I Want it All – Three Tips for Self-Care & Rejuvenation While Growing A Business

By Michelle | Published September 11, 2012

I shared the following in an email to our Startup Princess Members just before Labor Day Weekend.   I thought I would share it here for all our readers.  And if you want to receive startup and life balance tips directly to your inbox, you can sign up here.

As we begin the Labor Day weekend, I’m reminded that I will (ironically) be spending a lot of the weekend working.  Such is the life of a serial entrepreneur.

I don’t mind it, really, I like what I do and a lot of my work feels like play.  That said, it’s important be be well rounded, take time for vacation and make sure I’m filling my own well.  I want to “Live a Life Without Limits”, but I’ve found that my biggest limitations come from my own physical and mental abilities.  If I’m not at the top of my game, my businesses come up short and my relationships suffer.  Can you relate?

Here are three tips for taking time for self-care and rejuvenation while growing a business.

1. Make a joy list of things you enjoy.  Everything from reading a book to taking a hot bath.  Include things that cost money, and things that free.  Include things that you can do in quick and easy 15 minute time blocks and include things that take longer like massages and pedicures (two of my favorites, when time and funds allow).

2. Schedule time each week to do something from your joy list.  And I really mean schedule it.  Put it in your calendar.  Treat it the same as you would an appointment with a client or a friend who’s in from out of town.

3. Make healthy choices.  Include a balanced diet and regular exercise – the exact program is up to you and your doctor.  I’ve learned the hard way that my body can be my friend or my enemy.  I am only as good as my health.  If I’m chronically sick, I can’t grow my business or care for my family and friends.  My energy is tied to how I care for my body.

You see, I want it all.

I want a thriving business without sacrificing a meaningful personal life.  I want a big paycheck and really fulfilling relationships, and believe it or not, sacrificing myself is NOT the way to do it.

I talk to a lot of women entrepreneurs.  I cringe every time I hear the word “sacrifice”.  They are sacrificing themselves for the sake of their businesses and their families.  While that’s admirable, it’s the quickest way to burn out.  Take care of YOU and then you will have the energy you need to grow your business without sacrificing your health or sanity.

Anyway, as you go into this weekend, whether you are working or not, I encourage you to take some time to establish some “labor free” routines that focus on YOU.
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess and is also a National speaker and business consultant.  Michelle recently released Marketing Mastery, a 4 disc audio program that helps entrepreneurs and small business become confident in their messages that reach the masses.  Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess  in 2008.  She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 4 years she has coached women entrepreneurs (and even some men) and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses.  Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success expert and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19 and has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business.  Today it continues to thrive.  This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives.  She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success.   Michelle has two children ages 4 and 2 and lives in Utah. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com.

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