Hola!
Let’s hit the ground running with some facts.
In the UK we have around 42.5 million people of working age.
Of that, there are somewhere around 3.1 million sole proprietorships in the UK (according to the UK Government Business population estimates for the UK and regions 2023: statistical release – GOV.UK)
How cool is that??
More than 3 million of us, running our businesses for ourselves, serving our customers and clients, adding to the economy. And of that number, just over 200,000 sole proprietorships are employers too.
That’s a lot of people supporting a lot of people.
I bloomin’ love micro businesses, especially those that are founded by people who really give a rats about what they do. Where it’s more than just making money, it’s about serving people, connecting with them, making a difference, being creative, finding solutions and showing up.
Now, if you’re reading this and you are the founder or co-founder of your own business, I have never failing respect for you, because it’s never all sunshine and roses is it? When you own the business you own the stress of it too. It can, sometimes, become all consuming.
That’s why I think running a business requires maximum self love.
To give yourself compassion when things go wrong, and permission to really pat yourself on the back and celebrate when things go right.
To recognise when you’re tired and act on it, rather than pushing your wellbeing down the list of priorities.
And by tired I mean emotionally tired and physically tired – because let’s face it running a business is definitely up there with ‘the things that keep you awake at night’ along with snoring partners, nocturnal pets and drinking coffee after 4pm.
And when you don’t feel rested, it’s so much harder to get out there and be sparkly and bright, let alone have decision making clarity and the energy to get sh*t done.
So here’s three ideas for better rested founders:
1) Have you rotated your mattress recently? Whilst the days of flipping your mattress may be mostly behind us, there are still benefits to rotating it head to toe and toe to head. It helps the mattress support you more evenly, hopefully ensuring a more comfortable night’s sleep.
2) Tried Progressive Muscle Relaxation? It’s an oldie but goodie. Work from your head down to your toes, tensing a muscle group at a time. Hold each group for 5 seconds and then allow them to ‘drop’ completely. Wait 10 seconds before moving on to the next group to tense and release. When you hit the point where you’re yawning or making big sighs, that’s a sure sign that your stress levels are dropping and relaxation is kicking in.
3) Find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing? Keep a pad of paper by the side of the bed and take a couple of minutes to write down every bothersome thought. Then tell yourself they’re out of your head and can be dealt with the next day.
Alternatively, (and in my opinion, even better) you could join me for Slink – 6 months of integrated myofascial release massage and coaching. Monthly sessions of relaxation inducing massage and brain focusing clarity – a perfect combination if you’re dedicated to being the best business owner you can be. Find out more here
Big love,
Carrie