Before we talk about how to live a happy life as an entrepreneur, a quick flashback to my younger self . . .
When I was in my early 20s I wrote and acted in a one-woman comedy show called “Dumb Blondes and Other Nightmares.”
The titular character, a “dumb blonde” named Cami, is a flight attendant whose dream is to be a standup comedian. At one point, she becomes very disgruntled, complaining that nobody takes her seriously just because she’s super duper happy and bubbly all the time — and she explodes in anger, yelling: “Personally, I’m happier when I’m happy!!!”
I wrote that line because I thought it was funny and revealed Cami’s seemingly superficial thought process. In retrospect, I realize it’s a core belief that has guided my life.
I really am happier when I’m happy. Aren’t you?
Being happy, of course, doesn’t have to mean your life is always great and everything’s perfect and the world is beautiful. Instead, happiness comes from how you handle all of what life brings: the good, the bad and the ugly.
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Do you have the know-how to live a happy life as entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur can be incredibly fulfilling, that’s for dang sure!
But it can also feel stressful and overwhelming and like you’re juggling 27 bowling pins and knowing for certain that you’re bound to drop one or ten or all of them at any given second.
In this post, I’m sharing my very best tips for living a happy life as an entrepreneur.
1. Set your own standards for success
This is your life, and no one else can live it for you. So live it on your own terms. Not everyone is going to understand or support your entrepreneurial dreams. And comparing yourself to others can be demotivating. So think about what success looks like to you—and use that as your compass. When you’re true to yourself, you’ll enjoy a happier and more fulfilling entrepreneurial life. As my high school Drama teacher used to say to us fragile teens every day: Don’t let the turkeys bring you down!
2. Celebrate your progress, even the small stuff
Remember that all progress is good progress. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as expected. Acknowledging your progress, no matter how big or small, can be the motivation that keeps you going in times of difficulty. Taking stock of what you’ve accomplished will help you stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward.
3. Lean in to your failures
Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial life. Think of your mistakes, setbacks, and failures as learning opportunities—and use them to innovate and grow. By understanding the cause of a failure, you can identify areas for improvement and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future. Failing does not always mean disaster; it can be an opportunity for creativity and growth if you use it wisely.
4. Cultivate a support system
Entrepreneurship can be lonely at times, especially if you don’t have anyone else in your life who understands what it is like to run a business (especially one that is still in its early stages). Consider joining online forums specifically geared towards entrepreneurs so that you have access to advice and resources from people who are going through similar experiences to yours.
Building a support system of other entrepreneurs, mentors—or even just friends and family that believe in you and want to see you succeed—is incredibly important. They can provide you with advice, feedback, and encouragement when things get tough. And you can do the same for them!
5. Relax and recharge like you life depends on it
As entrepreneurs, we can easily get lost in our work because there’s always more to be done. Don’t get caught up in the hustle and grind mentality. Make sure you prioritize time for yourself each day or week to relax, recharge, and refresh. Otherwise, you’re going to burn out (running a business can be extremely draining, both mentally and physically). Do what feels right to you: read a book, meditate, exercise, or just enjoy a cuppa tea without having any business stuff vying for your attention. It may feel counterintuitive, but in the long run, taking time away from your business to improve your mental and physical wellbeing will make you a more productive, more successful, and much happier entrepreneur.
6. Be a dreamer and a realist
As an entrepreneur it’s important to be fearless, but not reckless. Having pie-in-the sky goals is a great way to push yourself and keep striving for more, but it’s also important to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Use the realist in you to recognize obstacles and find practical solutions. And use the dreamer in you to stay motivated and inspired. Both are vital to entrepreneurial happiness and success.
7. Don’t wallow when things get tough
Want to live a happy life as entrepreneur? Then for the love of all that’s holy, please stop yourself from going down a rabbit hole of negativity, fear, or sadness whenever you come up against challenges or feel stuck. Wallowing is not only not productive; it also feeds on itself and makes matters worse. Instead, turn to action. Don’t let the elephant freak you out—remember: one bite a time. Break down your challenges into smaller components that you can deal with and that will take you closer to your goals. Or step away for a bit and recharge (see tip #5). You’ll often find inspiration, motivation, and solutions to tough problems when you least expect it.
8. Keep learning
Learning new things is an important part of living a happy entrepreneurial life (or for living a happy life in general, if you ask me). Expanding our minds and abilities opens up new opportunities, provides us with a sense of accomplishment, increases our self-esteem—and ultimately, makes us feel more capable, motivated, and happy.
9. Keep your sense of humor
Being an entrepreneur can feel stressful and overwhelming (have I mentioned that yet?!). Having a light heart, being able to laugh at yourself, and finding the joy and humor in everyday life can make all the difference when it comes to living a fulfilled and meaningful life. Laughter truly is the best medicine. So lighten up, already. 🙂
You have the power to live a very happy life as an entrepreneur!
Above all, know that you can and will do this. Believe in your abilities and trust yourself to make decisions that will get you closer to achieving your dreams. You have the capability to build something amazing—so stay focused, be fearless, take care of yourself, prioritize progress over perfection, and celebrate your wins along the way. You got this!
