In today's commercial world, this attitude may still be valid. Many entrepreneurs are regarded as heroes in our society. We look up to the Mark Zuckerbergs and Elon Musks of the world for their achievements. Many of the most successful business people, however, have hidden demons: They went through periods of practically excruciating anxiety, stress, and sadness before making it–times when everything seemed to be falling apart. This may seem all too typical if you own your own company. Entrepreneurship is a demanding path that can cause emotional turmoil. For starters, there is a significant danger of failure. Three out of every four venture-backed businesses will fail.
Personality Characteristics
But it's possible that some entrepreneurs are pushed over the brink by more than just a difficult job. Many entrepreneurs, according to studies, have fundamental personality features that render them more sensitive to mental illness. According to Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist who specialises in entrepreneurship, "those who are active, driven, and creative are both more likely to be entrepreneurial and more likely to have strong emotional states." Despair, depression, hopelessness, a lack of motivation, and even suicidal ideation are examples of these emotional states. Ironically, the same passionate inclinations that drive founders to pursue success with reckless abandon can also consume them.
What are the options?
We now have plenty of evidence to show that, regardless it has many benefits, entrepreneurship is linked to mental health issues. Until recently, confessing to having mental health issues was considered a sign of weakness. Many business executives have pursued what social psychologists call "impression management," or "fake it until you make it," rather than exhibiting weakness and triumph over impossible odds. There are, thankfully, ways to break the cycle. As an entrepreneur, here's how to avoid burnout.
Make your Health a Top Priority
Entrepreneurs have a character for being sleep-deprived, malnourished, over-caffeinated, and financially strapped (which seldom precedes them). They are making themselves less resilient and more vulnerable to mood weakness by ignoring their health. You can't run a business without yourself, and you can't run a business if you're burning the candle at both ends. While self-care is a trendy term, many company owners are unfamiliar with the notion. Bath bombs and spa music aren't enough for true self-care. Finding appropriate stress coping techniques, such as exercise and social gatherings, is just as important to your venture's success as it is to your own.
Deal with Uncertainty in the Present
Our brains are hardwired to seek assurance as humans. To handle our concerns about our projects, we like to create a sense of future certainty. It's tempting to fantasise about a future filled with large mansions, international celebrities, and travelling the world, but that's not where your attention should be. However, by attempting to forecast the future, we set ourselves up for failure. The truth is that no matter how much you worry, you never really know where you or your company will be a year from now.
Build a Strong Support System
Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the process of growing their enterprises. When we devote all of our efforts to our businesses, we risk becoming estranged from our friends and loved ones. We risk alienation by renouncing other kinds of meaning, such as parenthood, sexual relationships, and even travel and pleasure. Separating yourself from your business when you can is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It's critical to distinguish between your genuine personality and your professional presentation, even if your company has a personal brand.
Accepting Help is a Skill
We all require assistance from time to time. When you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, however, disconnecting can seem impossible. It's a good place to start by determining which chores are "busy work" and which can only be completed by you. Think about it.
Final Thoughts
If you're unhappy, no amount of entrepreneurship success is worth it. Improving your mental health is one of the wisest decisions you can make for your company and, more significantly, for yourself. Start implementing these tactics right now to get closer to the connection, joy, and fulfillment you deserve.