Starting your own business is an extraordinary achievement – so many pieces have to be in place in order to open and maintain a successful business. As a young entrepreneur, the pressure is on to build something fruitful, so how can you accomplish your dreams while leading your best life?
1. Plan, plan, plan
- Some of my favorite planning tools are found right on my phone. Cozi is a free app that helps simplify my life. I can add appointments to the calendar, create to do lists and journal. I love that Cozi allows multiple users on each account so I can sync my schedule with my husband’s. Cozi helps keep him apprised of my travel schedule and helps me know when he’s free to grab lunch together!
- If you don’t have a plan, you won’t know where you’re going. Spend a few extra minutes each day creating a system, a to-do list and long range goals. I don’t leave my office until I’ve created a game plan for tomorrow. It saves me from scrambling around the next morning trying to decide what to tackle first.
2. Have a “7” in your schedule
- After I quit my “corporate America” job to begin consulting and speaking full time, my husband said, “You sure seem relaxed.” I had forgotten it was just as important to get to my “new office” early in the morning and (sometimes) stay late to create a business I loved. You can’t waltz in at 10am and leave at 2pm if you expect to move mountains in your new venture! One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, “Successful people have a ‘7’ in their schedule”. I take that to heart now. If I can get to my office before 8am, or stay until 7:30pm, then I know I have set myself up for success by spending a few extra minutes on my business.
3. Make time to move
- A gym membership isn’t necessary – just make time to get moving! Sometimes a quick 5 minute walk around the office building is all you need to recharge and refocus. Research has shown that people who exercise experience a boost in serotonin levels which – you guessed it – makes you happier and healthier!
4. Optimize your diet
- If you know you’re going to be sitting all day – don’t carb up! Instead, keep healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and cheese handy. Know you’re going to be on your feet a while? Plan ahead for 6 small meals a day, including snacks. Don’t let a busy day cause you to skip meals or eat the wrong things. Having a water bottle with you at all times is imperative to creating your best life.
5. Balance is key
- Everything in moderation. It’s so important to have a balance of work, social, health and fitness in our lives. Staying in the office too long can be detrimental to long term goals and can derail even the best business plan. To create a business and life you’ll love, try to maintain balance in the overall picture.
6. Surround yourself with like-minded people
- We’ve all been assigned to teams comprised of people we might not have chosen to work with. Sometimes that’s good as we learn from people who aren’t just like us. But, when it comes to building a business, it’s also important to eliminate those who aren’t helping us reach our goals. The poem, “A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime,” talks about how people come in and out of our lives at different times for different reasons. Reevaluate those in your inner circle and fill it with people who help build you up.
7. Make time to relax
- It’s easy to burn out. By the time we’ve worked a full week, attended meetings and events, put food on the table – then realize we’ve got to wake up and do it all over again…that’s tough! Some people find turning on their favorite comedy show for 30 minutes is just what they need. Others relax by exercising. And some (those of you lucky ones!) relax by taking a quick nap. Whatever ‘relax’ means to you – do it!
Shannon Oleen is a motivational speaker and former NFL cheerleader. Widely recognized as a leading authority on finding passion, creating positive change and reaching personal goals, Shannon relates how hard work, the right attitude and passion will lead you to creating a life you love. Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Image Credit: www.empowernetwork.com
