“It’s lonely at the top.” How many times have you heard this saying? Does the fear of feeling isolated keep you from achieving more?
Loneliness doesn’t have to be a side effect of being successful, and it doesn’t have to be the norm. As an entrepreneur or investor, you may feel that you are up against the world when it comes to achieving your goals. While some days may feel harder than others, success does not have to mean loneliness. In fact, there’s plenty of room at the top and you can revel in your successes while celebrating others!
3 Ways to Avoid Loneliness at the Top
First and foremost, it is important to note that starting and growing a business is a joyous rollercoaster. Some days will be better than others. You will have moments when you will feel confident in your decision to start your own business, and others when you may doubt yourself. While self-doubt is a common human trait, it should be short-lived and a reminder of how far you have come. Tell yourself that you are capable of great things, will make it to the top and can achieve your goals.
Having said that, if you are working towards achieving great success and making your dreams a reality, consider these three ways to avoid feeling lonely, even when you are at the top of your game.
Connection is power.
Entrepreneur states that businessmen and women can improve their mental and emotional health by connecting with other like-minded individuals. If you are working in a silo day after day and leave little to no time to connect with other people, long hours may lead to missed dinners, happy hours or networking events. Before long, you find yourself feeling depressed, anxious and lonely.
Instead of separating yourself from others, we encourage you to seek out other like-minded individuals that you can not only talk to about work, but also connect with on other levels. Whether it is joining a networking club for people in your specific industry or speaking with other people that are in the same business as you (especially for franchise owners), try to connect with people off of whom you can bounce ideas. Connecting with people that think the same way you do gives you the opportunity to network, socialize and recharge.
Not only will you feel fulfilled socially, but you also are creating a group of people that are ideal for inspiration as you work your way up in your business. Who knows, you may end up finding lifelong friends, powerful business connections or new customers!
Throw out your idea of a typical entrepreneur’s office.
Most entrepreneurs have a different work setup than people who work in the corporate world. Rarely are entrepreneurs working in cubicles, surrounded by people. While starting your own business, you may find yourself locked in your house for hours, or even days, on end. While it can be productive to be ‘laser-focused’ every once in a while, it should not be the only way you work.
We encourage you to get out into the world of your business and work from the frontlines! Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and remove the separation between you and the end product of your business. Presumably, as you climb up the ladder towards success, you may have delegated daily tasks to others to allow you to focus on bigger-picture things. While that is important, it is easy to get lost in the chaos of entrepreneurship and lose the feel for your business culture.
Whether it is unplugging from your phone or computer and spending a full day immersed in the day-to-day aspect of your business or taking your work with you on the road, try it! Submerging yourself into your end goal and the end product can actually allow you to reconnect with your ‘why’ and give you an opportunity to connect to the people who are reaping the benefits of your hard work. This will allow you to have a reinvigorated sense of energy with which you can continue to work hard.
Remember: Do what you love and love what you do.
This one may seem a bit cliché and obvious, but it is one of the most basic ways you can prevent loneliness while you work towards your goals. When you love what you do, you may feel that you aren’t necessarily working, but rather just living the life you are supposed to live. Your passion for your business should fuel you to move forward and push through the times when you may feel isolated or lonely.
Remember your why. Remember who you are.
We encourage you to never lose sight of your ‘why.’ Are you looking to gain financial freedom for your family? Is this business the one thing in your life that has been a constant in the midst of a chaotic and ever-changing world? Remember that. Use it to fuel your days.
On the days when you feel lonely, tap into that energy. Remember why you started this business and who you want to become throughout this journey. As you climb towards the top, we encourage you to remember who you are and what makes you unique. Journaling your goals, feelings and aspirations is a great way to not only let out your emotions, but gives you the ability to look back when the going gets tough. On the days where it feels like you are in it alone, remember that you are strong, resilient and you will prevail.
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