4 Ways To Defeat Entrepreneurial Loneliness Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. This article discusses four ways to help with the loneliness of being an entrepreneur.
By Eric Elliott Edited by Micah Zimmerman
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Being an entrepreneur calls for more than just business expertise and commitment. Whether working from home or in an office, entrepreneurship can be lonely. You must be prepared to handle situations as they arise, and this can deny you the chance to socialize and share your challenges.
While it may sound easy to deal with business issues, personal problems can get tricky. This can make entrepreneurship a lonely experience and get worse when things aren't working as planned.
Some have it, and some don't; I'm talking about the entrepreneur spirit. Some entrepreneurs make it look easy when running a business. So, what does loneliness in entrepreneurship mean, and how can you deal with the effects?
How does loneliness affect entrepreneurs?
Although loneliness in entrepreneurship is an avoided topic, entrepreneurship can be lonely regardless of whether you are successful or not. You won't always have someone in your corner to celebrate every win or coach you through every loss.
As an entrepreneur, you call the shots. You decide how to run the business. Consequently, all responsibilities rest on you. Business activities may take a toll on you and you have no one to share the challenges with. It is a struggle because you want to appear strong and motivate others, including your employees.
Luckily, you can avoid loneliness in many ways. Here's what you need to do.
4 Ways to not make entrepreneurship a lonely place
Success doesn't happen overnight; it favors the prepared. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You will take a risk on people, decisions and opportunities. So how do you prepare for being an entrepreneur?
1. Appreciate what you have
The realization that loneliness is inevitable and will creep in at some point is enough to help you push through tough times. Knowing that you occasionally feel lonely will help you prepare to deal with emotional fluctuations.
With this realization, you can read the signs of loneliness and seek help to avoid being overwhelmed. You may also consider spending extra time doing what pleases you as you try to ease the emotional tension.
Related: 6 Ways to Combat 'Lonely Entrepreneur' Syndrome
While a business may not always yield the expected results, acknowledging the positives amid the tension can be a great way to deal with loneliness. Even when things seem to be working against your expectations, there is always something special about your business.
Instead of focusing on what's not working, consider putting extra effort into what seems to be working. This gives you every reason to hold on to your investment while also attempting to fix what doesn't seem to be correct.
2. Occasionally take a break
While taking care of all your business deals on your own can take a toll on you, you must ensure that you get enough time to relax and unwind. As an entrepreneur, you are an investment that you must protect. You protect yourself by caring for your mind, body and soul while continuously investing in yourself. You may ask yourself, how do I invest in myself?
You have to study your craft and become an expert in what you do. Deconstruct your skill so that you would be able to teach it to a novice. Continuously learn and allow your mind to explore but prepare your mind for what may come.
Finding time to relax will help reduce stress and curb burnout. You will not only feel re-energized but will also combat loneliness and take your business to the next level.
Getting time off your work schedule is a perfect way to combat loneliness. Occasionally, get out of your office and do something different. You can spend time with friends or even participate in your hobbies.
While entrepreneurs may dedicate so much time to activities that foster business growth, relaxing and spending quality time with family or friends should be top priorities. In addition to sharing your challenges during those times, you can take your mind off business and focus on other equally important matters that count towards combating loneliness.
Related: Here Are the Top 3 Ways Successful Entrepreneurs De-Stress
3. Mingle with like-minded people
It would help if you had someone who understands what entrepreneurship entails. Hence, it would help if you established connections with people who can bail you out in your time of need. People who can offer you emotional support whenever you feel lonely. While fellow entrepreneurs can offer this support, family and close friends also play an integral role in helping you deal with loneliness.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, open up to someone you can trust, which can help ease the loneliness. You can also enroll in entrepreneur organizations or co-work and expand your network. There exist many entrepreneur organizations whose aim is to check on the welfare of entrepreneurs.
You can identify and connect with a group with the same passion and interests. The organizations or groups help you remain ambitious and grow your business but will also help you handle emotional strain whenever you need support.
It is crucial to associate with people who will help you assess your situation and offer appropriate solutions to help you prevent emotional breakdown. Entrepreneurship groups can provide encouragement and support while holding you accountable. Many entrepreneurs have benefited from these relationships and found success in different areas of their business.
4. Monitor your general health
Your physical and mental health should always be a priority. With physical exercises, you get closer to overcoming loneliness. In addition to helping you maintain physical health, exercising keeps your mind alert, making it easier to handle your day-to-day activities.
Most importantly, get enough rest and quality sleep. This helps you relax and get ready for another day's activities. If you feel overwhelmed, you may want to consult a mental health expert for tips on overcoming stress. Always feel free to share your challenges with someone you can trust.
While being an entrepreneur has its share of rewards, loneliness can interfere with your schedule and adversely affect you and your business. If you want to enjoy being an entrepreneur, interact with your employees and people with similar interests. Feel free to share your challenges and seek help whenever you feel overwhelmed. If you do, loneliness will become manageable.
Related: How I Overcame Loneliness as an Immigrant Entrepreneur in the U.K.
