As a home-based entrepreneur, it can be challenging to get things done in the best of times.
There are many tasks to do each day and distractions to deal with! Add to that a public health pandemic and bad news about the economy. All of that can put us into a state of ‘fight or flight’ resulting in inaction!
But… in order to succeed as a home-based entrepreneur, you need to take consistent, daily action to grow (or just maintain) your business. You need to do the things that will move your business forward!
What’s the Solution?
The solution is two-fold: we need to calm the amygdala and get support.
Solution 1: Calm the Amygdala
What’s the Amygdala Got To Do With It?
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the temporal lobe of the brain. It activates the ‘fight or flight’ response when it senses we’re in real or imagined danger. Even negative words and pending change can ramp up this stress response.
Have you noticed when you’re in ‘fight or flight’ mode, that you can’t think clearly? One of the functions of the frontal lobe is decision-making and reasoning. Resources to this part of the brain are diverted to the large muscles and lungs so we can run or fight!
How to Calm the Fear Center
If we aren’t in danger, we need to curb the stress response. This allows the hormones and blood flow to return to normal.
Here are four ways to do that:
- Physical Activity
Exercise has several benefits. Not only does it reduce the stress hormones, it also gets the feel-good chemicals like endorphins flowing. It improves sleep and can help with anxiety and mild depression.
- The Relaxation Response
The Relaxation Response was developed by Dr. Herbert Benson to reverse the stress response. According to Harvard Health, this approach includes:
“…deep abdominal breathing, focus on a soothing word (such as peace or calm), visualization of tranquil scenes, repetitive prayer, yoga, and tai chi.”
- Limit News and Social Media
Repeatedly hearing about doom and gloom can trigger the stress response! Limit your consumption to the bare minimum. Replace it with calming or inspiring music or books. Look for the good that is happening in your life and in the world.
- Social Support
Humans are social creatures. We need people in our lives. Having someone to talk to during stressful times can ease the burden and provide perspective.
Solution #2: Get Support to Take Action
Are you more likely to go for a walk or run on your own or with a friend? Dogs are great support for someone who wants to exercise more! They’ll rarely let you opt out of a walk!
When I played field hockey, it was more effective to do training runs with teammates than on my own. Without support (or peer pressure) it’s easier to get distracted or find an excuse!
Here are four ways to get support in your business:
- Accountability App
There are dozens of apps that will send you reminders of your tasks or goals. Some allow you to add friends for support. Other apps will charge you a pre-set amount of money if you don’t complete your tasks. These can work, but you have to use them!
- Accountability Partner
You can find a colleague, friend, or even a stranger to partner with you. As long as you both commit, this can work.
- Hire a Coach
The coaching relationship can be set up to provide accountability. Since it’s usually one-to-one, coaching fees will likely be $250+ per month.
- Join an Accountability Support Group
The beauty of a group is you can get public accountability and support. You can post what you’re going to do that day, ask for support on a specific issue, receive encouragement, and you can support and encourage others.
As an entrepreneur it’s vital for you to get the important things done each day. There are people in this world that need you to share your message and your gift with them.
If you are interested in group support to get the important things done, take a look at my Simple Habits ‘Get It Done’ Support Group and consider joining!
Sue Bond is an authour, entrepreneur, and lover of all things inspirational.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/words-can-change-your-brain/201208/why-word-is-so-dangerous-say-or-hear
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469