Something that’s close to my heart and, I’m sure, yours too – the unique experience of leading a business, or simply running a solo business. If you’ve been an entrepreneur for any length of time you’ll understand that alongside your business priorities, the daily tasks and client work, also comes the emotional challenges – the entrepreneurial journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and one of the most significant dips on that ride is that of feeling lonely as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is lonely, and it’s a reality that many of us face.
Welcome to the Lonely Business Club
Social interaction and collaboration
Let’s face it – when you’re a entrepreneur, your daily conversations are more likely to involve your houseplants than your colleagues. It can get pretty lonely out here, especially when you’re working from your home office day in and day out, so how do we cope with the loneliness of being an entrepreneur? Reality is that some days the only “colleague” I interact with is my cat. I mean, she’s a great listener but doesn’t give a lot of input at team meetings! If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Entrepreneur loneliness is a real thing, and entrepreneur isolation can be tough to handle. For some people even leads them to questioning whether a return to the 9-5 would be a better option. Although this fleeting thought is often followed up quickly by the stark reminder of all those reasons why you set out to follow your passion in the first place. For you my friend, you are the leader, the freedom-seeker, the passionate and creative. When you’r following your dreams, the answer isn’t to return to the world of the employed but rather how to deal with loneliness as an entrepreneur?
Difficulty Maintaining Work-Life Balance
The elusive work-life balance. When you’re the boss or running the show solo, it’s easy for work to spill into every nook and cranny of your life. Taking breaks? What are those? It’s all too easy to find yourself burning the midnight oil without even realising it, struggling with overcoming loneliness in entrepreneurship can be a challenge. As the lonely entrepreneur reviews their to-do list, it’s easy to see how work can consume every waking moment, leading to entrepreneur mental health and loneliness challenges, some of which you will undoubtedly recognise.
When you’re responsible for wearing all the hats in your business there’s always something that can be done. There’s that relentless focus on your business; waking up at 3am with a new idea for an offer or remembering on a sunny Sunday afternoon with your friends, that you just must send that email. We’ve all been there and for so many it’s happening on an all too regular basis.
However, not switching off can be a dangerous path to stroll down and ensuring you take time for self-care and relaxation as well as having a social life and spending time with family is essential. But so often we just shove it down at the bottom of that long to-do list. Prioritising your work-life balance is one of the keys to managing loneliness as an entrepreneur and keeping your mental health in great shape too.
Feelings of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt – the unwelcome guest at the entrepreneurial party. It’s that nagging feeling that creeps in when you’re making big decisions alone, without the reassuring nods of colleagues. Confidence and self-assurance can be challenging to summon up when you’re alone, but they are of course, your secret sauce. So, how can we build a sense of self-assurance and confidence within ourselves? It starts with celebrating your wins, learning from others, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network that lifts you up. I am incredibly grateful to my entrepreneurial friends who get me and the challenges of being a business owner.
Building a Support Network
I have been a member of some wonderful networking groups over the years and met many wonderful like-minded individuals to share conversations and help give confidence and reassurance when needed. In fact, my closest business-owning friends and I started our own networking group, Advantage Network which is an informal, supportive and friendly group for business owners. Unlike some networking groups I have experienced, our focus is on real human connection and building meaningful relationships. We meet in person, which means actual real life face-to-face interactions – not just another Zoom call with a wall of faces. We know the importance of a social life and organise social events and get-togethers for much needed time out – the perfect antidote to loneliness in entrepreneurship!
Not only is building your business and social networks good for your business, it’s essential for your well-being and mental health.
If the thought of attending networking groups, makes you break out into a cold sweat, worried about meeting new people or being a bit socially awkward, let me reassure you they are incredibly supportive places, so go give it a try, step outside of your comfort zone and I just know you’ll enjoy it. Whats the worst that can happen? If it’s not the right group for you, there’s lots out there to try… and you might even meet a new client or get a new business opportunity.
My practical tips for the lonely entrepreneur
With first-hand experience of navigating the road of entrepreneurship for over 25 years, it’s not an easy path but I wouldn’t swap it for the world and I have maintained my passion for helping others who are coping with loneliness as an entrepreneur, trying to maintain work-life balance, dealing with all the entrepreneur emotional challenges to maintain good mental health.
Getting Social
One of the best antidotes to loneliness and entrepreneurship is, you guessed it, social interaction! Whether you decide to join networking groups or just putting dates in the diary (alongside the business meetings) for regular catch-ups with friends, will give you so much more work-life balance and will breathe new life into your business, when you’re refreshed you’ll feel those productivity hits and you’ll be more motivated, creative and inspired in your business. As you will already have figured out, I wholeheartedly recommend joining networking groups or even discovering a new hobby or team sport to get involved in and meet new like-minded individuals to share common interests.
Getting social can even mean just working from a busy coffee shop, where you can enjoy an Americano, get focused in a different environment and feel a sense of connection with others. Finding ways to weave face-to-face interactions into your routine can work wonders for your mental health. An important way to deal with entrepreneurship and loneliness – to combat that sense of isolation and tap into human connection.
Coaching for Solo Entrepreneurs
Coaches and mentors can also provide valuable support and guidance. As a coach, I love being there to support my clients and their passion for their work. The coaching relationship is all about providing a trusted, safe space for you to grow and develop personally and professionally. Empowering you with a better understanding of your self and your mind. Building your own self-awareness, confidence, problem solving, coping skills and taking actionable steps toward your goals. As an entrepreneur coaching can help you with not only building your business but improving your mental health and well-being so you’re ready and able to cope with any challenges and reach your goals.
Relax and Reset
In the midst of the busy life of an entrepreneur taking time out can feel like an impossible task. However, simple relaxation, breathing, mindfulness and meditation techniques can easily be part of your everyday life. These techniques are incredibly effective as a way of grounding, helping maintain focus, and providing a much-needed mental reset when the going gets tough. You can download my free meditation audio which you can use anytime you need to to just take time out to relax and reset. You’ll then feel focused, refreshed and ready to take on your business priorities for the day.
Prioritise your physical well-being
It’s easy to let healthy habits slip through the cracks. But trust me, making time for regular exercise and nourishing meals not only keeps you physically healthy but also gives you an opportunity to connect with others – whether it’s a workout buddy or a shared meal with a friend. After all, is entrepreneurship hard? Absolutely. But taking care of yourself can make it a bit more manageable and help guard against loneliness in business owners.
Seeking a more social work environment
While working from home has its perks, sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders for managing entrepreneur solitude. I’ve found that time in co-working spaces or a shared workspace, or even just working from a local café can inject some much-needed social energy into my workday.
Talking it Out
When the weight of loneliness feels too heavy to bear, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. Whether it’s venting to a fellow business owner, seeking advice from a coach, or simply connecting with friends and family, sharing your worries can make things feel a little lighter. Don’t allow your entrepreneurial character lead you to think you have to go it all alone. It’s the willingness to reach out and lean on others when needed, even in the face of loneliness in entrepreneurship is a key strength and it is never a weakness to ask for help.
Practicing Gratitude
Sometimes it’s so easy to lose sight of the positives. Taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for – whether it’s the flexibility of being your own boss or the unwavering support of loved ones – can be a powerful tool for shifting your perspective. It’s a reminder that even when “it’s lonely at the top” meaning rings true, there are still blessings to count. Gratitude can be one of the most effective ways of overcoming loneliness in entrepreneurship. Journalling or simply writing down what you are most grateful for can be effective tools when you’re feeling a lack of motivation
You’re Not Alone
As we navigate the journey as entrepreneurs, remember one thing – we’re not alone in our loneliness. The challenges we face are real, but so are the strategies we can employ to combat them. Don’t forget with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome and maintain your entrepreneur mental wellness.
Together, let’s embrace the unique experience of being a business owner, share our stories, and support each other along the way. Here’s to finding moments of connection in the midst of our own unique business journey, and here’s to the resilient spirit of the entrepreneur.
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Lucy x
