Six hours of sleep, a quick bite on the side, no time left for family and friends, and no exercise for ages. And when was your last holiday? Does that sound familiar? These scenarios often come up when people discuss the desire to start a business and the challenges of self-employment. What gets lost in the process is you. You are the driving force behind your business! Without you, nothing works – at least not in the first few years after launch.
That is why good planning, with enough room to maintain your energy, matters!
Here are some tips for preserving your energy:
- Set business hours from the outset
Especially in the startup phase, it is tempting to be available at all times. Founders want to demonstrate their commitment as a service. But once customers are used to being able to reach you 24/7, changing that becomes difficult. So offer realistic business hours from the start. - Plan time for yourself
Fixed lunch breaks and appointments with yourself help structure the day well. - Keep your commitments
Keep both the promises you make to customers and the agreements you make with yourself. - Protect yourself
Insurance against loss of earnings or occupational disability gives you security if the unexpected happens. - Find support
You can delegate certain tasks (e.g. bookkeeping) to external partners.
And although it should go without saying: eat healthily, get enough sleep, stay close to friends and family, and say no sometimes. These are essential for entrepreneurs to maintain their ability to work creatively and productively.
Take a look at the Goslar Region Startup and Innovation Academy programme. It also includes helpful events on looking after yourself.
