Today, on Mental Health Awareness Day, let’s talk about the intersection between hard work, personal introspection, and yes that pesky word “balance”.
We often hear that success comes to those who work hard. And yes, hard work is undeniably a cornerstone of achievement. But let’s be honest – is hard work the only solution to all challenges?
While the hustle culture celebrates long hours, and I have certainly put in those hours for longer than I care to admit. And yet.. the mind and spirit require balance. If we only equate success with ceaseless effort, we ignore other factors that contribute to genuine (and enjoyable) sustainable growth.
Understand Your SWOT: Just like the business itself, the entrepreneur has a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Recognizing personal patterns, behaviors, and triggers can lead to informed decision-making. Instead of repeating mistakes, delve into your habits, understand your reactions, and preempt challenges.
Deep Work: Cal Newport, in his book “Deep Work,” brings forward the idea that it’s not the number of hours you put in, but the quality of those hours that matter. Allocate time to dive deep, to focus without distractions, to produce work that’s of true significance. In essence, work smarter, not just harder.
Introspection: Take time off for self-reflection. It’s during these moments of quiet that you find clarity, derive meaning from experiences, and chart out your future trajectory. Introspection allows you to align your personal and professional values, ensuring you’re not just running a business but building a legacy.
Mental health isn’t just about tackling anxiety, depression, or other clinical challenges. It’s about understanding yourself, nurturing your mind, ensuring it’s given the respect, rest, and recalibration it deserves.
Today, on Mental Health Awareness Day, I urge you to look beyond the grind. Embrace a holistic approach to success—one that includes effort, self-awareness, and strategic decision-making.
After all, what’s the point of building an empire if we lose ourselves in the process?
Stay balanced. Stay aware. Stay successful.
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#mentalhealth #businessowner #mentalhealthawarenessday #entrepreneur #calnewport #deepwork
This article first appeared on April Garcia’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mental-health-business-owners-april-garcia-mckeegan-/