Being a Good Boss to Yourself
“Being your own boss” is cited as the number one motivation for becoming an entrepreneur. While there are dozens of unique other motivations like having invented something new or looking to progress your career beyond the limits of a salaried position, being your own boss is definitely near the top of the list for most independent business owners. The real question is, what does that really mean? As the captain of your business vessel, you set your own work schedule, pay scale, and benefits package but there’s more to being a good boss than paperwork. It’s important to keep yourself motivated and take care of yourself as a valued member of the team as much as you would take care of one of your employees if you have any.
Time Management
As an entrepreneur, every second of your day counts. You could be making phone calls, sorting paperwork, fulfilling a client’s order, or all sorts of other vital tasks there are just never enough hands available or hours in the day to do. But are you optimized? It’s very likely that in all the frenzy to get everything done, you’re losing an hour or so each day to inefficiency and staring off into space for a few seconds at a time in near exhaustion. You wouldn’t let an employee get into this state and should take care of yourself as well. Build a list of all the tasks, then a schedule, then a plan to finish them on time. That way, you can stay focused and sure that you’re always making efficient forward progress without stressing about forgetting something.
Time to Rest
The first few years after starting a business can be hair-raisingly stressful. Every day a new challenge pops up and you, the founder, must sort it out. Whether it’s a delivery mix-up, a filing error, or just plain old technical problems with your company computers, the life of an entrepreneur is incredibly demanding. However, if you start to feel as though things are slipping out from under you, it’s time to rest. We know that problems don’t solve themselves but neither does your sleep debt.
Entrepreneurs are independent superheroes of the business world, but you’re still human. Being a good boss to yourself requires you to make sure you get home in time for six to eight hours every single night and try to sleep yourself out at least once on the weekend. This will keep your mind fresh and able to adapt to the constant obstacle course of early business management.
Health and Wellbeing
The stress of running your own business can literally lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness, weakness, and even mental confusion. Getting enough rest is an important place to start but you should also remember to mind your health. There’s a reason that companies try to provide healthy catered lunches and gyms for their employees. The better you eat and take care of your body, the clearer-headed you will become. Fresh food and exercise make you more alert than takeout and sitting. Make sure to keep your diet balanced and try to work up a cardio sweat at least once a day, either first thing in the morning or between closing and supper.
Most entrepreneurs love the idea of being on their own and being a good boss but turn out to, in fact, be incredibly demanding of themselves in a way few people would accept from an actual employer. It’s true, being an entrepreneur is a lot of hard work without the ‘safety net’ of corporate life but it’s important to remember that you are your business and if your health fails, so too might the company. On that note, remember to optimize your time, get plenty of rest, and take care of your body even if it feels like you can’t get a spare moment. Earn a “#1 Boss” mug from yourself this year and don’t forget to hydrate while you’re busy running your new business.
If you think you’re ready to handle the responsibility of both running your own business and being a good boss, contact us today.
David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call (805) 499-3030.
