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Tag: Health & Wellness

  • How to Take Better Care of Your Employees’ Mental Health | Entrepreneur

    How to Take Better Care of Your Employees’ Mental Health | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The mark of a good leader is not how well she or he navigates the good times, as that is easy. It’s during the tough times that leaders demonstrate and instill confidence that their organization’s vision and mission are stronger and that they will emerge better and stronger.

    As leaders have obligations to their organization’s board and customers, they also have obligations to their employees and to make transitions as smooth as possible — particularly if they value retaining and attracting new talent. A recent survey found that 66% of workers said that the recent waves of layoffs have made them lose trust in the stability and security of full-time employment, and 62% said that it’s made them feel less secure committing to one employer.

    It’s no secret that the mass layoffs that have been occurring across industries can have a negative impact on the mental health of workers across industries. Losing one’s job induces feelings of vulnerability and low self-esteem, which could potentially evolve into depression and desperation. And the late challenges of inflation and recession can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

    Related: How to Improve Mental Wellness in the Workplace

    The workplace could and should support mental health by providing a means of sustenance, a sense of purpose and a community where people can share ideas and work towards a common goal. But in these challenging times, it can also be a risk. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity and an estimated 12 billion working days every year.

    Unthinkable decisions must be made to create new efficiencies, mitigate risk, work more efficiently and reposition a business during times of extreme difficulty. But at the end of the day, we’re all human, and even in business, it’s not just about communication efficiencies, empathy and transparency. That’s the foundation of our company, and it’s what real leaders instill in their teams.

    If you’re experiencing these challenging times, here are some ways to handle tough decisions and ensure you take care of your employees and their mental health.

    Lead with compassion

    If you’ve ever been in a position where you’ve had to cut people from your teams, you know what it feels like to suffer together. Ours is a company that’s based on relationships. Our independent distributors foster trusting relationships with their customers and their teams in order to be successful. Our corporate team is no different, and it’s one of the things that makes companies like ours so wonderfully unique.

    Leading with compassion fosters more loyalty, employee engagement and collaboration. During the difficult times, communicating with employees with compassion will make for an easier transition.

    Related: What Leaders Get Wrong About Mental Health

    Communicate transparently

    Transparency is the best, and in my opinion, the only way to approach your employees during times of change. And it is for this reason that open and honest communication is integral. In fact, a recent report by Axios HQ around workplace communications in 2023 found that operational changes are the first, most critical updates employees want to know about. So, whether communicating by email, video or an all-company town hall, leaders should feel obliged to be honest and open about the change in company operations.

    Helping your employees understand the risks the company faces and why and how decisions are being made can foster mutual respect and offer a greater sense of understanding. After all, employees can be your company’s best ambassadors; whether they are staying or leaving, you want them to know that your organization did everything it could to look out for everyone.

    Treat people with dignity

    One of the best ways to safeguard a person’s mental health when they receive bad news is to maintain their self-respect and self-esteem. Acknowledge the contributions they make, and do what you can to help them make transitions in their career, with packages, referrals or other reasonable resources.

    Life is a journey — whether it’s in our personal life or business, it’s never a straight one. During adversity, we face challenges, but by overcoming these challenges, we create opportunities to come out stronger and better than ever.

    This shift in the workplace is a time to refresh, look for and streamline new processes, problem-solve, scale sustainably and evolve. Figure out how your organization can make a bigger impact on its community. If you’re a leader making tough choices for your organization, never forget that how you show up is important, because people are watching.

    Related: Low-Cost Mental Health Strategies That Yield Big Results for Company Revenue and Employee Happiness

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    Ibi Montesino

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  • Do You Know Your Money Language? It Can Have a Real Impact. | Entrepreneur

    Do You Know Your Money Language? It Can Have a Real Impact. | Entrepreneur

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    Chances are, you’ve heard of the five love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time and physical touch. First outlined by Gary Chapman in his 1992 book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, the concept has since become a cultural phenomenon, surprising even the writer himself, per The New York Times.

    But there’s another language you should know if you want healthy relationships and finances. According to wealth manager and “fiscal feminist” Kimberlee Davis, four money languages influence the way we think and talk about our financial situations — and can have a real impact on our romantic partnerships.

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How to Heal Emotional Scars from Past Jobs | Entrepreneur

    How to Heal Emotional Scars from Past Jobs | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    “Jena, I think I have PTSD from my last role. It’s impacting how I show up at my new job, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

    While this person almost always certainly doesn’t qualify for a PTSD diagnosis, the pain in their statement is real. It’s incredibly common to experience a significant negative event at work such as bullying, harassment, discrimination or job loss. For example, a study by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 19% of workers have experienced workplace bullying, while a study by Zippia found that 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress.

    Related: 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Enjoy Your Work

    How professional scar tissue shows up in new roles

    The psychological impact of these events can carry forward into a new role in substantial ways. Common ways professional scar tissue carries forward into a new professional chapter include the following:

    1. Hypervigilance: You are always on the lookout for the shoe to drop. You don’t expect things to go well for you. You are anxious, intense and on edge. This impacts your ability to effectively collaborate with others because you are always expecting the worst.

    2. People-pleasing: You go above and beyond, have few boundaries and are always saying “yes.” You are afraid of disappointing others because if someone is unhappy with you, you fear losing your job or not getting the recognition you deserve.

    3. Micromanaging: You are involved in details you don’t need to be involved in. If you know absolutely everything about everything, you have more control over your situation. This causes people to get annoyed at you. You are labeled as being too “in the weeds” and not giving people enough space to do their job.

    4. Being overly cautious: It’s important to learn from past mistakes. Sometimes we can take it too far and be overly rigid and inflexible because we are afraid the next mistake might be catastrophic (like it perhaps felt in the last job).

    5. Self-sabotage: If you expect the worst, you are likely to manifest your reality. I often see folks whose fears around failure become all-consuming, and they engage in self-sabotaging behaviors subconsciously. Unfortunately, in these situations, what they fear eventually happens.

    6. Anger: You fear being taken advantage of and struggle with trusting your colleagues. You carry anger from past experiences that have absolutely nothing to do with your current job and team. Your team feels your wrath and intensity and wonders what they did to deserve this.

    Related: Career Trauma Is a Real Thing. Here’s How to Recognize and Recover From It.

    How to manage your career baggage and control your healing journey

    While career baggage is common, it is your responsibility (not your employer’s) to manage it. I often see people expecting their new team and new manager to tiptoe around their triggers. As a business psychologist who has coached dozens of folks who have these sets of challenges, the best outcomes happen when the person with the baggage takes control over their own healing journey. Ways to do this include the following:

    1. Recognize your triggers, and plan for them: It is likely that some new teammates’ personalities remind you of people in your past. Get clear on who those new folks are, how they trigger you and how you can better plan to manage your interactions with them.

    2. Take more breaks: While people are healing from carer baggage, I recommend scheduling more breaks throughout the day. Breaks help to reset the brain. Shake off the energy. Get a healthy snack. Move your body.

    3. Say “no:” If you overextended yourself in your last job and burnt out, learn from the past. Know your limits, and communicate them.

    4. Focus on sleep, good nutrition, exercise and hydration: The basics never die. While you are healing, focus on getting your body healthy. This way, your nervous system is prepped and primed to take on the day.

    5. Focus on building strong relationships: Most career baggage is rooted in trust issues. Developing positive relationships with coworkers and managers can help you build trust and confidence in your new job. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and participate in networking and team-bonding activities.

    6. Gratitude practice: Your new job is not your old job. One way to train your brain into that new reality and avoid falling into old patterns or old behaviors is by having a consistent gratitude practice. Practice giving thanks for the positive aspects of your new role. This will create more psychological separation from past negative experiences.

    Remember that overcoming professional scar tissue is a process that takes time and effort. At the same time, you are responsible for your own healing journey, so take control. While you are on this journey, be patient with yourself and seek help when needed. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to move forward and thrive in your new role.

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    Jena Booher, Ph.D.

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  • 3 Simple Methods To Achieve Work-Life Balance And Combat Decision Fatigue | Entrepreneur

    3 Simple Methods To Achieve Work-Life Balance And Combat Decision Fatigue | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    It’s 8 pm on a Wednesday night. Let’s imagine you’re having dinner with a good friend passing through town for work. Your entrees have just arrived, you clink wine glasses and toast to the occasion. But just as you’re about to pick up your fork, the needy vibration of a cell phone forces you both to pause.

    Hot food. Buzzzzzz…

    Good company. Bzzzzzzzz…

    Decisions, Decisions.

    If this sounds like the setup for a corporate-style Choose Your Own Adventure book, then guilty as charged. Because the reality is that we live (and relive) these choices multiple times per day. If you answered the call, turn to page 27. If you hit Decline and put your phone in your coat pocket, turn to page 32.

    Page 27: “Ah, sorry, let me just take this quickly,” you tell your dining companion. “It’ll just take a second,” you say assuredly. As a polite gesture, your friend waits for your call to finish as the steam noticeably stops billowing from your dinner plates. Four minutes later, the call ends. “Now, where were we?” you ask as you prod your fork into a room-temperature floret of broccoli.

    Page 32: You look at your phone with a hint of curiosity but then quickly decline the call and remove your phone from the table. Your friend grins from across the table as you excitedly dig into your hot, mouthwatering dish. Your friend’s eyes widen, “Oh, wow! This is amazing, you have to try it!” she exclaims with delight.

    Ok, I admit that one was easy. I didn’t say who was calling, and assuming you turned to page 32; you likely noticed my clear bias for a hot plate of food and a good catch-up. I’m well aware that these micro-decisions we face throughout the day aren’t always so obvious. They can make us feel pulled in opposing directions.

    Enter work-life balance and decision fatigue. Trying to strategically and repeatedly toggle the scale between responsibility and urgency can still leave us questioning whether or not we’re doing it “right.” That’s because the life-work balance is profoundly personal and ever-evolving. Situations fluctuate in both arenas. How do you handle it when your VP hands in her notice and her last day conveniently coincides with your long-awaited vacation? What do you do when your assistant calls in on the same morning you’re supposed to supervise your 9-year-old’s class field trip to the zoo?

    Related: Work-Life Balance Is Simple. To Succeed at Work, Get a Life.

    Unfortunately, I don’t have simple solutions to help you with any of the above. But I do know that this constant pressure to make the right decisions is emotionally exhausting. Decision fatigue is a real issue recognized by the American Medical Association. Not only does it make us feel drained, but it also wears on our cognitive ability to make good daily decisions. This overload results in procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance, and, ironically, indecision.

    We need clear parameters when it comes to what we do and do not do when work-life swerves into our home-life lane. The “right” choices for you, the ones that won’t send you into a mental fury of second-guessing yourself, are the ones you make based on your values. And a values-based life enables harmony to exist in both places, but most importantly, within yourself.

    1. Sync your personas

    Try not to compartmentalize your life. My friend and client, Karlee Fain, calls this a “Split-Labeling Disorder.” It’s that need we feel to adapt who we are to where we are. But switching between “business-you” and “home-you” all the time takes up valuable energy that could be put to other uses. Imagine how much easier life would be if we stopped juggling two versions of ourselves and embraced one.

    Think about where your work self and your home self converge and lean into that whole self. Be vulnerable every once in a while, and show off your humanity. Not only does this help foster more authentic workplace relationships, but it also creates ease and cohesiveness. Create an environment where employees have the same space to incorporate their personal and professional lives. A space that’s driven by meaning that recognizes full-spectrum humanness inspires harmony.

    Related: A Work-Life Balance Will Help You Keep Employees

    2. Focus on Relationships

    Putting more effort into cultivating positive work relationships is a win-win for everyone. Research shows that investing time and effort into social capital in the workplace results in higher retention, happier employees and reduced burnout. In his podcast, Jay Shetty addresses the topic, revealing that people who feel they have a good work-life balance work 21% harder than those who don’t.

    3. Designate your spaces

    Create purposeful spaces and use each space for its intended purpose. When we work at the kitchen table or eat lunch at our desks, we’re confusing our brains. Sociologist Martha Beck explains, “There’s a reason service dogs mustn’t be petted or played with when they’re wearing their work vests: They need to be clear that they’re on the job. But when the vests come off, service dog owners must play with their animals in order to keep them from becoming exhausted and depressed. You’re the same way: Having clear boundaries will help you work enthusiastically, then truly rest.”

    Rather than feeling like you’re always one step away from tumbling off the work-life balance beam, try reframing things from the lens of harmony. When you can hone in on a singular self, it naturally invites more authentic relationships to develop. And those interactions, whether in your designated workspace or the car on a family vacation, will help you build a much stronger foundation for success in all aspects of your life.

    Related: What’s Happened to Work-Life Balance? Here’s How to Help Employees Find It.

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    Ginni Saraswati

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  • Free Webinar | April 18: 5 Tips to Develop a Take-Action Mindset & Healthier Life | Entrepreneur

    Free Webinar | April 18: 5 Tips to Develop a Take-Action Mindset & Healthier Life | Entrepreneur

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    Transformation coach and nutrition expert Charles D’Angelo will fire you up, and help you develop an empowered mindset that leads to a healthier life. Pulling tips from decades of his inspirational talks and books, Think and Grow Thin and Inner Guru, this high-energy and informative webinar will help you learn how to get the best out of yourself in.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Moving on from the past
    • Setting goals
    • Making daily healthy choices to improve your future self
    • Finding a mentor to help your health journey
    • Empower yourself to take control of your life’s trajectory

    Discover the habits you need for a healthy life. Register now and join us on April 18th at 3:00 PM ET.

    About the Speaker:

    Charles is a sought-after personal coach and public speaker. He frequently provides keynotes for events and appears as a guest on TV, radio and Internet programs. He is the author of two bestselling books: Think and Grow Thin (2011) and Inner Guru (2017). He’s been endorsed by many notable individuals including President Bill Clinton, Tony Robbins, Larry King, Richard Simmons, Angela Bassett and Dr. Mark Hyman as well as notable Missouri locals including Senator Claire McCaskill, David Steward, Chairman and Founder of World Wide Technology, and Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his greatest inspiration – his wife, Crystal – and their two cats, Leo and Theo.

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    Entrepreneur Staff

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  • 5 Steps to Expand Your Vision and Start Living Your Dreams | Entrepreneur

    5 Steps to Expand Your Vision and Start Living Your Dreams | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Have you ever settled for less than what you wanted, avoided risks and played it safe? Maybe you had big dreams and ambitions but later convinced yourself that they were too unrealistic or you couldn’t achieve them.

    It’s normal to feel this way, but settling for less than what you genuinely want can lead to a life of regret and unfulfillment. Pursuing something you’re passionate about can be gratifying and fulfilling, even if you don’t ultimately achieve your goal.

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    Stacey Stratton

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  • 7 Ways All Dating Apps Are Lying To You | Entrepreneur

    7 Ways All Dating Apps Are Lying To You | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Dating apps have undoubtedly revolutionized how people find love and connect with others. 3 in 10 US adults say they have used an online dating service (website or app). The convenience and accessibility of dating apps have made it easier for individuals to meet potential partners, but it has also contributed to some negative impacts on the dating scene. In this article, we will explore why dating apps can be detrimental to the dating experience.

    1. Superficiality

    Research from William Chopik, an associate professor in the Michigan State University Department of Psychology, and Dr. David Johnson from the University of Maryland, finds that people’s reason for swiping right is based primarily on attractiveness and the race of a potential partner and that decisions are often made in less than a second.

    One of the primary criticisms of dating apps is that they tend to focus on superficial qualities rather than deeper compatibility. Users are often swiping through potential matches based on their physical appearance rather than considering their personalities or values. This can lead to a culture of shallow and superficial dating, where people are judged solely on their looks and not their character.

    Related: 5 Secrets to Building a Successful Consumer App

    2. Inauthenticity

    Another issue with dating apps is that they can promote a culture of inauthenticity. Users often present an idealized version, i.e., a highlight reel of themselves online, carefully curating their profiles to showcase their best qualities. This can lead to a lack of transparency and honesty in the dating process, making it harder for people to form genuine connections.

    Related: Gen Z Falls In Love With Homegrown Dating Apps

    3. Dehumanization

    A 2020 study by Pew Research found that one-third of women using dating apps have been called an abusive name, and almost half of women had men continue to pursue them online after they said no. That’s double the rate that men experience. Dating apps can contribute to the dehumanization of potential partners.

    When people are reduced to a profile picture and a short bio, it can be easy to forget that they are real human beings with complex emotions and experiences. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding in the dating process, making it harder for people to form meaningful connections with others.

    4. Burnout

    The sheer volume of potential matches on dating apps can also lead to burnout. The 70 million adults in America that use dating apps have developed a rejection mindset that makes dating feel particularly unpromising and exhausting.

    Users are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to them, which can lead to decision fatigue and a feeling of being emotionally drained. This can make it harder for people to put effort into any one relationship, as they are constantly wondering if there might be someone better out there.

    Related: From Machine Learning to Unfiltered Videos, These Online Dating Trends Are Set to Improve the Tricky World of Dating

    5. Catfishing and scams

    Dating apps are also notorious for catfishing and scams. Users can easily create fake profiles or misrepresent themselves online, leading to disappointment or even danger when users meet in person. This can lead to a lack of trust in the online dating process, making it harder for people to form genuine connections.

    In 2019, the Columbia School of Journalism in New York City and news site ProPublica found that the Match Group, which owns around 45 dating apps, only screens for sex offenders on its paid-for apps, not free platforms like Tinder, OKCupid and Hinge. While some work has been done to correct the lack of fraud prevention in online dating, there’s a loophole in American internet law, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which dictates sites can’t be held accountable for the harm that comes to third parties through their platforms.

    Related: Online Dating Scammer Steals $1.8 Million from His Victims. Women ‘Fed Lie After Lie.’

    6. Limited communication

    Dating apps can limit communication between potential partners. Users are often limited to texting or messaging, and without the benefit of face-to-face interaction, it can be harder to gauge a person’s true character or intentions, leading to misunderstandings or miscommunications.

    7. No in-app advertising transparency

    Finally, and perhaps the best (worst?) for last. Major dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge lack any sort of in-app advertising transparency. Users are constantly upsold on more premium features like boosting a profile for 1 hour to be seen by more members, but there’s never any reporting data on impressions made, engagement, clicks, etc. Ad performance data is available across all digital platforms, such as Google and Meta, but appears nonexistent within the dating apps space.

    In conclusion, while dating apps have undoubtedly made it easier for people to meet potential partners, they have also contributed to some negative impacts on the dating scene. Superficiality, inauthenticity, dehumanization, burnout, catfishing and scams, limited communication and lack of in-app advertising transparency are all potential downsides to using dating apps.

    While they can be useful for meeting people, it’s essential to approach them cautiously and be aware of their limitations. Ultimately, the best way to find a meaningful relationship is by getting to know someone in person through genuine interactions and communication.

    The number one contributing factor to finding a mate is proximity, i.e., if I want to find someone interested in nonfiction books, I need to go to book readings with nonfiction book authors, or salsa classes for salsa aficionados or dog parks for dog lovers. The point is to know your values and go to places with people who share the same values as you do.

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    Kevin Kaminyar

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  • ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ Can Result in a Week of Productivity ‘Hell’ | Entrepreneur

    ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ Can Result in a Week of Productivity ‘Hell’ | Entrepreneur

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    By now, you’ve probably heard of “bare minimum Mondays” — the latest TikTok-born workplace trend that’s trying to find a way around burnout.

    “Bare minimum Mondays” exemplify the ongoing “collective awareness” that employees have to start putting their mental and emotional health first — and stop accepting additional work and responsibilities without an increase in pay, Brooks E. Scott, executive coach and CEO of Merging Path, tells Entrepreneur.

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    Amanda Breen

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  • Why Failure is a Choice You Can Control | Entrepreneur

    Why Failure is a Choice You Can Control | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Let’s face it. When something doesn’t go how you thought it would, it can sting. Maybe you lost money, lost a relationship, lost a business venture or some direction you were headed. Then, you had to face the people you cared most about to say it was all over — tough conversations, lots of emotions, and no doubt some level of disappointment.

    What if I told you that you were the problem and were responsible for the failure? What if I also told you that because you’re responsible, you could also eliminate failure?

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    Jen Sugermeyer

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  • Emotional Stress Remains a Top Challenge to Keeping Students Enrolled

    Emotional Stress Remains a Top Challenge to Keeping Students Enrolled

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    A new report found that “emotional stress” remains a top reason that students consider “stopping out,” or temporarily withdrawing from higher education, highlighting a persistent issue for colleges seeking to keep students enrolled and on track academically.

    Moreover, students enrolled in associate and bachelor’s programs were just as likely to consider stopping out in 2022 as they were in 2021, despite many colleges “returning to normal” and easing pandemic precautions.

    The report was conducted by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, drawing on their 2022 State of Higher Education study, which distributed online surveys to 12,015 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 59.

    Respondents included current students, graduates, people who never finished college, and people who never enrolled. The data collected was then adjusted to match national demographics of gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, and region, using weighting targets based on the most recent American Community Survey figures for the U.S. adult population.

    A similar report conducted by Gallup and Lumina in 2021 also found that students were struggling with emotional stress.

    Lumina Foundation officials said they hoped their work would emphasize the important role that well-being and mental-health resources play on campuses, especially as many college leaders fret over enrollment declines.

    Forty-one percent of students enrolled in a higher-education program said they had considered stopping out in the past six months, according to the report. Among students who had considered stopping out, 55 percent gave emotional stress as a reason, including 69 percent of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

    When asked what emotional stress meant to them, many students said that coursework could be overwhelming, particularly when academic demands piled on top of work and caregiving responsibilities or issues in their personal relationships. Some students mentioned depression and anxiety specifically. Others said concerns about the ability to pay for college brought on emotional stress.

    “Among students who had considered stopping out, emotional stress surged dramatically as a reason between the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021,” the report said. “However, though Covid-19 has now fallen sharply as a reason for stopping out, there has only been a modest decrease in students’ likelihood to cite emotional stress as the reason they have considered stopping their coursework.”

    This year’s study allowed students to select “personal mental health reasons” as a factor affecting their ability to stay in college. This option was the second-most commonly selected reason, next to emotional stress. The top two “far exceeded the next most commonly selected reasons, including program cost and difficulty of coursework,” the report said.

    Forty percent of all students, and 48 percent of bachelor’s students, “frequently” experience emotional stress, the study found. Among all students, different groups disproportionately experienced distress: Close to half of women said they frequently did, compared with 30 percent of men.

    About half of all students, and 66 percent of bachelor’s students, who said that their family was poor and that they often struggled to pay monthly bills reported frequently experiencing emotional stress. In contrast, 38 percent of students from more financially secure socioeconomic groups said the same. There were also differences between race and age.

    “There’s an intersectionality between all of these things, and so the stress that students are feeling is a result of who today’s students are,” said Courtney Brown, the vice president of impact and planning for Lumina Foundation. “They are working, they are feeling discriminated against on campuses, they have children of their own … and worries about money and then you know, still some worries about Covid.”

    Brown said colleges should train faculty and staff to identify students who are struggling and direct them to appropriate resources.

    In order to promote mental health for students, colleges need to also support the well-being of faculty and staff, said Zainab Okolo, a strategy officer at Lumina Foundation.

    Okolo identified several indicators of progress that she’d like to see in the near term: policymakers putting funding toward mental health in their budgets, administrators adding well-being to strategic plans, and students advocating for their needs.

    Institutions also need to identify concrete goals for progress on campus and in classrooms, Okolo said.

    “Institutions have to be ready to not only be able to equip their faculty and their staff and their students to identify a crisis, they have to equip the faculty, staff and students to identify mental health,” Okolo said. “What does it look like when their campus is flourishing?”

    If you are in crisis and would like to talk to someone, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 988, or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line, at 741741. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

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    Julian Roberts-Grmela

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  • Here’s When It’s Time to Ignore Everyone Else’s Advice | Entrepreneur

    Here’s When It’s Time to Ignore Everyone Else’s Advice | Entrepreneur

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    A sign I received as a gift has shown me how to chart my own path.

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    Brooke Schnittman

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  • How to Become a Successful Authorpreneur | Entrepreneur

    How to Become a Successful Authorpreneur | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    You’re nestled in a bustling café, surrounded by the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the melody of clacking keyboard keys and the rush of your imagination flowing like waves crashing in an ocean. Whether you’re in an East London café by the canal, the Tuscan hills or a garden center café in Maui, Hawaii, you can work from anywhere in the world, your writing venture all the while supporting what you want to get out of life. If this sounds appealing, keep on reading.

    How do you make this dream a reality? The answer may be in the captivating realm of authorpreneurs.

    Writing a novel and transforming it into a thriving business can be both thrilling and intimidating. But anything can be possible with a passion for writing anywhere in the world and the drive to bring your publishing vision to life. So, let’s embark on this journey together and explore some strategies for achieving success as a novelist and an entrepreneur. The thrilling moment arrives when these two facets — writing and building a business — merge and blend, enabling you to become a successful authorpreneur.

    Related: Authorpreneurs: You Need to Do This Before You Write Your Book

    Becoming the storyteller, the novelist

    First, we need to write a book. Easier said than done, right? But it can be, simply because we all have interesting stories to share and our creative imagination that can be explored. Therefore, seeing the trail of the ink on paper or hearing the melodic sound of the keyboard is far better than pondering. Start writing those words. Here are three key areas that might help you start as a novelist.

    1. Unearth your unique voice:

    This means letting go of your fears and allowing your creativity to run wild. Write about what matters for you, what ignites the fire in your soul. We all have a unique voice; discover yours — the one that sets you apart from everybody else.

    2. Embrace learning and growing:

    There isn’t such a thing as “the best formula” when writing a book, but there is a form or structure that could help you start. So much literature has been written on storytelling and writing crafts, including courses and seminars you can attend. Being a voracious reader is a must, and it is so much fun to learn, research, broaden your knowledge and enjoy creating characters and scenes. I attended a four-day story crafting seminar a few months ago and will join a weeklong writing retreat in Italy this year. The learning never ends.

    3. Make writing a continuous improvement process:

    Writing a novel should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint, requiring perseverance and determination to build strength and improve with each step. Tenacity is no less important than talent — perhaps more significant for success. Talent alone will not write that book, but perseverance will push you to expand your horizons and allow you to gain valuable experience.

    Related: 7 Common Obstacles Aspiring Authors Face — and How to Overcome Them

    Becoming the authorpreneur

    So, you authored a riveting novel, but now it needs to connect with its readers. Self-publishing is indeed a business; consider upfront costs such as editing, cover design, website development, marketing and more.

    Here are three key areas that will help you as authorpreneurs.

    1. Master the business of self-publishing:

    Writing is just one facet of being a successful authorpreneur. You must also thoroughly understand the publishing industry and determine how to publish your book. I learn from successful self-publishing authors, my husband being one. I also combine years of business acumen with improving my book publishing journey.

    There are workshops and a vast network of self-publishing authors and industry professionals to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. I am joining a self-publishing seminar in London and another in Las Vegas this year. The learning never ends, and it is undoubtedly exhilarating.

    2. Visualize a roadmap:

    As with any other business, having a plan and clarity of what’s ahead helps me to assess my capacity and supports how I manage my time. Having a roadmap helps as I have my annual goals and a high-level plan for the next three years. It is my big picture. I might derail here and there, but that is also part of the journey. Life happens; coffee helps.

    3. Have a marketing plan:

    While publishing your first book is undoubtedly a great accomplishment, subsequent books can pave the way to see you become a successful authorpreneur. However, even if your book is exceptional, effective marketing is still necessary so that your story reaches its readers.

    Get social media working for you, and learn from unconventional success stories. Publishing one book will be great, but your second or third book will illuminate your path to becoming a successful authorpreneur.

    Related: How to Become an Entrepreneur – 8 Tips to Get Your Business Going, Even if You Don’t Know Where to Start

    From dreams to books on shelves and beyond

    The journey of a first-time novelist and entrepreneur is an exciting and fulfilling adventure. With dedication and a willingness to embrace a new path, it can lead to beautiful possibilities. So, grab your pen, laptop and coffee cup, and start writing your success story.

    Picture this: You are sitting at a table behind impressive piles of books, and your fans are lining up to get their autographed copies. Imagine the possibilities open to you as you pen your next book somewhere around the world that you always dreamed of going.

    Drumroll, please; you’ve now entered the fascinating world of being a nomadic authorpreneur.

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    Gulcan Telci, MBA

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  • How to Achieve A Deep Level of Focus by Breaking Habits and Taking Breaks | Entrepreneur

    How to Achieve A Deep Level of Focus by Breaking Habits and Taking Breaks | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As an entrepreneur, time management is crucial for achieving success. As an immigrant founder, I understand the importance of hard work and dedication to make your business thrive. However, it’s important to remember that working nonstop without taking breaks can lead to long-term negative effects. Studies have shown that prolonged work sessions can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and even physical and mental health issues. To be truly successful, finding a balance between working hard and taking time to rest and recharge is crucial.

    We all must start taking more breaks during our work day and disconnect for a bit. Rather than following the traditional belief that you should only stop when you’re tired, I think taking small breaks before you even start to feel tired is essential.

    This can help prevent burnout and increase productivity in the long run. I have seen the benefits of taking regular breaks and disconnecting from my own business, and I encourage others to do the same. It’s essential for us as successful entrepreneurs to lead by example and prioritize our well-being to continue achieving our goals.

    Related: Increased Productivity Will Increase Your Happiness

    It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, finding activities that break out of our routine and give us a glimpse of the fun and judgment-free spaces can benefit everyone. This can be anything from walking, meditating, reading a book, or even taking a quick power nap.

    The key is to find something that helps you relax and recharge. It’s also important to take some time to disconnect from work and social media. This can help us to focus on ourselves and our well-being without any distractions. By finding activities that work for us and taking regular breaks, we can increase our productivity and enjoy the journey of being an entrepreneur.

    Below I’m sharing the three most unique time-off break ideas I can recommend:

    1. Making coffee and washing the dishes

    Taking a break from work is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. But instead of scrolling through social media or checking your phone, try something unconventional like making a coffee or washing the dishes. A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that performing simple, mundane tasks such as washing dishes can positively impact our well-being. The repetitive motion of these tasks can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and release any pent-up stress or tension.

    Making coffee (a favorite activity of mine, especially a good iced espresso latte) can be a great way to break the monotony of work and give yourself a bit of pleasure. Plus, it’s a great way to take care of daily tasks and disconnect from technology. The aroma and the taste of freshly cursed coffee can help to enhance our mood and decrease stress.

    So, next time you need a break, try making a coffee or washing the dishes. You’ll be surprised how it can help you to relax, refresh your mind and increase your focus. There are great brands that offer a selection of decaf coffee beans and ground coffee for a more anxiety-free experience.

    Related: 3 Reasons Espresso Could Be Your Shortcut to Productivity (It Works for Elon Musk)

    2. Taking your dog for an unexpected walk

    It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and responsibilities, which can lead to feeling burnt out and unproductive. Taking your dog for a random walk is a unique activity that can help break the cycle and increase productivity. Not only does it give you and your furry friend some much-needed exercise and fresh air, but it also provides an opportunity to step away from your work and disconnect from technology. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your work-life balance.

    These unexpected walks can also help to return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy, which can increase productivity and a better work-life balance. So, next time you feel stressed or unproductive, try taking your doggy for an unexpected walk, and you’ll see the difference it makes.

    Related: Why You Need More Exercise as an Entrepreneur (and 7 Creative Strategies for Getting It)

    3. Disconnecting and enjoying hookah

    Smoking hookah is a unique activity that can be a great way to take a break from work and relax. Hookah, also known as shisha or waterpipe, is a traditional method of smoking flavored tobacco enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East, India and other parts of Asia.

    Smoking hookah is often considered a social activity, and it can be a great way to bond with friends or colleagues while taking a break from work. Preparing and smoking hookah is a ritual in itself and can be a great way to disconnect from work and other stressors.

    In addition to being a fun and social activity, smoking hookah also offers several benefits for your overall well-being. Here are two benefits of smoking hookah during your time off:

    1. Stress relief — Smoking hookah can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long work day. The act of inhaling and exhaling smoke can be soothing, and the tobacco flavors can help to calm the mind.
    2. Increased focus and concentration — Preparing and smoking hookah can be a great way to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. This can help to improve your concentration and focus when you return to work.

    Smoking hookah can be a unique and enjoyable way to take a break from work and relax. Whether you are smoking alone or with friends, smoking hookah can offer several benefits for your overall well-being and help you return to work refreshed and focused.

    In conclusion, taking a break from work is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Making a coffee or washing the dishes is just one unconventional example of how to do this, but there are many other ways to break your routine and refresh your mind.

    It’s essential to find activities that work for you. Take the proper time to experiment with different options and find what works best.

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    Pierre Subeh

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  • What Does a Healthy Campus Actually Look Like? A New Study Offers Ideas.

    What Does a Healthy Campus Actually Look Like? A New Study Offers Ideas.

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    Small campus interventions — like adding hydration stations and making healthy foods more visible — can make a big difference in how students, faculty, and staff feel about well-being at their college, according to a new study.

    Conducted at the University of California at Riverside, the study examined how health factors into university policy and how health-promotion programs contribute to campus culture. UC-Riverside is part of the Healthy Campus Network, an alliance of the UC system’s 10 institutions that’s focused on improving physical and mental health on each campus.

    Eighteen focus groups of UC-Riverside students, faculty, and staff participated in the study in 2018, 2019, and 2020. As part of the research, Healthy Campus created some new health interventions and sought to raise awareness of existing efforts.

    Participants were increasingly aware of health-promotion efforts on campus as the study progressed, according to the focus groups. In the last two years of the study, participants talked more about broader, institution-wide health policies, rather than specific programs.

    Faculty and staff reported feeling left out of campus health services, researchers said. They could name many resources available to students, like the food pantry and recreation center, but they were unaware of what was available to employees. Those perceptions improved by the end of the study.

    “There was this lack of, I would say, care about this other population of communities that exist on campus,” said Evelyn Vázquez, one of the authors of the paper. Vázquez is an assistant researcher in the department of social medicine, population, and public health at UC-Riverside’s School of Medicine.

    Julie Chobdee, another one of the authors, said the infrastructure built as a part of the Healthy Campus project made them a hub for faculty and staff wellness on campus. Chobdee is now associate director of the employee health and well-being program at the University of Southern California’s WorkWell Center.

    Additionally, first-generation students were sharing their increased knowledge of health services with their families, helping them to access mental-health care and more, Vázquez said.

    The study also found that small environmental changes, like refurbishing stairwells and putting up nonsmoking signage, improved people’s perceptions of how committed their university was to health promotion.

    One staff member praised stairwell improvements like better lighting and fresh paint, as well as signs encouraging people to take the stairs instead of the elevator. And even if someone needed to take the elevator on a given day, the staff member said, there were posters offering brief instructions on deep breathing.

    Two staff members said their offices had added wellness activities into their training programs, citing that integration as evidence of a top-down commitment to better health. Walking meetings were also identified as a positive step.

    Seeing campus leaders participate in health-promotion activities demonstrated that well-being was a genuine priority for the university, according to those interviewed.

    Faculty members, meanwhile, could help students by doing something as simple as providing a link to mental-health services, said Ann Marie Cheney, another author of the paper and lead designer of the study.

    Cheney, an associate professor in the department of social medicine, population, and public health at Riverside’s medical school, said her research made clear that students viewed faculty as access points for other services on campus, even if faculty did not consider the well-being of students as part of their role.

    Cheney and Chobdee were formerly co-leaders of Healthy Campus at UC-Riverside, which involved nine subcommittees of students, faculty, and staff, overseen by a large advisory board. Chobdee hopes to build a similar program in her role at USC. Cheney and Vázquez have both transitioned out of the project.

    Despite the positive findings from the study, Healthy Campus is in a period of flux, Cheney said. UC leaders have not been able to find a new crop of people who have a strong vision for the project and can bring together campus stakeholders, she said.

    Cheney said more investment from university leadership would have helped the team plan a sustainable future. When she was involved, it was volunteer work, she said. She hopes the study can “spark a light” and garner more attention from the university’s administration.

    Overall, the study shows that empowerment is key to creating a healthy campus community, Cheney said.

    “Why I think Healthy Campus was so successful at our university is because we identified grass-roots leaders who were interested in creating healthier environments, and we supported their ideas,” she said.

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    Kate Marijolovic

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  • 8 Ways to Take Advantage of the Extra Daylight | Entrepreneur

    8 Ways to Take Advantage of the Extra Daylight | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Every year, the United States “springs forward,” setting clocks ahead by one hour in observance of daylight saving time (DST). Sure, you lose an hour of sleep, but it lets you align your waking hours with the additional daylight hours during the warmer months.

    If you’re an entrepreneur, that extra hour can be a window of opportunity. With more daylight, you’ll have more opportunities to expand your skill set or build your dream.

    Need a place to start? Here are eight things you can do with that extra hour to make yourself a better entrepreneur.

    Related: If Running Your Business Feels Hard, You’re Doing it Right. Here’s Why

    1. Exercise

    It’s easy to let your self-care routine fall by the wayside during the winter. But longer, warmer days are practically an invitation to get out there and resume your exercise routine. Not only is exercise good for your physical health, but it’s also been shown to release endorphins that help alleviate stress.

    Even a simple daily walk or light jog can offer surprising benefits. Additionally, some communities offer group activities like cycling or ultimate frisbee that provide a social outlet or networking opportunities.

    2. Discover networking events

    Relationships are essential for entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses. The partnerships you form within your community can help you increase brand awareness, generate new ideas or seize opportunities to work together for a common goal.

    During the spring and summer, you may have access to outdoor networking activities in the area.

    You can find such events by talking to other entrepreneurs or searching for networking events on sites like LinkedIn. They might include picnics, sporting events or community outreach projects that let you make an impact in your community.

    Related: 4 Ways to Determine If Now Is the Right Time to Launch Your Business

    3. Fuel your reading habit

    Savvy entrepreneurs understand the value of a good book. Reading provides endless opportunities for self-improvement or success, and the latest books and publications can keep you informed about the best practices that affect your business or industry.

    But even reading outside your immediate subject matter can make you a more well-rounded individual and train your brain to think differently about the world around you.

    Many local libraries offer summer reading programs and book clubs that you can take advantage of, but you can also simply post up on the beach or in a lawn chair with a book or e-reader. And if you’re out walking or exercising, you might consider listening to an audiobook or podcast.

    4. Pause for self-reflection

    As much as the business world talks about data and analysis, surprisingly little attention is given to the process of reflection.

    Self-reflection isn’t complicated, but it’s an opportunity to take stock of your internal motivations.

    What are you truly passionate about? What do you hope to accomplish in the coming years? These are the kinds of questions you might ponder as you take your evening walk or lounge by the pool.

    The answers to these questions can be good reminders of why you got into business in the first place and provide motivation when the going gets tough.

    Related: How to Build Your Business Strategy in the Face of Uncertainty

    5. Pursue learning opportunities

    Learners make the best leaders. Along with consuming informative content, the summer might also present opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences or other educational opportunities that keep you engaged in your business or industry niche.

    While it’s not hard to find webinars or other virtual events, the extra daylight might also provide opportunities for in-person learning events. The real estate industry, for example, tends to ramp up in the spring, which might give you a chance to network or take classes to sharpen your business skills.

    6. Jumpstart your creative thinking

    Some of the most gifted leaders are known for thinking outside the box. When the weather warms up, it’s also an opportunity to get out of the office! Exercise, leisure and travel all provide opportunities for learning and growth and can serve as a mental “reset,” allowing you to return to your work with a fresh outlook.

    Not sure where to start? Ask yourself what’s one thing about your business you wish you could change. Then, start thinking about ways to answer that question.

    As you travel, look at the ways other businesses are doing things. This can help you think about your business differently and may spark new ideas for change.

    Related: 9 Simple Ways to Transform Your Morning Routine and Boost Productivity

    7. Spend time with loved ones

    Spending time with your friends or family won’t just make you a better entrepreneur; it’ll make you a better human being. Quality time with loved ones helps to combat stress and can keep you motivated when your business starts to feel burdensome.

    If you’re a parent, spending time with your kids allows you to pass on valuable life lessons to the next generation. Sports, camping, a day at the beach — these activities can give you some much-needed R&R and help you strengthen your personal ties.

    8. Cultivate gratitude

    What are you thankful for? That’s not just a question to ask over your Thanksgiving turkey. Gratitude can keep you centered on what truly matters and remind you that some of the things that bring you the most joy have little to do with your entrepreneurial success.

    Seeing nature in all her unrivaled splendor is a great example. Very few people go to the Grand Canyon and think, “I wish I were back at the office.”

    As you exercise, travel or spend time with family, pause and reflect on the world around you. Take time to appreciate the little things and keep this newfound gratitude front of mind to stay motivated while working on your business.

    Related: How to Wake Up Early

    Reset more than just your clock

    Warm weather and longer days mean opportunities to improve both yourself and your business. If you put these tips into practice, you’ll reset more than just your clock. You’ll also reset yourself, forming a new mindset that lets you greet each day with a sense of possibility.

    So give yourself a break. You may find that these ideas give you a new sense of purpose and make you a better entrepreneur.

    Related: How to Know When That Business Idea Is Good Enough to Pursue

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    John Boitnott

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  • 7 Tips to Avoid Falling Back When We Spring Forward with Daylight Saving Time | Entrepreneur

    7 Tips to Avoid Falling Back When We Spring Forward with Daylight Saving Time | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As entrepreneurs, most of us have traveled across time zones and do so frequently for both work and leisure. And do we complain? So despite knowing that it will happen, why do many of us complain every year when the clocks spring forward by one hour for Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

    I encourage you to take a different approach this year. First, the most important thing you can do is to change your attitude towards the clocks springing forward. Here’s how: Mentally prepare yourself in advance, and tell yourself and those around you that DST is nothing to complain about because we face it every year. We’re better off preparing for it and finding the silver linings and benefits of the time change.

    For example, more daylight in the evening allows for after-dinner walks. Such a walk fosters family time, lowers your blood glucose level, and it’s likely a deterrent from excess evening snacking or drinking. Is that a win or a win?

    I recall weekday mornings from past DST days when everyone in my house was slow to move, and nobody except for the clocks was springing forward. Friends called me to talk about their double doses of caffeine and how they yelled more at their kids to rush them out the door for school.

    Research shows increased car accidents and injuries at work after DST because our already sleep-deprived country is less alert. So, while we will still feel the time change because of our circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle that’s governed by our body’s internal clock, below are some tips that should help make DST more manageable and help you better prepare not to fall back when the clock springs forward.

    Related: How Daylight Savings Time Affects Productivity

    1. Gradually prepare yourself with an earlier bedtime

    You may not feel tired at night but try to schedule an earlier bedtime before DST. By moderately making these changes before the time change, you’ll begin daylight saving time having almost adapted to the time change.

    From exercise to meals to your bedtime routine, move everything forward by 15 minutes each day. Particularly in the evening, be disciplined about washing your face, brushing your teeth, going off screens or whatever sleep routines you have earlier than normal.

    2. Don’t snooze, rather wake up 15 minutes earlier

    I’ve never used the snooze button. I feel it’s torture and not efficient nor motivating for the morning routine you’ve set out to do, so I mentally trained myself never to snooze. Now for you snoozers, you can call me crazy but give yourself some wiggle room during the week of DST for the morning time. Most of us adjusting to the time change will be slow-moving, and rushing will lead to a stressful morning, so use the extra time to prevent this rushed and chaotic feeling.

    The same goes for getting kids ready for school. Time is valuable, and the extra time will make the morning less hectic. Just please do not “snooze,” as this will keep your circadian rhythm from adjusting to the time change.

    Related: Stop Hitting the Snooze Button and Start Intentionally Building Your Life and Business

    3. Prioritize daylight exposure

    Get your sunshine early, within an hour of waking if you can, even if it’s stepping outdoors for a 5-minute gratitude practice, walking the dog or looking towards the light of the day while taking deep breaths. Light is the central driver of our circadian rhythm, and this morning sunlight alone will help your body’s internal clock best acclimate to the new timing of light and dark.

    I’m not a biohacker, but I do keep on top of the latest research and science in health and wellness, and I encourage you to check out this guide from Neuroscience Professor at Stanford, Dr. Andrew Huberman. Even on a cloudy day, natural light provides more brightness that helps to align the circadian rhythm than artificial indoor lighting.

    Related: 6 Benefits of Unchaining Yourself From Your Desk to Take a Break Outside

    4. Keep active and keep moving

    I personally look forward to and need my morning workouts as they help get my body, brain and soul moving and kickstart my day. But if exercising first thing in the morning isn’t what you enjoy, plan to get outside or move every day this week, even if just a brisk mid-morning or lunchtime walk (or even a ‘sweatwork’ walk meeting), which will energize all parties involved and help everyone ease into a better night of sleep.

    Added bonus? Walking as little as 2 to 5 minutes after any meal will help lower your blood glucose level, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Sports Medicine.

    5. Eat well and go easy on the caffeine

    Proper nutrition is directly correlated to sleep. Eliminate added sugars, stay well hydrated with water and electrolytes and focus on eating good sources of protein, carbs and fat, such as fish high in omega 3s, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Eat dinner at least a few hours before bed, and limit spicy and heavy foods.

    Whenever my schedule allows, I prefer to eat what I call “linner,” meaning that it’s a combo lunch/dinner, and I eat this meal between 3-4 p.m. If this isn’t conducive to your schedule or ability to prepare a healthy meal, try making lunch the bigger meal of your day. Be aware of caffeine in beverages, including soda which is also loaded with sugar.

    It’s human and forgivable that most people will be doubling and even tripling up their coffee and green tea this week just to survive. But don’t overdo it. Too much caffeine will make you crash, so aim to stop drinking caffeine after 2 p.m. And particularly for this week, plan to ease up on alcohol intake as alcohol can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

    Related: Is Caffeine Boosting or Sabotaging Your Productivity?

    6. Ask for and give yourself some grace

    If your boss is flexible, ask if you can get to the office a little later for a couple of days so you can take the time to happily ease into the time change and avoid sleep-deprived and frustrated commuters at rush hour.

    If you lead a team or company, have a little compassion. Offer your team a slightly later start to the morning in exchange for meeting a specific deadline that week or having them agree to 15–30 minutes of fresh air early in the morning or the middle of the day. Happy employees = productive employees.

    7. Power nap

    More health and wellness professionals, experts and entrepreneurs are treating themselves to power naps for rejuvenation and mental wellness. The key for napping is 30 minutes or less; otherwise, you’ll feel like you got hit by a bus when you wake up! A nap should both calm your nervous system and energize you.

    Early afternoon naps are best, as naps late in the day can make it difficult to sleep. Not necessary, but if you’re curious about prioritizing a deeper night’s sleep, look into sleep tools such as weighted blankets, sleep meditation apps and light therapy.

    With these tips, you should be able to spring forward along with the clocks. As human beings, and especially as entrepreneurs, we are strong, and our minds and bodies can adjust. So when the clocks spring forward, shift your mindset to when the alarm goes off at 6 a.m. on Monday morning, and think that it’s 6 a.m. instead of saying, “I can’t believe it’s really 5 a.m.!” The better we prepare, the better we position ourselves for positive outcomes and longer, brighter days full of sunshine.

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    Elisette Carlson

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  • We’re in Uncertain Times. Here’s How to Lead Through Them. | Entrepreneur

    We’re in Uncertain Times. Here’s How to Lead Through Them. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    From my Utah office, the stark whiteness of the snow outside reminds me that much of 2023 remains out of view, and only the passage of time will unveil the changes that will arise this new year. Like every year, 2023 will bring us an entirely new set of unforeseen challenges. Some of them are already here, like an economic slowdown, inflation that we haven’t experienced in nearly half a century and sky-high rates of employee burnout.

    Like many leaders, I often start my days feeling like I have an obstacle course ahead of me. But as someone who’s worked in leadership and organizational development for more than 20 years, I’ve found it doesn’t have to feel that way. In fact, the new year and the challenges ahead can be positioned as opportunities rather than obstacles.

    While it may seem contradictory, you can set yourself and your team up to make more gains in this changing environment than losses, especially in the form of innovation — it just requires the right framework. Here are four timeless principles that will help every leader better navigate uncertainty for themselves and their teams.

    Related: How The Best Executives Show Leadership in Times of Uncertainty

    1. Evolve your mindset

    One of the most important habits to continue progressing in the midst of change is to practice your mindset. Recognize that you have the power to choose how you view your day and your work. If you consistently remember that you have more power than you think you do to intentionally choose a calm mindset, this shift will help you in the way you navigate workplace uncertainty. Most importantly, it helps you stay centered on those priorities that are of the most value to your organization.

    If your inbox and schedule are anything like mine, you likely have unread emails vying for your attention and back-to-back meetings that, while important, feel like they get in the way of “real” work that needs to get done.

    That’s simply the way it is. We can choose to allow ourselves to panic about the large number of emails and meetings we have, or we can tell ourselves, “Well, that just is…” Working ourselves up and spending our work day with high cortisol levels doesn’t help anything.

    I often liken it to a hamster wheel. It’s so easy for leaders to hop onto that wheel and try to run faster and faster to get everything done. But all we end up doing is exhausting ourselves prematurely. In fact, 59% of Americans recently reported moderate to severe levels of burnout. We are spinning our wheels too fast, and are pushing ourselves beyond the breaking point. Instead, choose to be calm in the face of uncertainty and focus your efforts on what you can control. Recognize you simply can’t do it all and all at once. This calm perspective and focus allow us to complete our work more effectively, more productively and with a happier attitude. A triple-win.

    Related: The 4 Things Leaders Need to Do First When Faced With Uncertainty

    2. Focus on the space between stimulus and response

    One thing that change brings out in all of us is a stimulus response — a gut reaction to disruptions in our everyday routines. But there’s power in the space between the stimulus and response. That’s where we have the opportunity to pause and consider our response. We get to decide what we’d like to place in the space.

    It could be listening to a colleague. It could be recognizing you don’t know the answer to a problem and need to collect research. It could be going back to your business objectives and re-prioritizing your goals. That space is where you decide what comes next instead of just reacting to what’s thrown at you. Recognize that it’s healthy and important to give time to that space before you respond. Demonstrate with your own actions that that space is also valuable to your team.

    3. Create a safe, high-trust environment

    While the first two principles focus on navigating change as an individual, the last two principles can help you manage change within your team and organization. One key to helping your team navigate change well is to intentionally create an environment that’s safe and embraces trust. If your team is walking around on pins and needles, worried they’re going to be laid off any day or wondering which of their major initiatives is going to be cut, they’re probably not focusing on being productive or effective.

    Creating a safe, high-trust environment is not as difficult as it may seem. Simple things like making a point to talk regularly and one-on-one with each of your employees and asking them about their individual concerns or pain points can go a long way toward building trust. You can reiterate to them the company strategy and your team’s business objectives while being transparent as those objectives evolve and change. You can remind them of their value and express gratitude for their contribution to your team. These simple actions will build stronger relationships and develop trust between you and your team members and peers.

    Related: 2023 Is The Year and a Fear of Uncertainty. Here’s How to Navigate It.

    4. Direct uncertainty toward a challenge

    One of the best ways to actually take the uncertainty and do something productive with it is to direct it to a specific challenge. Take the challenge (i.e. the problem that needs to be solved) and then decide as a team to solve it. This gives you something constructive to do with that anxious and uncertain energy and provides an opportunity to work collaboratively and allow something positive to become of it. This process is empowering and engaging for employees — and it’s where meaningful innovation is born.

    While none of us have a crystal ball, with the right mindset, you can break through uncertainty and help your team do the same. Recognize your employees as the brilliant individuals they are. When you seek to create a safe, high-trust environment and collaborate with your team on the changes that will come, you’ll be surprised to see the innovation your team brings forth.

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    Paul Walker

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  • 6 Tips to Create and Implement a Strategic Plan | Entrepreneur

    6 Tips to Create and Implement a Strategic Plan | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a fast-paced business world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything as quickly as possible. However, this can lead to a lack of clarity, direction and even burnout. The most successful entrepreneurs know the power of slowing down, taking a step back and implementing a strategic plan for their businesses.

    Strategic planning is the process of defining your company’s direction and making decisions on allocating your resources to pursue that direction. It’s about setting goals, identifying your strengths and weaknesses and creating a roadmap to achieve your objectives. Here are six tips to help you slow down, create a strategic plan and achieve long-term success.

    Related: How Strategic Planning Transforms Chaos Into Confidence

    1. Identify your purpose

    Identifying your company’s purpose is the first step in creating a strategic plan. This involves answering questions such as “Why does your business exist?” and “What problem does it solve?” Understanding your company’s purpose helps you create a clear direction and focus for your business. It also helps you create a mission statement that articulates your company’s values and purpose.

    One example of a company that has a clear purpose is TOMS Shoes. The company’s purpose is to “improve lives through business.” TOMS Shoes accomplishes this by selling shoes and using the proceeds to donate shoes to children in need. By having a clear purpose, TOMS Shoes has been able to create a loyal customer base that supports its mission.

    Related:

    2. Analyze your market

    Analyzing your market is the second step in creating a strategic plan. This involves identifying your competitors, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and analyzing current trends in your industry. By doing so, you can identify opportunities and threats and create a plan that takes advantage of those opportunities while mitigating those threats.

    For example, when Netflix started streaming movies and TV shows online, it disrupted the traditional video rental market. Netflix identified an opportunity to offer a more convenient and affordable way to watch movies and TV shows, and it successfully capitalized on that opportunity. By analyzing the market and identifying a need, Netflix was able to create a new business model that has revolutionized the entertainment industry.

    3. Identify your strengths and weaknesses

    Identifying your company’s strengths and weaknesses is the third step in creating a strategic plan. This involves analyzing your company’s internal operations and identifying areas where you excel and areas where you need to improve. By doing so, you can create a plan that leverages your strengths and addresses your weaknesses.

    For example, Apple’s strength is its design and innovation capabilities. The company has consistently created products that are both aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced. However, one of Apple’s weaknesses is its dependence on a single product, the iPhone. By identifying this weakness, Apple has been able to diversify its product portfolio and reduce its dependence on the iPhone.

    Related: The Case Against Haste: Why Slowing Down Is Good for Business

    4. Set goals and objectives

    Setting goals and objectives is the fourth step in creating a strategic plan. This involves defining what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) goals, you can create a plan that is focused and effective.

    For example, Google’s objective is to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” To achieve this objective, Google has set specific goals, such as improving search results and expanding its product offerings. By setting clear goals and objectives, Google has been able to stay focused on its mission and achieve its objectives.

    5. Create a roadmap

    Creating a roadmap is the fifth step in creating a strategic plan. This involves outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your goals and objectives. A roadmap includes timelines, resources and responsibilities — and it ensures that everyone on your team is aligned and working towards the same goals.

    For example, Amazon’s roadmap includes a focus on customer obsession, continuous innovation and operational excellence. To achieve these goals, Amazon has invested heavily in technology, logistics and customer service. By creating a roadmap that is aligned with its goals and objectives, Amazon has been able to grow into one of the world’s largest and most successful companies.

    6. Review and adapt

    Reviewing and adapting your plan is the final step in creating a strategic plan. A strategic plan is not set in stone, and it needs to be reviewed and adapted regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. As your business evolves, your plan may need to change, and it’s important to be flexible.

    Related: How To Create A High-Performing Strategic Plan

    In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of the moment and overlook the importance of strategic planning. However, taking the time to slow down, analyze your business and create a well-defined roadmap can set you up for long-term success. By following the six tips outlined in this article, you can identify your company’s purpose, analyze your market, identify your strengths and weaknesses, set goals and objectives, create a roadmap and review and adapt your plan regularly. Remember, strategic planning is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that can help your business stay on track and adapt to changing circumstances. With a solid strategic plan in place, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle challenges and opportunities with confidence and clarity.

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    Yan Katcharovski

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  • ‘Loud Layoffs’ Hurt Your Health — Shift Your Mindset Like This | Entrepreneur

    ‘Loud Layoffs’ Hurt Your Health — Shift Your Mindset Like This | Entrepreneur

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    Don’t let your biggest fears become your new reality.

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How Daily Exercise Helped Me Lead a Truly Productive Life | Entrepreneur

    How Daily Exercise Helped Me Lead a Truly Productive Life | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    At the start of 2014, I couldn’t run a mile. That year, I began to test theories about change and growth. I wanted to know if simple effort and consistent practice are enough to truly improve our skills and abilities.

    Turns out, they are. At the end of 2014, I ran my first official 5K race. By the end of 2015, I had run 20 half-marathons. Today, I’ve run over 200 half marathons and 11 full marathons, totaling 12,000 miles. I once “hated” the idea of running. Now, it’s my greatest love in life. The biggest surprise I’ve had is running hasn’t just transformed me physically — it’s transformed me mentally, too. Here’s what it’s taught me:

    Related: How Exercising Daily Has Made Me a Better Entrepreneur

    1. Sometimes, life is hard — but we can do hard things

    Running, especially in the beginning, was incredibly difficult for me. I’d never practiced it. Even jogging a few blocks left me out of breath and gasping for air. As I worked to improve as a runner, I realized that sometimes life is hard. It’s supposed to be that way. When we ditch our affinity for ease and comfort and instead embrace struggle and challenge, we open ourselves up to a whole new universe of possibilities. Instead of saying, “I can’t do that. That sounds hard,” we can lean in. As we do, several things happen.

    First, things we once deemed hard become easier. Our skills and strength aren’t fixed quantities — they can grow and expand. We improve, which allows us to handle more complicated scenarios and solve more complex equations. Second, we stop expecting things to be easy. When we don’t expect things to be easy, we grow comfortable with some adversity and pain. That’s when we find out that we can actually withstand adversity and push through. Consistent, daily effort and practice is the catalyst that ignites this process. In the beginning, you may not see massive changes, but you have to trust that it’s working.

    2. Our beliefs are the limiting reagent in the chemistry of our minds

    When we want to do something, it’s imperative that we believe we actually can. Our brain likes to be right, so it constantly looks for ways to validate or prove its beliefs. What we sometimes forget, however, is that we get to decide what we believe — and we can update our beliefs at any time.

    When I began running, I often believed that I simply couldn’t run any farther or take another step. “You’ve gone far enough, it’s time to stop,” my brain would shout at me. Then, I learned how to talk back to my brain. “Let’s just get to the red light,” I’d negotiate. Then, “How about just one more mile?” I’ve found that our bodies will do whatever our brains tell us to do. Often, we can accomplish much more than we think we can. We can keep going long after we think we can’t.

    As humans, many fall prey to this daily. We believe that reaching a compromise or agreement is impossible. So, it is. We believe a problem is unsolvable. So, it is. But almost always, if we believe there’s a way through and we remain determined to find it, we will. Here’s a tip: Taking a break from a problem and coming back to it later can be a remarkable tool. Just like our muscles, our brains sometimes need time to rest and rejuvenate. When you feel you can’t do anymore, come back after you’ve allowed your brain or body time to breathe. It’s amazing how differently you’ll view things after a break. This process refreshes stamina and creativity.

    Related: 4 Scientific Reasons Exercising Is an Entrepreneur’s Biggest Competitive Advantage

    3. Tools and resources are always available to help us; don’t go it alone

    With regards to literally everything in life — our relationships, our professional pursuits, our health and fitness goals — there is a plethora of research, books and mentors there to guide us. There is always someone who has already done what we want to do. Find these people, make friends with them and directly ask them for advice and mentorship. Observe them closely; learn from their examples.

    So often, we are afraid to ask for help for fear of looking foolish or being viewed as incompetent. We sometimes feel that we should do it all alone. This is a mistake. Reach out and leverage the people who have traveled in your shoes before. We, as humans, are not meant to function completely independently. In fact, our mere survival depends on our cooperation and partnerships with one another. With regard to my running, podiatrists have advised me on my feet and my shoes, friends have shared the financial burden of housing me during races and apps have provided me with music and tracking of my results. Without this, much of my running wouldn’t have been sustainable.

    4. Success is not a straight line; don’t expect every day to be amazing

    With regard to any problem we want to solve or any competency we want to develop, it can be tempting to think that every day should be better than the last. We sometimes think that once we’ve set a goal, started down a path and made headway, it should be nothing but smooth sailing.

    That thinking can cripple us. This is not how success works. There will be days when we lack the motivation to press forward. There will be disruption in our business. Unfavorable economic environments and new competitors in our marketplace can send us into a tailspin. Pouring rain can show up on the day we planned for our long run or you might twist an ankle on race day. These things happen. We sometimes take a step forward to only take two steps back. There are moments we might regress. What we do in these moments will define the trajectory of our lives. When we anticipate these moments, we handle them better than if we deny or ignore their existence. One of the best ways to avoid falling into this trap is to constantly remember our why and to stay passionate about and committed to not just the end results, but the journey.

    Without these four strategies, I would have failed as a runner, but also as a leader, a coach, an author, a friend and a partner. All these areas have thrown me challenges. Before becoming a runner, I didn’t want to struggle in life. When things got tough, I was more prone to quit or give up. Running has taught me that struggle simply means we’re growing. It’s taught me that no matter what’s happening around me, I always get to choose my response. Now, I use that in every area of my life, which has changed literally everything — maybe it can change yours, too.

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    Amy M Chambers

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