Embrace the Power of Turning Off: Finding Balance as a Passionate Entrepreneur
Have you ever struggled to turn off your brain? As a business coach, I know exactly how that feels. It doesn't matter if it has been a super productive and awesome day or just an absolute chaos of a day. If you're anything like me, you've probably found yourself at the end of your workday still working or constantly thinking about work.
Today, I want to talk about being obsessed with your business. It's awesome and a good thing, depending on the reasons you're obsessed. Like last night, for instance, I was struggling to turn off my brain after a spectacular couple of weeks in my business. I've had a perfect balance of meetings and breaks that I truly love and appreciate. But last night, I found it hard to actually stop working. If you're facing the same problem, let's dive into why this happens and how we can overcome it.
The Beauty of Obsession and the Need for Balance
Loving your job and feeling constantly excited about it can make it hard to stop. Your work gives you constant dopamine hits and lights you up. However, taking breaks and getting out of work mode can lead to some of your best business ideas. By stepping away from work and not thinking about it, you allow your mind to relax and recharge.
I realized that one of the reasons I kept working last night was boredom. Social media wasn't interesting, TV shows didn't catch my attention, and even reading felt like a chore. So, I just kept working, ignoring my husband sitting just a few feet away. After a few hours, I felt guilty for not making an intentional connection with him. After all, part of the reason I work so hard is to support my family and our lifestyle. Balancing my business and personal life is something I'm always working on.
Understanding the Danger Zone
Constantly working to the exclusion of all else can lead to burnout. If you're working because you feel you need more money, you're not making enough, or you feel imposter syndrome, it's time to reevaluate. Working all the time just because you're desperate or feeling less than isn't healthy.
For instance, I had a client who believed that successful entrepreneurs need to wake up at 5 a.m. and work nonstop. However, his industry required him to work with clients late into the evening. This unsustainable schedule led to burnout. We worked together to find a balance that allowed him to be productive without sacrificing his well-being.
The Hustle Culture Trap
The hustle culture mentality can be overwhelming. We're conditioned to believe that if we're not busy, we're not successful. This mindset can lead to constant work without breaks, which is counterproductive. Instead, it's important to recognize when you need a break and allow yourself to take it.
Creating Healthy Habits
One strategy that has helped me is creating a wind-down routine. At 5 o'clock, I start to tie things up and by 6, I walk away from my computer. This routine helps break the work cycle and allows me to switch gears. Listening to meditations or ASMR videos also helps me transition from work mode to relaxation mode.
I've also been working on doing nothing intentionally. It sounds strange, but it's incredibly refreshing. I wander around my yard without a phone and let any thoughts float by without acting on them. This practice helps me reset and come back to work with fresh ideas and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Loving your job is wonderful, but it's crucial to find a balance. Take breaks, switch gears, and allow yourself to do nothing sometimes. By doing so, you'll not only avoid burnout but also come up with your best ideas. Remember, you don't have to be productive all the time. Embrace the balance and find joy in both your work and personal life.
