Emotions
Emotions are a very complex thing and when you throw being a founder into the mix they get even more complicated. Founding a company is a roller coaster of emotions you feel insane highs where it seems like you are on top of the world and nothing can stop you, but you also feel painful lows where it seems as if your entire world that you sacrificed everything for is beginning to crumble.
At the end of the day, we are all human and as much as some of us may wish emotions never go away. However, there are ways that we can be stronger than our emotions and conquer them.
These are the steps that have worked for me.
Exercise. Working out has been a pillar of my life since high school, I believe that exercise not only has very obvious health related benefits, it also teaches patience, care, and is a ‘keystone habit’ that leads to a lot of other positive habits. Plus, the added confidence is a nice bonus.
Care about what you eat. As an insider to the food + beverage I can tell you first-hand that most food sucks (you’re better off eating cardboard most the time). Build a healthy-diet that works for you that gives you the energy you need and that makes you feel proud. I recently (8 months ago) went vegetarian and it has been a switch that has taught me a lot about discipline, but also has made me feel much healthier.
Don’t be afraid to step away. Founding a company creates a weird relationship with work. In some ways it is amazingly fun, you get to wake up and create your future, but in other ways it kinda sucks sometimes. The weirdest part is that even when it sucks, it is really hard to step away and it usually leads to feelings of guilt. I’m not saying to go on a 2 week vacation to the Maldives with no service, but go for a walk, get lunch with your friends, be a normal person even if it is just for a few hours. Stepping away from the business has lead to some of my best ideas.
Build a support system. This is perhaps the most important thing that you can do for conquering your emotions. Building a network of friends, family, or just random people who you can be open and honest to will allow you to be able to talk through your emotions and make you realize you are not alone. At times, founding a company can be kind of depressing. When people rely on you for a paycheck and you feel like you are going to fail them it can lead to a somber feeling.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Businesses are replaceable, but lives are not, if you feel like you are ever going through something that is really taking a toll on your mental health or well being don’t be afraid to ask a professional to help.
Emotions can be conquered. You can do this.