As we leap into Spring, it’s the perfect time to brush off the cobwebs and take a moment to reflect on our lives, our business culture and the world around us. As business professionals, we often set ourselves ambitious goals, long working hours and round-the-clock tasks but it’s so easy to get bogged down in the hectic and daily challenges associated with running a business or managing a team. As a result, we get stressed and burnout, especially as the lines between our working and private lines become blurred.
Through my own business journey, I’ve learned that my business doesn’t work unless I approach things with the right mindset. In a society where you’re expected to be connected 24/7, we need to learn and acknowledge that technology should complement our business and working style, rather than allowing it to take over. There are ways I deal with that lifestyle to help maintain the balance, helping to make me be more inspired, effective and generally happier…and, of course, retain my sanity!
Revisit your purpose and beliefs
Whether you’ve been running your business or have been with your current employer for a short or long time, it’s easy to lose sight of what drove you to entrepreneurship in the first place. You have to believe in what you’re doing and know why you’re doing it. If you don’t, you need to take time to reassess and reevaluate your purpose. A well-organised workplace creates a strategic, creative thinking mind. In your most challenging moments, it is these heartfelt beliefs that will pull you through and help you recharge your batteries for what’s ahead.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness originated as an ancient Buddhist meditation technique but over time it’s evolved into a range of accessible practices focusing on awareness of the present moment. According to Mindful.org, “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Every now and then just stop, take a short moment, centre your focus and balance your mind.
Escape your inbox
Email is a fantastic method of efficient communication, but we all know that sometimes it gets in the way…in the office and at home. So much of our time is spent ploughing through emails but we shouldn’t feel the need to respond to every email we receive. Stay focused on what is essential and by filtering your emails into folders, it helps prioritise those which need an immediate answer and those which can wait until the end of the day. There’s always the delete button too!
Be thankful
As entrepreneurs, small business owners or executive women we have a lot to be thankful and grateful for. Life is about people and we didn’t get to where we are today without something or someone…perhaps it was a mentor, colleague or friend. Being mindful of our blessings can significantly improve our general happiness and health.
Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help
No matter how successful you might be, you can’t rest on your laurels and we all need a helping hand from time to time. In today’s working environment, things are evolving at such a rapid pace; it’s not enough to assume we know it all and you will be surprised at just how generous others can be with their time, sharing of experiences and knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s ear…and never be “too busy” when someone asks for your advice or support too.
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