Checking in on you
Hi friend - How are you? Really though…how are YOU doing?
I’m going to divert from my normal GTM teaching and tactical advice this week and check in on you - the person - as we head into Q4.
Why? Because your physical health, mental health, and happiness as a founder is 90% of your startup’s valuation.
You’re the leader, which means you are the setter of strategy, culture, and tone. You’re often also the de facto head of sales, marketing, operations, customer service, IT support, and HR - all at the same time.
If you aren’t taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually - it will infect your team and your business.
And I know it’s hard to do. There is always an unending to-do list, another fire to put out, mounting pressure to make payroll, meet investor expectations, and basically not let the whole thing fall apart.
And many days it feels like the most delicate flower you’re holding in your hand - like one baby misstep could kill it. And that’s partially true.
But you aren’t going to survive, let alone thrive, if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
Your business, your team, your clients, your investors need your whole happy self.
Your whole happy self is who is going to inspire, problem solve, sell, and serve all of those people. But only you can decide and commit to taking care of you.
How do you take care of you?
Your body
Time block your calendar every week to get your exercise in—even if it’s just a walk, and you talk to someone on your earbuds while you do it.
Get a massage once a month. Give yourself one hour to decompress and physically recharge.
Eat. So simple but we all forget to do it. Don’t have time? Sign up for a meal service. Put eating on your calendar.
Your mind
Hire an executive coach. This really changed my world last year. No one is taking care of us - and often no one is ‘checking us’ because we’re the boss. We’re taking care of everyone else, checking everyone else. Hire someone to take care of you and hold a mirror up to you. Your business will only grow as much as you grow as an individual.
Make time at least once a quarter to learn something new. Could be a book, a course, a seminar - you name it. Founders are inherently lifelong learners fueled by their curiosity and desire to problem-solve. Learning fuels you.
Say no. Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else. Learn to be ok and good at saying no. Protect your time and your energy with your life.
Your spirit
If you’re religious - make time for that.
Meditate. It doesn’t have to be in a dark, silent room with your eyes closed. It can be as simple as not taking your phone with you when you walk the dog or go to the gym so you have at least a short time unplugged. Some of my best inspiration and problem-solving happen in these diffuse thinking moments.
Make time to be in community with other founders. Nothing fuels you like being around other people who are deep in the arena with you. They get you. You aren’t alone.
Make time for the closest people in your life. They are the ones who will be there when you win or lose. They are your biggest hype team and most compassionate listeners.
Make that entire list ^ non-negotiable.
This is my lived experience speaking. Last year, I ran myself into the ground because it’s what I am used to doing.
“Just keep going - you can do this. You can do anything. Take care of everyone else - you’ll be fine.“
It doesn’t work. It didn’t work.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Thinking of you and sending you all the strength to put yourself first.
By prioritizing yourself, you ARE prioritizing all of your other stakeholders. 🙏
With love and gratitude -
If you want to learn more about working with me directly…
For B2B startups I serve as a Fractional GTM executive or advisor. Learn more about-
When you’re ready, let’s connect to discuss your specific growth goals and challenges.
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