had. Each person on my team comes with their own strengths and passions—and I try to make sure that each one is able to work in their zone of genius. The result? A thriving business and a team of people who are all doing what they love.
Action Plan — Take some time to think about one task or area of your business you really don’t want to handle anymore and figure out a way to outsource it to someone who rocks at it!
3. Learn to say “no” and set boundaries
This is a big one! I struggled with it so much and I know I’m not alone. Since I want everyone around me to be happy, I used to find it so hard to say “no”—even when I knew saying “yes” was not in my best interests at all. I also had trouble with setting boundaries with myself and with others.
Even though my life looked great on paper, I knew the truth. The truth was I was unhappy and something needed to change. So I started setting boundaries in my life, relationships, and business. I started protecting my time by saying “no” to things and opportunities that didn’t align with what I wanted for my life. And it has made all the difference in the world!
Action Plan — Sit down with a journal and answer these questions:
- What do I want my life to look like in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
- What are some things in my life that make me feel unhappy, stressed or resentful?
- What are some boundaries I need to set for myself that would make my life easier and more enjoyable?
- What are some boundaries I need to set for others that would make my life easier and more enjoyable?
Once you have written those things down, start implementing what you learn. Start setting (and enforcing) boundaries. Start saying “no” to things that don’t align with your vision for your happy life. Cut out the things that make you feel negatively. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it!
4. Be choosy about clients
Something I don’t think is emphasized enough when it comes to business is the fact that you can (and should) be selective about who you work with. I think this is especially important if you’re a service-based entrepreneur. When you work closely with your clients, it’s really like being in a relationship with them. And the last thing you want to do is be in a relationship with someone who isn’t a good fit.
Action Plan —
- Let go of the idea that your service or product is for everyone in the world by honing in on who your dream clients are.
- Be more intentional with your messaging by speaking only to your dream client – whether you’re writing a guest article, crafting a social media post, shooting a video, or joining in on a podcast episode.
- If you do one-on-one work, offer a discovery call where you and your prospect can get to know one another and figure out if you’re a good match.
- Pay attention to red flags and don’t be afraid to let someone know when you don’t believe it’s a good mutual fit. Just as they can choose to go in a different direction, so can you!
5. Establish self-care rituals
Last, but not least, I take care of myself regularly and with intention. That can mean cuddling up with one of my fur babies, spending quality time with friends, treating myself to something that sparks joy in my heart, going for a walk in nature, meditating, or taking a much-needed vacation. It also means eating healthy, exercising regularly, and going to the doctor when I need to.
Also Read: The Importance of Developing a Powerful Business Through Drive and Knowledge Shared by Eva Garzon
Self-care is a very personal thing, so it will look different for everyone. But the importance of it is pretty much universal. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of your goals, your needs, and the people you care about.
Action Plan — Think about some things you can do to take better care of your mind, body, and soul. Then make it a priority to do those things regularly. If you have to, put them in your calendar and on your to-do list!
I truly hope this helps you in some way to reclaim your time, your energy, and your joy as an entrepreneur. Remember: Your happiness matters!
