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Our mental health as small business owners has a critical role in our everyday lives and this includes our small businesses as well! According to Dan Murray-Serter, content contributor and entrepreneur from Forbes.com referenced a scientific study from the National Institute of Mental Health that “72% of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues compared to just 48% of non-entrepreneurs.” Additionally, “49% of entrepreneurs deal with mental health issues directly while only 32% of others experienced them” (para. 1, 10/02/2020).
These numbers were based on a 2020 research study. Now, imagine those numbers present day what they would be given the circumstances of price inflation, employment interest drop, COVID-19, and not to mention the many relationships and marriages that are affected as well. To add to this, humanity is struggling with identity, purpose, and meaning. All of which hits the core of our spirituality. How can our businesses strive the way it is intended if we’re struggling with so many varying factors that are not talked about. After all, you have a small business right, who would want to hear that your business is failing as well as your mental state?
Taking Control of Your Mental Health in Your Small Business
Contrary to that very thought, how many people appreciate transparency and vulnerability? When it comes to trust and knowing that we are all human, everyone has struggled with one thing or another. I want to provide you with meaningful and successful ways to take control of your mental health to improve your business and your walk.
Ways to Improve your business
Questions to Ask Regarding Your Business
1. Think about the original purpose of why you decided to open your business. Evaluate if that purpose aligns with where you are now in your business. Has anything changed negatively? Have you swayed away from your original goals? For example, your main goal was to serve people to make a difference but somehow you made it more about how much money you can get from the people you serve.
2. Have you lost focus on the core values of your business because of other stressors (i.e. family problems, unhealthy comparing of competitors, hopelessness) that are surrounding you?
3. Do you know your target markets? This makes a difference in your success as well. You can’t succeed if you don’t understand who you’re supposed to market to.
Questions to Ask Regarding Yourself
1. What is Truly Making You Unhappy
2. What aspects of your unhappiness are within your control
3. What action steps can you take to manage the areas within your control
If you need help navigating these questions and finding your solutions contact me!