You may have already set resolutions for 2017, but consider adding one more: find happiness in your business. Entrepreneurship can be stressful, but it can also be wonderful and rewarding—as long as you maintain a healthy attitude.
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Consider these ideas for finding greater joy in your business ownership this year:
- Do what you love and love what you do – Money should not be the only motivator for starting a business. Entrepreneurship is a great way to delve into what you love to do. If your current business does not fit well with your interests, consider reevaluating your professional plans.
- Stay rooted in the present – There are many challenges in business, including the possibility of failure. You can fret yourself into a frenzy by focusing too much on the future instead of the present. Do not waste your time and effort worrying about things that may or may not happen. Spend your energy trying to improve what you currently have.
- Keep expectations realistic – Do not aspire to things that are beyond your reach. If your business is small, learn how to live small. Do not pretend to be something that you are not. It’s always good to seek for incremental improvement, but wanting too much too soon can be overwhelming and discouraging.
- Spend more time with your family – Your business is one dimension of your life. It’s imperative to balance your time between business and family. You and your loved ones will be happiest when you keep your priorities in good order.
- Keep track of your wins – Many entrepreneurs dream big. This is important, but don’t discount small gains along the way. Avoid the pitfall of wanting so much that you forget to appreciate what you have.
- Stay fit and rested – Keeping your body fit will give you more energy to face the challenges of your business. If you “hit the wall” at work, take a break and rest. You don’t have to kill yourself to succeed. Many things look better after a short walk or a 5-minute power nap.
- Find a stress reliever – Look for ways to relax. You can go out for a jog or meditate. If you don’t make time for R and R, stress can build up inside. It’s very hard to be creative and productive if you are constantly strained.
- Trust your employees – A good relationship with your employees starts with trust. Show your confidence by empowering them to take on new tasks. Follow up to ensure quality, but don’t micro-manage them. Learning to delegate effectively saves you time and helps your employees grow and develop.
- Exercise the other side of the brain – If your work involves a lot of critical thinking, allow for some time to exercise your creative side. Research shows that people who use both sides of their brains are happier.
- Be optimistic – It’s tough to find happiness as a pessimist. While some people are naturally positive, most people must work at it. With persistent effort, we can all get better at seeing the sunny side of life.
Happiness is a personal choice. If you’re feeling run down or stressed, consider tweaking your outlook for a more fulfilling year in 2017.
