Entrenpreneurship and Mental Health
When we think about entrepreneurship, it sounds so cool. The facade tells us that if we work for ourselves we can take breaks whenever we want to, go on more vacations, we don’t have to deal with the workplace drama, and we have an overall sense of “freedom” which can be true but we are only glorifying one side of the dream. The other side of the dream - the one that is clouded by the crazy, sexy, cool of social media; the clever hashtags, and perfectly edited photos can be a very lonely place.
Truth be told 1 in 3 entrepreneurs experience depression. When we show a life of glitz and glam on Instagram, it can get really tough to be honest with the people around us but most importantly with ourselves. We refuse to admit how worried we are about the inconsistency of our finances; the hills we had to climb just to get two steps ahead or the unsurety that bubbles inside before every post and live video. We stray from our truth so as not to break the facade for our clients and followers.
As entrepreneurs, social media has made us victims of a broken narrative. One that tells us we aren’t successful if we haven’t accomplished the same things someone else has. The same one that tells us we are nobody’s unless we have x amount of followers and likes which has given wake to another narrative that makes entrepreneurs crave validation from others. Some of us go into entrepreneurship simply for the validation to pursue a path that may not have been meant for us in the first place. But in choosing recognition and validation we compromise our mental health.
This is why we have to be wary of who we glorify on social media. Many times we fall in love with a mirage, and begin to suffocate ourselves with all of the noise that lives on our timelines telling us that as entrepreneurs we have to go #beastmode in order to achieve any sort of success. But the idol that we put on a pedestal might be someone who silently struggles with bouts of depression and has even considered suicide. And the only thing that could be fueling them to stay alive is the recognition they get from their followers. But what happens when that recognition is no more?
Entrepreneurship is not an easy road. It’s glamorous in the beginning but down the line, it can start to break us down. We get into a cycle of obsessing over the future and the promise of success that we forget to live in the moment and enjoy the blessings we have right now. Unconsciously, many tend to chase external validation through entrepreneurship but entering with that mentality can lead to internal and external depletion - because we are not filled it is impossible for us to fill and serve others.
There are many people in this world with different capabilities so not every one is meant to be an entrepreneur. Silence the noise that surrounds you and think about what is more important to your well being - external validation or your mental-health. Here are some pointers to help with self-reflection:
1. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Don’t confuse strength with perseverance. People who want to look strong tend to internalize their feelings and end up being the ones who are crying on the inside. Entrepreneurs who persevere are the ones that push past all of the no’s and use them as fuel to get to where they wish to be which ultimately builds resilience. As entrepreneurs, we hear no a lot more than we hear yes. If this is something you can’t handle, leave now. As entrepreneurs, we can’t be afraid to show people who we are and what we have to offer, and we especially can’t be afraid of what people think of us. We must live in the moment, ask for help if we need it and begin to see no as the next opportunity.
2. Answer these questions. What do you want? Why are you starting a business? Is your business solving a problem in society? What is your purpose? What is the meaning of your life? Who am I? Why am I doing all of this? Where does this lead me? Passion drives purpose! Entrepreneurs tend to start a lot of businesses because they are seeking to solve a problem but because of social pressures, it turns into seeking validation. It is a human tendency to want to have something for ourselves but once your business starts to align with your passion, it will flow.
3. Find a balance. If what you’re doing doesn't bring you to balance you may need to pause and re-evaluate your situation. As entrepreneurs, we have a lot on our plate but feel like we can’t let go. I will say this - letting go does not equal failure. Letting go simply means letting go, and that’s okay!
by Kym Niles