Mental health is a large part of running a business, and there are many traps that we can fall into as business owners that will affect our mental health. However, when you can identify the signs and learn how to cope with the issues, you can keep your mental health (and business) strong.
Here are some of the most common traps to watch out for.
Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is when you feel unworthy or incompetent, despite evidence to the contrary. It’s a much deeper sense of doubt in yourself and your abilities and is often linked to anxiety or trauma.
It’s super common- almost 80% of the population has experienced impostor syndrome- and you can overcome it and create a successful business.
All you have to do is:
- remember that you’re not alone
- let go of your inner perfectionist
- track your successes
- talk to someone
- Say yes to new opportunities
- Embrace the feeling and use it
To learn more about impostor syndrome and how to combat it, check out my article on Tips to Help You Conquor Impostor Syndrome.
The Comparison Trap
Since everything is on social media nowadays, it’s easy to want to compare your business to others. But, if you do that, you could fall into the comparison trap.
The comparison trap is when you compare yourself to someone else without recognizing where they are in their journey. For example, you might compare your chapter 1 to their chapter 20, think your business is lacking, and feel discouraged.
One way to avoid falling into the comparison trap is to remember that social media is more of a highlight reel than a reflection of the true business. You have no idea what’s happening behind the scenes, and their business may not be as successful as it seems.
Unfortunately, our brains naturally want to compare our achievements to others. So, if you ever find yourself in the comparison trap, pause and ask yourself if you truly know how their business is doing. Then, if you still feel yucky about your business when you look at theirs, unfollow them for a healthier social media experience.
Burnout
Being an entrepreneur can be incredibly stressful- especially if you work in a highly competitive field- and all that stress can, ultimately, lead to burnout.
Burnout is mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion from being exposed to prolonged stress. It happens to almost everyone, and recognizing it can be easy once you know the signs.
To identify burnout, check yourself for:
- Constant Exhaustion, be it physical (no appetite, trouble sleeping, headaches, etc.) or mental (loss of motivation or interest).
- Isolation. If you haven’t spoken or seen anyone in over a week, it might be time to get help.
- Daydreaming, especially if it’s about running away or going on vacation. That could be your brain telling you it’s time for a break.
- Increased irritability. If every day feels like a bad day, or you can’t stop feeling angry, you’re experiencing burnout.
- Increased illnesses. Prolonged exposure to stress can also lower your immune system, which means more illnesses. So, if you’re sick more than usual, it could be because of burnout.
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent and heal burnout so you can return to a happy, healthy entrepreneur. They are:
Automations and outsourcing
Is there anything you’re doing that can be automated or delegated to a team member? Check your day-to-day and take anything repetitive, minor, or unpleasant off your plate by automating it, sending it to a team member, or even outsourcing it. Then, you can relax a little and prevent burnout.
Don’t overcommit yourself
I know how tempting it is to do everything for everyone, but the stress of trying to be that person can lead to burnout. Instead, know your limits and get comfortable saying NO. That alone will ease a lot of the stress and help prevent burnout.
Take care of yourself
Your physical well-being can affect your mental well-being, so you must make time for yourself. Exercise, eat right, drink water, take breaks, have firm boundaries between work and life, and sleep! If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re more likely to feel the effects of burnout more keenly.
Final Thoughts
Building a business from scratch isn’t easy, and there are a million little things to do to keep it running. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your mental health is essential to a happy, healthy business, and it’s crucial that you avoid falling into these mental health traps.
However, if you do find yourself bogged down with anxiety, depression, burnout, or other unwanted mental health issues, there’s always a way out. If they feel too big please speak with a doctor or a health professional.
