By: Hannah Scott
As an entrepreneur, have you ever felt like it’s hard to hold it all together? Continuous long hours of work lead to burnout, heightened stress levels, and compromised mental health. Studies show that entrepreneurs spend twice as much time on their businesses as regular employees. Approximately 33% of business owners work over 50 hours weekly, with 25% extending their work hours and surpassing the 60-hour mark.
Neglecting mental health in pursuit of immediate business gains eventually becomes a major pitfall. It hampers long-term sustainability and hinders overall success in an entrepreneur’s journey. Cindy Monroe, founder and CEO of Thirty-One Gifts, knows all too well how being overloaded can lead to feeling overwhelmed. As she took her company from a basement start-up to nearly $800 million in revenue in its first decade, Cindy recognized the effect mental well-being has on productivity and success.
In this spirit, she shares valuable insights and strategies that she uses daily to be a successful business leader in today’s competitive world.
Cindy asks, “As high-achieving entrepreneurs, we’re often laser-focused on achieving our goals, crushing deadlines, and leading our teams to success. But what about taking care of our own well-being?”
The concern is real. Since entrepreneurs work a crazy number of hours, they are more likely than the general population to experience mental health issues. This includes 30% higher depression, a 29% likelihood of ADHD, and a 12% surge in addiction rates.
Through her advocacy and leadership, Monroe is reshaping the narrative around entrepreneurship. She underscores the significance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges as a competitive leader.
Monroe’s approach isn’t confined to theory; it’s practical and actionable. She talks about strategies in her podcast, Permission to Lead, that help her take care of her mental health despite having a hectic work and family schedule.
Cindy’s Strategies For Mindful Entrepreneurship
Start Strong
Begin your mornings with a positive ritual. It sets the tone for the day ahead. It’s crucial to kickstart the day on a high note, fostering a mindset of optimism and productivity. You can spend time with your partner, read an uplifting book, or meaningfully converse with loved ones.
Take a Solo Break
Take some time out of the day only for yourself. The concept involves contemplating the positive aspects of our lives and embracing gratitude for all that we’ve been fortunate to have. By doing so, it serves as a reminder to acknowledge and cherish what matters in our lives.
Relax & Reconnect
Cindy emphasizes the importance of leisure and recreation. These moments act as anchors, offering a reprieve from the stresses of work and daily responsibilities. Engaging in leisure activities and socializing with loved ones provides enjoyment and nurtures our emotional well-being.
Time-Block Your Calendar
Schedule and organize your days, weeks, and seasons well in advance. This proactive approach provides a sense of what to expect. It allows time for mental preparation and prevents last-minute stress. An intentional calendar system helps you map not only your activities but also your goal achievement.
Turn to Others
Finally, the last strategy is having a trusted individual to turn to in times of need. When situations become challenging, we cannot rely on ourselves alone. Having a support network is crucial as it gives one the comfort of having someone to lean on when decision-making becomes tough.
In mentoring other entrepreneurs, Monroe’s insights offer more than just professional strategies. They also include personal growth and well-being. She aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who value mental health for success.
As a tenured CEO and advocate for mindful entrepreneurship, Cindy Monroe envisions a future where successful business is linked to a culture that values the well-being of its leaders and teams. For more insights on flourishing in both your professional and personal life, follow Cindy’s podcast, Permission to Lead.
Published by: Holy Minoza
