Q: How can entrepreneurs and business owners, who often carry a heavy burden supporting their businesses, avoid reaching their breaking point or overworking themselves?
A: It’s important to stay in touch with any physical, cognitive or emotional symptoms you may be experiencing that cue you to take a break. For instance, the “tension triangle” of neck-shoulders-head is a clear indication that a computer break is needed, as is lower backache. Walking away from the computer and doing some simple “office yoga” stretches can be a quick remedy. Asking for a shoulder rub, or lean back, close your eyes and take a relaxing break. Going outside and clearing your mind is always helpful! Be attentive to focus breakdown or to being easily distracted, which indicates a break time is needed. Eating well and keeping hydrated also helps you to feel good and concentrate.
Entrepreneurs and business owners often work extra long hours to complete projects. Working overtime can backfire on you when your mind and body aren’t cooperating! Understanding when you’re most productive in doing certain tasks and keeping your eye on the big picture are helpful in reaching timelines. Being “flexible,” that is having the wisdom to listen to your gut even when it goes against your original game plan, will be most productive in the end. Prioritizing and reprioritizing daily is important – take time to have fun, enjoy loved ones and friends, and be sure to exercise.
Q: Is stress always a bad thing?
A: Good stress keeps us happily excited and in a productive action mode. Each individual responds differently to pressure and stress. Some examples of “good” stress include signing papers at a closing to buy a home, enjoying your wedding, bringing your child to college and helping with the move-in, presenting a business plan that you feel confident about, giving a professional speech to a large group.
Our bodies don’t know the difference between good and bad stress; you have the adrenaline rush and physiological responses the same way for good or bad stress. With that said, it’s important to keep negative stress symptoms down by taking your individual stress cues seriously and getting help in being stress-resilient when necessary.
Q: In business we often have to deal with difficult people whether they are clients, vendors or partners. What strategies can people use to overcome and manage dealing with difficult people?
A: I consult/coach many individuals and groups regarding this issue.
Here are some strategies that can help you deal with “difficult” people:
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Listen without judgment.
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Don’t interrupt.
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Refrain from making any detrimental comments addressing the individual.
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If you become very agitated or angry, excuse yourself and leave the scene to do some deep breathing or “silent scream” while punching the ceiling.
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Repeat or “mirror-back” what someone has said to affirm that you heard it correctly.
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When asked to do “a favor,” you can say “Let me think about it. I’ll get back to you.”
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Learn about different communication styles. This helps you to understand those who have different styles than you do.
Q: How important is setting goals to business owners and entrepreneurs? How can they stay focused on these goals and not get bogged down in the day-to-day routine?
A: Setting goals is vital to help you stay on track. If you get distracted or “bogged down” in the day-to-day stuff, pause and visualize your goal(s). Breathe.
Here are some tips that will help:
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Have a picture or “vision board “above your computer to remind you of the long-term goal(s).
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When possible, hire help to do the day-to-day stuff and designate as much as possible.
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Each morning affirm what your goals are – both long and short term.
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Prioritize using ABCD columns: A being urgent, B, C, and D the dream list.
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Set time aside each day for certain tasks (e-mail, cold calling, creative brainstorming), and stay with the routine.
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Smile and stay positive!
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Detail is important, and perfectionism isn’t always necessary.
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When you find yourself procrastinating, it helps to find the “fear factor” before you can move forward.
Eileen Lichtenstein, MS.Ed., ADV-EFT is a New York-based Life Coach specializing in Executive Coaching. For more information, she can be reached at eileen@balanceandpower.com.