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Episode #108
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Anyone who who plans to start or has already started a business alongside their job, needs to protect and boost their energy levels.
Energy is so crucial on your journey to becoming your own boss. Without it, you will really struggle to make it happen.
Because as much as your heart may beat with the rhythm of entrepreneurship and your mind buzzes with business ideas and plans, your energy can be crushed under the weight of long hours, stress, work travel, and a never-ending to-do list.
In this episode, I’m sharing some practical and creative energy-boosting strategies that can transform the way you navigate your entrepreneurial journey.
When you're stuck in a rut, it's really challenging to see beyond your current situation. The cost of lack of energy and negative thinking is clear - your dream of starting a business remains just that, a dream, maybe forever. Your ideas, no matter how brilliant, are stifled, unable to blossom into reality.
Our society often praises the 'hustle', and equates being busy with being successful. The narrative around entrepreneurship is also skewed towards 'all-or-nothing', creating a misconception that you need to quit your job, risk everything and dive headfirst into the startup world. Nothing can be further from the truth, particularly in this world of technological advances.
What if you could reclaim your energy,, and channel it towards your business venture, all while maintaining your current job?
And what if I told you that the strategies we'll explore today could be the catalyst for this transformation? Would you be ready to challenge your current mindset and step into this new, energised reality?
If your answer is yes, then keep reading…
IDEA FASTING
I’m going to start with an energy-boosting strategy that is pretty simple. It’s called the 'Idea Fast.' Just as intermittent fasting can help detoxify the body, an Idea Fast can help declutter the mind. The concept revolves around setting aside a specific period where you consciously decide not to think about your business ideas.
But why would you want to stop thinking about ideas when you're trying to start a business? The reasoning is simple. Our minds, like our bodies, need rest to function optimally. Continuously processing new ideas, especially alongside a demanding job, can lead to mental fatigue, diminishing your creativity and decision-making abilities.
An Idea Fast provides your brain with the necessary rest, allowing it to rejuvenate and improve its capacity to generate fresh, innovative ideas.
The effects of an Idea Fast can be far-reaching. You can have more mental clarity, improved focus, and heightened creativity. When you get back to your business planning after the fast, you'll likely find yourself with fresh perspectives and better problem-solving.
Starting an Idea Fast is straightforward. Choose a specific duration - it could be a day, a weekend, or even a week - and during this time, consciously avoid thinking about new business ideas or plans.
When you would normally be thinking about work or business outside of work hours, do something you find fun or relaxing. Perhaps take a walk, enjoy a leisurely meal, spend time with friends or family or dive into a good novel.
As you unwind, you might be surprised by the burst of energy and focus you experience. The “idea fast” is really easy to do and a simple way to get back the mental space and energy you need.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, fully engaged in whatever we are doing. It's about not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, but living in the 'now'.
Mindfulness works by helping you become more aware of your thought patterns and better equipped to manage them, reducing stress and enhancing focus. By practising mindfulness, you're training your brain to remain calm under pressure, an essential skill for an aspiring entrepreneur.
Mindfulness can help enhance your energy levels by reducing mental fatigue and stress. When you're less preoccupied with worrying or overthinking, you have more energy to dedicate to your whatever is important to you. It also increases self-awareness, helping you understand what drains your energy and what fuels it, allowing you to make more energy-conscious decisions.
There are numerous mindfulness apps and online resources to guide you in this practice. With mindfulness, you can transform your entrepreneurial journey from a stressful race into a rewarding, enjoyable experience.
PERCEPTION SHIFT
A mindset shift involves altering your mental frame of reference, changing how you perceive a situation or task. But why does it work?
Our thoughts and beliefs influence our actions and behaviours. If we believe we're too tired or too busy to work on our business idea, then that becomes our reality. However, if we shift our mindset to view our job as a stepping stone rather than a hindrance, it can transform our energy levels.
A positive mindset shift can drastically increase your motivation and drive, making you feel more energised. Instead of viewing your entrepreneurial dreams as an additional burden, you start seeing them as an exciting journey, a path leading you to your true potential.
To get started, reflect on your current mindset. What are the beliefs that hold you back or drain your energy? Once you've identified these, challenge them. For instance, if you believe you don't have enough energy, remind yourself that energy can be renewed you just need to find the right fuel. Think about using affirmations, visualisation, and gratitude in your daily routine to help with this mindset shift.
THE ‘OPPOSITE DAY’
The one is a bit more unconventional. The idea is simple but really works. You deliberately choose to do things opposite to your usual way. If you typically eat lunch at your desk, you would go outside and enjoy a picnic in the nearest green area. If you usually drive to work, take the train, maybe get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way.
But why does this work? Our brains thrive on novelty. When we break from our routine, our brains release dopamine, which can uplift our mood and boost energy levels.
An Opposite Day can leave you feeling invigorated and rejuvenated. It breaks the monotony of your routine, making your daily life more interesting. This sense of novelty and excitement can spill over to your business building and even into your day job, sparking energy and positivity.
To start your Opposite Day, take a look at your usual routine and identify the tasks or activities that you can do differently. The changes don't need to be dramatic or extensive. Small shifts can also make a difference. The key here is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. This strategy will not only boost your energy but also provide fresh perspectives, which can be invaluable in life.
TECH FREE DAY
This next one is a bit of a challenge. It’s the 'Tech-Free Day' As it sounds, essentially, Tech-Free Day involves setting aside one day each week where you completely disconnect from your electronic devices - no smartphones, no laptops, no tablets.
But why does this work? Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout. By consciously stepping away from technology, you give your mind the much-needed space to decompress, to breathe. It also helps in breaking the chain of incessant distractions that drain your energy.
To get started, pick a day that works best for you. Let your close friends and family know about it so they don’t freak out when you don’t answer a WhatsApp message after 2 minutes! Plan ahead for activities that you enjoy.
The key to this strategy is to fully engage in the present moment, to relish the joy of doing things you love, with the people you love (yourself included).
CELEBRATING SMALL WINS
This encourages you to acknowledge and celebrate each step you take on your business launch journey, no matter how small it may seem. It could be anything from coming up with a new business name to creating your first product, or even just completing a challenging task.
Our brains are wired to respond positively to rewards. When we celebrate a win, no matter how small, our brain gives us a sense of pleasure and motivation. This not only boosts our mood and energy levels but also reinforces our confidence in our ability to achieve our goals.
Celebrating small wins can bring a powerful sense of momentum and progress, making the journey more enjoyable and less overwhelming. It also helps in maintaining a positive mindset, which can be particularly beneficial in dealing with the inevitable challenges and setbacks of the early days of entrepreneurship.
Begin by setting mini-goals for your business start-up project. Each time you achieve a mini-goal, take a moment to celebrate it. The celebration could be anything that brings you joy. Remember, the focus is not on the size of the accomplishment, but on the progress it represents. By celebrating small wins, you create a positive feedback loop that fuels your motivation and energy, propelling you forward.
MUSIC
Music has the power to uplift our spirits, calm our minds, and energise our bodies. Harnessing this power can give your business start-up journey an upbeat rhythm.
Music also triggers the release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter in our brain. Listening to your favourite tunes can boost your mood, improve concentration, and increase motivation. It's like a natural energy drink that can recharge you, physically and mentally.
Start your day with your favourite motivational tracks or take a short music break between tasks. You'll likely find yourself more productive, energetic, and upbeat. Music can become your secret weapon in combating stress, handling pressure, and finding joy in your journey towards entrepreneurship.
To incorporate this strategy, first, identify the type of music that uplifts and energizes you. It could be rock, pop, classical, jazz, or even instrumental tracks. Classical is supposed to be particularly good but go with whatever gives you chills or gets your feet tapping. Create a playlist of your favourite motivational tunes. You can also explore music apps that offer pre-curated playlists based on mood or activity. Use it as a pick-me-up whenever you feel your energy levels dipping.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
As you create your exciting new business, while still employed, managing your energy effectively is critical. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It's not about who gets to the finish line fastest, but who navigates the path with resilience, persistence, and a constant sense of joy in their progress.
A full energy tank does not come from cutting corners or seeking quick fixes. It comes from implementing sustainable habits and routines that nurture your well-being, foster creativity, and bolster your determination. You need to understand that every step you take, no matter how small, is a step forward.
Keep your energy up, your spirits high, and your heart open to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
