How entrepreneurs can spend their weekends in the new normal

Restrictions have eased up after the quarantine, but movements are no longer the same as to how it was before COVID-19 hit the world. People are still advised to observe distancing as much as possible. Some companies have opted for flexible work arrangements with their people where certain staff members work from home. Many events and activities are still held online. As long as no vaccine is available, precautions are still advised to be taken to avoid a similar occurrence in the future.

For everyone else, it’s a new normal. Even entrepreneurs are not spared with the lifestyle change happening in our society. The boundary of home and office becomes blurred as many opt to work from the confines of their houses. Although you may have an allotted space where you do business, making it more accessible often leads you to attend to your business more than you used to. How can business owners spend their weekends and spare time in the current unusual scenarios? When you can’t go to the beach or hike to the mountains, there are other ways to take a break, especially when the stress and pressures of work are too much to handle.

Look after your body

With the health crisis that the world is facing today, it is important to look after your physical well-being. You can do some exercise or be creative in your exercise routine and indulge yourself to other physical activities that will not require you to leave your vicinity. You can also get into gardening or cooking healthy food that can help boost your immune system.

Take care of your mental health

Worrying about the future, your family, your business and your people can take a toll on your mental health. The uncertainty that the situation brings can be a major concern for an entrepreneur. Do some meditation exercises, talk to people close to you or indulge yourself into something that can help you relax and ease you of your worries. Get into music or learn a new hobby, something that can bring you little joys.

Deepen relationships

During these challenging times, it’s okay to check in with your friends or call someone whom you have not spoken for a long time. Reconnect old ties and strengthen new ones. You can even stay in touch with your clients and business associates. Attend online gatherings when you can. Most of all, spend more time with your partner and family members. Being cooped in your home may be an opportunity for you to enjoy each other’s company even more.

Clean up and organise

When you’re off your computer or not out for some business matters, you can spend time at home cleaning up, fixing things or organising your stuff. Maybe they are just waiting for you to find time to arrange them. Not only will it keep your surroundings clean but it can also be therapeutic for you.

Develop yourself

Continue developing yourself amid the crisis. There are plenty of webinars that are available online that can help you gain more insights not only on how to survive the present challenges but also on how to make yourself better in various ways. Read books and listen to podcasts on things you want to learn more.

Do philanthropic work

A lot of people are suffering. Some of them may be within your community. Take time to know the immediate needs that require quick action. As volunteering physically may not be possible yet, you can help out within your means, whether you donate to a cause or lend your expertise to a group.

We’ll never know what the future holds, but we have experienced something that has changed our lives. It has taught us to take care of ourselves and be mindful of those around us. Life goes on, and work still never stops for the entrepreneur, yet a weekly break is a welcome respite from all the stress we receive from within and around us.

Building self-confidence in entrepreneurs

Taking the entrepreneurial journey requires a lot of guts and courage because the path is full of difficulties and hardships. To be an entrepreneur means you’re ready to take risks, and becoming one is already an indication of confidence. But not at all times you may be brave enough to face various challenges. There are moments when fear and timidity set in, and it can cause you to crumble from the inside.

Self-confidence is an important quality of an entrepreneur in various stages of the journey from pre-inauguration to startup to growth to expansion. Business owners represent their company and lead their teams, which is why belief in one’s self is necessary to carry out these roles and make swift decisions.

A healthy dose of self-assurance is advantageous in attracting partners and customers, closing deals, transacting with suppliers, managing staff, and steering the company to the direction you want. If you are nervous, introverted, reserved or afraid, it’s never too late to build the self-confidence you need so that you can bring your business to a better and brighter place.

Reflect for self-awareness

One way to build that courage you need is to reflect on your qualities, both good and bad. Self-awareness will help you see your positive points as well as areas for improvement. Do not be discouraged by your weak areas, but see it as an opportunity for growth. Focus on your strong characteristics and see how you can use this to push your business forward.

Compliment and reward yourself

Never rely on external forces to make you feel good. Praises from others may make your heart flutter, but inner awareness of your positive traits can give you that boost of confidence to pursue things, regardless of the results. Pat yourself on the back and reward yourself for the wonderful job you have done. No one can make you feel any better other than yourself.

Work on your fears and weaknesses

Criticisms are part of life. Do not be afraid to fail. Otherwise, you’ll never try and take a risk. There may be people who will be disappointed when you do not meet their expectations. Never allow this to stop you or dampen your spirit. Instead, treat it as a learning experience where you can grow and improve yourself. If you are aware of your weaknesses and fears, work on it. Do you have stage fright? Expose yourself more through endeavours like public speaking.

Set goals outside of your comfort zone

Try something new. Expand your social boundaries. Do activities outside of your routine. Get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to grow beyond what you have been used to do. Start with something that you have been interested in doing but never got around to trying it. Make a checklist of things you want to initiate and create a plan to ensure you implement them. Check every item you have accomplished, as it will help you feel good about yourself.

Join groups and clubs

Meeting various kinds of people can open your mind to different perspectives and ideas. It can also lead you to many opportunities and possibilities because you can learn from their experiences, especially those who have been on the entrepreneurial path ahead of you. Join business groups like EO Melbourne or clubs for your new hobby where you can interact with other entrepreneurs and skilled individuals. It will help you gain the confidence to face experts or those in position.

Attend learning events and expand your knowledge

When you acquire more knowledge and skills, you also increase your level of belief in yourself. Find a suitable method that can help you learn more expertise. You can attend learning events from EO Melbourne or similar setting, participate in seminars or conferences, or go back to school to study or obtain additional courses.

Find a mentor

It takes baby steps at the start of the entrepreneurial journey to keep moving. If you are afraid to take the big leap, you can get a mentor to guide you at the beginning so you will be able to walk confidently by yourself. There are various ways to find a mentor, which we have outlined in this article.

The best way to build self-confidence is to get out and acquire as much experience as possible. It may not happen overnight, but it will develop as you go along. The mind is the best tool to induce faith in one’s self. Appreciate yourself more and present that side to others. People will see your value through the value that you give yourself.