Being an entrepreneur can be lonely but there are ways to overcome loneliness. You might be isolating yourself because you don’t always have someone who “understands” what you’re going through… no matter how sympathetic your partner, or size of your team. 

I’ve definitely felt more stress and anxious at being my own boss than being an employee, but the flexibility, and mission far outweighs the thought of going back to the world of TV news. 

Loneliness don’t stop regardless of how successful you are, but you can build connection, and develop relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs. Here’s some tips I’ve learned along the way in building both a 7-figure Airbnb property, a renovation company, and a video training business.

And it’s funny, because I’d just finished this, and I went to a networking event with the lovely blogger, Vicki Psaris aka Honest Mum and I realised how many other bloggers and entrepreneurs are lonely too.

WAYS TO OVERCOME LONELINESS

When you’re an entrepreneur, we sometimes feel LONELY (no matter how big or small). We have moments when we doubt everything we do. I certainly do, and I know my clients do too.

Research published last month from the printers Epson suggests that the number of freelancers and people-working-from-home is on the rise.

Flexibility, and increased job satisfaction are some of the perks, but there are definitely pitfalls too. 

Epson found that lonelines, and isolation can be significant factors.

“Working for yourself can make it hard to set boundaries around your time, making social and relaxation time and and this can affect freelancers’ sense of wellbeing.”

1. MINDSET MATTERS

Mindset is crucial to ensure that you stay on top of your game…. Otherwise those paralysing thoughts can creep in: What if it won’t work? What if we fail? What if I’m not good enough?

These thoughts race through my head on a weekly basis.

I just have to learn to MANAGE my thinking, and CHOOSE WHAT I THINK ABOUT.

So how do I go from the paralysis of fear, to taking action?

It meant that was able to overcome my mummy guilt, and also get support in raising him, and also from other parents.

I was able to conduct training sessions, network with other entrepreneurs and get support in the early days. 

3. JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP

Surround yourself with a support network of women doing similar things to you…

I belong to a coaching group, and we talk online and have coaching calls once a week with my coach. 

Facebook group is a way to connect and reach out to my clients, and also to seek answers. My Facebook group is: The Online Entrepreneur Collective and it’s a great way to build a tribe of people who will support you, and allow you to be yourself.

Being part of Facebook groups – or creating your own – is a great way to meet other entrepreneurs that you like, and connect with them. 

If you’d like to join my group, which is super supportive, we’d love you to join: Online Entrepreneur Collective.

4. NETWORKING: 

Networking is a brilliant way to meet other entrepreneurs, and also pick up potential clients. 

Yes, networking can be scary and intimidating, especially for introverts, but you can do it without feeling like an idiot. I have strategies for overcoming your fears and getting out there! Click here to check out my networking tips.

5. JUST DO IT!

The secret of being successful is to take action even when you think you can’t do it.

Move beyond the comfort zone, and do the thing that scares you, even if you think you can’t do it. We are ALL BLAGGING AT LIFE. 

Just take a baby step forward, and keep going.  

When you feel really down, and things in your personal life are overwhelming you professionally, then give yourself space to have a head funk.

6. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE.

Sometimes tech can drive us insane… our laptop freezes, the wifi turns into a trickle, the printer won’t work or we just can’t figure out something. In those cases, think about an upgrade – get a laptop that works (buying a new Mac made such a difference), spend a bit on a printer that behaves (the EcoTank printer enables you to print for years, has a few years worth of ink life and won’t drive you insane). 

And if something’s not working, then make sure you have a backup plan. Go to a yoga class, go for a run, or just enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors. Don’t sit home being miserable or frustrated… Being an entrepreneur means that you can schedule your time around you flexibly, so make sure you’re taking advantage of the flexibility that you once craved!

7. LISTEN TO SOME PODCASTS OR WATCH SOME YOUTUBE:

When you need a quick pep-talk… Watch some Wayne Dyer or Tony Robbins on YouTube. 

Or listen to a motivational Podcast: Carrie Green, So Money by Farnoosh Torabi, or Femtrepreneur all have excellent podcasts that will inspire and motivate you. You’ll immediately change your thinking, because when you change your state, you can immediately start achieving all those things that you didn’t think you could do.

And it’s still not done. 

Just say to yourself, I’ll do it for 30 minutes. I can do 30 minutes… And suddenly you’re in flow and you’re on the way.

You can achieve a LOT in 30 minutes (just look at this blog post ;-).

Remember, DONE is better than PERFECT

9. START ENVISAGING YOUR LIFE…

What would you do? How would you live?

Hollywood actor Jim Carey is a great believer in the power of positive thinking. Before The Mask, he was a penniless actor/waiter, and he wrote out a cheque for a million dollars, which he stills carries it in his wallet. He went on to make millions in his successful film career pulling stupid faces. What he envisioned for his life came true.

I’ve written out cheques in my chequebook for £3,000,000 addressed to me. I don’t have that money in my bank account yet, but it’s on the way, thank you Universe (and Jim). 

There’s plenty more to come, and I’d love you to join me in the multi-millionaires club! How much more exciting is it to think these thoughts, rather than the tailspin of negativity that we can all get trapped in?

10. START VISUALISING

Imagine what you would do if you could do one amazing thing that you’ve always dreamed of doing.

What would it feel like? How would it smell like?

What would you wear? Where would you eat?

I met my lovely husband, and things began to shift rapidly and wonderfully.

Start believing that your entrepreneurial journey is in flow, and you are super successful.

Start believing that you are FLIPPING FANTASTIC, and you can BLOODY DO IT.

 Yes, even if you work from home and time is limited, you can do it!

I can’t wait to share your adventure!

Loneliness doesn’t have to be your story. 

Start creating your dream life, and get out there.