The Resilient Founder

21Prescription 1 – An Organized Diminution of Work

There was no final straw at work; frankly the company was doing better than ever … It didn't matter: I could only feel pain. My daughter looked at me and said, “Daddy, you always look so sad.” She was five. It was the push I needed to change.

– CEO of a venture-backed company¹

Self-care may seem like a luxury for entrepreneurs, who love the rush of working all the time. But considering the grueling demands of the start-up journey, self-care should be high up on every entrepreneur list. Busy calendars and back-to-back-to-back commitments is all good but only if you are thriving at each step of the way. Or as Warren Buffett says, tap dancing your way to work. If you are struggling, the first step is to show up, and then create some space.

PAUSE, BALANCE, BREATHE

Studies demonstrate that setting personal goals, counting your blessings, practicing kindness, expressing gratitude, and using personal strengths to enhance well-being can in some cases, reduce depressive symptoms.

Founders know that despite the inner struggle, they may not be able to unplug completely and recuperate in the sun-soaked sands of Ibiza or Bali. So they show up, but try to strike a balance. Here are some voices of founders and how they dealt with the ever crashing waves of work.

• Depression affects memory and concentration – I make lists and crossing them off gives me a sense of joy at each step. Making a list of small achievable goals. Sometimes it's ...