Our theme for February is Love Yourself So You Can Love Your Business. Often, we get stuck helping others, doing for others, taking care of others (and by others I also mean our businesses). We do this so much that, by the end of the day, we just don’t have time to love ourselves. We lose site on taking care of our own wants and needs. For some, they seem to be OK with this; but for many women entrepreneurs, we end up burnt out, sick and frustrated. And when that happens, our businesses suffer and our families miss out.
So how do you go about Loving Yourself again?
Reflect on the following questions. You may just hit on a point or two that will help bring you back to a loving, nurturing self.
1. What do I really want to do or have that is just mine? Brain storm a list of hobbies, activities or simple pleasures that would be meaningful to you. Think about things that you might be giving up in order to reach some of your goals. When you can take up one hobby or simple pleasure and build time in your schedule for that, it will help you to stay motivated towards achieving your overall goals.
2. What habits or routines would I resume first if I had the time? Consider what things are being left undone that are frustrating you the most. Think of it this way, who would you hire first if you had the extra money to hire someone? A personal trainer? A housekeeper? A personal chef? If you are frustrated by walking into a messy home, it can impact how you feel about yourself. You have some choices, delegate, do it or drop it. Pick the one that is going to feel the best to you.
3. What do I feel most guilty about not having time to do? Is your extended family missing you at their Sunday dinners? Do your friends wish you could join them for an evening out? Guilt from being overwhelmed can impact our self esteem. It may seem like you truly don’t have time to add one more thing to your schedule. Find a way to make it work. In the long run, you will feel more empowered.
4. What activities are my biggest time wasters? Consider things that you spend time doing that might not be productive. Often taking time to play Candy Crush or check our email (for the third time in the last 20 minutes) are ways for us to distract ourselves or attempt to “regain” some of the control we feel we are losing when self esteem starts to slip. Once you have a list of time wasters, you can better evaluate how they are impacting your day and your self esteem. From there, you can make an informed decision as to how to handle them.
5. Do I struggle to put down the electronics? If you are attached to your phone or laptop at all times, you may be addicted or you may experience that fear that you will miss something if someone can’t reach you. Set specific hours. Start with short breaks at first. Turn your phone and computer off for at least 2 hours each evening. Build from there.
Are you ready to start loving yourself again?
Nicole Bandes
Having successfully helped hundreds of business leaders stop feeling overwhelmed and out of control so that they have time to achieve that "one more thing" that will make all the difference, Nicole's clients often tell her that she has the magical ability to create time where it didn't exist before.
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