Startup Stress? How to Stay Safe Under Stress as an Entrepreneur

Having engaged in entrepreneurial activities in my own personal life, some of which were successful and others not so), I have come to understand the meaning of being an entrepreneur.  In my opinion, an entrepreneur is someone who has chosen to do what they want with their life. When you’re doing what you want with your life, that can be the greatest joy you can have. But, oh so gradually, you forget that you are doing what you want. You start working for somebody else’s expectations. In the end, that’s not the way. 

The meaning of being an entrepreneur is that you are doing what you want to do, and you should continue to do that all your life in one form or another. Success is not only in terms of size. Success must also be looked at in terms of finding full expression of who you are, your capabilities and your competence.  If any human being finds full expression of who he or she is, always, they will find success. 

So there is no need to be pressured by peer groups, media, this and that, as long as you are able to find full expression to who you are through the work that you’re doing. Above all, establish your way of being. An entrepreneur does something that he or she cares for, that they want to do. It all must matter.  Your work is important. Once your work is important, the most important thing is, you must work upon yourself.  Sometimes, this is completely missing. Managing a business essentially means you are managing thousands of minds. If you can’t manage yours, how will you manage theirs? If you manage yours, where is the question of pressure? Where is the question of stress? There is no such thing. Work is not pressure. Work is not stress. 

As an entrepreneur, from a practical standpoint, workplace stress is often times difficult to manage.  Stress can interfere in one’s ability to effectively manage and grow a business.  The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) recommends workers try to stay safe under stress by taking the following actions:

• Develop a strong social support system in the workplace.  A co-worker or other ally who is available to talk through problems can help put things in perspective and minimize stress.
• Take a break to avoid “burnout.” Even something as brief as a walk around the block can help clear your head and distance you from stressors, enabling you to return to the job with a fresh outlook.
• Set realistic expectations for the amount of work you can complete in the time you have available. Do not attempt to take on more than you can reasonably handle.
• Recognize you are not perfect and every minor detail in your work will not be perfect either.
• Try to remain organized and keep your work area free of clutter, which can add to stress.                        
• Avoid negativity and negative people, and try to maintain a positive attitude about your work and your co-workers.

The likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring in the workplace due to distractions created by stress increase exponentially.

Bottom line - it is your inability to manage yourself which is the stress. Nothing more, nothing less. 

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