Typically we talk about entrepreneurs and how to start a company from the ground up, but this information often focuses on running a company with other people. What we often forget to talk about is what it’s like to be a solopreneur and how to keep your sanity as a solopreneur.
I’ve now used the term “solopreneur” a few times, but what does the term really mean? Urban dictionary defines a solopreneur as an entrepreneur who works alone, “solo,” running their business single-handedly.
Hello, that’s what I am! It’s nice to meet you.
While working for yourself is often glorified, there are aspects that can make it difficult depending on your personality and what industry you’re in. Above all, it’s extremely important to keep your sanity and focus on listening to what you need as a person and as a business owner.
Here are 5 tips that work for me:
#1 – Get Dressed
Just do it. People often daydream about working from home in pajamas, but that doesn’t provide the most motivational work environment. Don’t roll out of bed and start working. Instead, get up, get ready for your day, and get dressed. Maybe you don’t wear a suit or dress shirt, but make sure that you do indeed have real clothes on. Changing your clothes will get you in “work mode” and minimize the temptation to stay in bed.
SHOP WORK-AT-HOME CLOTHES:
#2 – Get Out Of The House
If you’re someone who works from home, it’s key to get out of the house at least once a day. I try to hit a spin class, run errands during “lunch time,” or at the very least, take my dog for a walk. Sitting in front of a computer all day isn’t good for you regardless of the environment, but working from home makes it that much more difficult. Lack of scenery change can get old really fast.
I happen to work with people and am in a client facing role, so I don’t feel isolated. However, if you’re someone without much person-to-person interaction, getting out of the house to simply see and/or talk to people can make a huge difference in your sanity. Believe it or not, your pet is not the most ideal conversationalist.
#3 – Create A Motivational Workspace
Working from home can be great when you love the home you’ve created, yet regardless of how comforting you’ve made the overall space, this doesn’t always equate to a motivational work environment. Instead, do your best to create a small space for yourself where you can focus on work. Maybe it’s full home office or just a desk in your living room, but wherever it is, decorate it in a way that motivates you to work hard.
Part of creating a motivational workspace is decorating it with things that remind you why you work so hard and why you do what you do. These things can be pictures of friends or loved ones, motivational quotes, or even pictures of a place you eventually want to visit or move to. Whatever sparks your work ethic and creativity is what should be on your wall or desk. Make this space perfect for you! The more you enjoy your workspace, the more you will enjoy your work.
SHOP DESK ACCESSORIES:
#4 – Join A Club, Networking Society, Or Group
There are some great networking events out there where you can connect with other like-minded individuals. It can be really refreshing to meet people on the same page as you. Trust me, it’s like a breath of fresh air when you finally meet someone in the same boat, and you’re like, “Wow, you get it!”
Being a solopreneur is great, but it can get hard when people either don’t understand what you do or don’t relate to your day-to-day life. Meeting people who can relate makes a big difference. It can help you establish industry connections and also cultivate real friendships. There’s nothing like having someone to bounce ideas off of or tell you that you’re not going crazy.
Aside from industry events, think about starting a book club. It’s not something I saw myself doing, but joining a book club has been great for me! It holds me accountable, ensures that I read, and it gives me a fun monthly outing. As solopreneurs, we often find ourselves completely immersed in work, so giving yourself a break from it to read a book and interact with friends is really important.
#5 – Remember That Nothing Is Life-Altering
Regardless of how important it may seem, waiting an extra hour or day to send an email, not answering a pestering client after business hours, or getting a blog post up late isn’t the end of the world. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts the other day, and they talked a lot about this concept and how we make ourselves think that things are more important than they are.
They’re not. Yes, money makes the world go ‘round, and business is important, but at the end of the day, focus on what really matters: Friends, family, health, and happiness. If those things don’t come first in your life, it’s time to reevaluate.
ARE YOU A SOLOPRENEUR? TELL US YOUR TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR SANITY!
