Does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve been lost in your work for hours. You look at the clock to realize it is already 8 p.m. You’ve skipped dinner again. It’s been weeks since you exercised, and between the stress and anxiety of trying to get your company off the ground, your sleep has been less than ideal. You don’t want to go home until you can finish what you’re working on, but your brain feels like it is in a fog.
Entrepreneurs are visionary, optimistic and undeterred by failure. They are driven to succeed and willing to put in the work to get there. In pursuit of monumental success, entrepreneurs willingly accept longer work weeks, fewer holidays, more responsibilities and greater risk and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs are the lifeforce of innovation and economic growth and are critical to healthy economies.
But there is a cost. According to a study by Michael Freeman, 1 72% of entrepreneurs reported mental health concerns, a rate significantly higher than in the comparison group. Entrepreneurs suffer from stress, burnout, loneliness and anxiety at higher rates than the rest of the population. Starting a new business is risky and takes a lot of work. Many entrepreneurs feel that they have to sacrifice their present lives to achieve future success.2
The truth is that it doesn’t have to be this way. If you prioritize your health now, you will be investing in your future success. Health is the foundation for everything else in life, especially your business.
Your health is your wealth
Energy is the foundation of your success. You want to operate at peak performance, which means taking care of your body to have the energy, vitality and stamina to perform at your best, even when the pressure is high.
Mind-body connection
Our bodies and minds do not operate independently. Your physiology impacts your emotions and thoughts. When you prioritize your health, you improve your ability to make decisions, weather difficulties, solve problems, think creatively and manage stress.
Health is a long-term investment
You might think you can neglect your health in the short term to get ahead in your business. You may tell yourself that you will eat healthier and get more sleep once you get your business off the ground. Instead, bring the same passion to your health as you do to your business, no matter what stage it’s in. Consider it an investment in long-term sustainability. If you neglect your health, you’ll face decreased productivity now, burnout in the near future, and eventual failure. Your health is not optional.
