Pain Is Temporary But So Is Accomplishment

In this series of posts, professionals reveal their best antidotes to work stress. Read the posts here, and then write your own (use #OutsideWork in the piece).

I’ve never been a true believer in work-life balance.

When you’re an entrepreneur, your business is like a newborn baby — you do whatever you can to keep it alive. You give your time, your energy, your focus. You’re all in and have to be comfortable to make sacrifices to watch your baby grow and thrive. To really see success as an entrepreneur, I believe you have to forget the idea of a work-life balance — at least in the beginning. If you want a work-life balance, don't start a business.

While ‘balance’ may be impossible for someone starting their own business, there are ways to refuel — and it is necessary. Personally, I run five miles a day, plus 8 to 10 miles on Sundays.

Sure, it’s hard to find the time, but if I don’t my mind and body suffer. I’m lethargic, I need to eat more — I’m off my game. When I started to run, my mother was sick with cancer, my company was growing, my kids were little, and the days felt overwhelming. The only thing that allowed me to clear my mind, and push the reset button, was running. So I started doing it every day. 

I have some of my best ideas while I’m running. Learning to fit running into my busy work life has taught me how to maximize my time and work efficiently. It helps that I can run anywhere. No matter the weather, the city, the time zone — I bring my shoes and hit the pavement. Running has also taught me patience. Even if things don’t seem like they’re moving fast enough, I remember that success is accomplished one step at a time. The most important lesson running has taught me?

Pain is temporary — but so is accomplishment.

There is no time to pat yourself on the back on the road to success; you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Here are some other ways I like to refuel:

• 

  Get Wi-Fi on the plane

  – It’s becoming more accessible and can help you stay connected and maximize your travel time. You’ll feel better knowing you didn’t miss anything while travelling!
• Always pack your gym clothes –If you’re second-guessing it, just throw them in. You’ll feel better when you get a sweat going. 
• Use your calendar to book time with friends – If it's in your calendar there are no excuses for skipping personal time. Put away your laptops, tablets and phones and commit to being present when you're with friends and family. 
• Send a thank-you note or email – We all have so many people impacting our lives – from family and friends to co-workers. Say thank you and acknowledge the impact they’ve made. This small but genuine gesture will leave you both smiling and feeling good.

To your success,