More and more people these days are wanting to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams over a corporate 9 to 5 job because of a lack of growth and inadequate pay. Sometimes, just getting a job in a company is hard because of competition.
With that, people are getting into solopreneurship for the freedom to choose their work and for the flexibility it offers when it comes to time. It’s a great career path for those who are after work-life balance.
I’d like to think that most solopreneurs run businesses that they love.
But can one run a business alone and happy?
Well, solo doesn’t have to mean boring.
I listed 9 habits of happy solopreneurs that you can cultivate in your solopreneur journey:
1. They’re optimistic.
Bad things happen even to the best of us, but optimistic solopreneurs don’t complain. They move forward. They find solutions instead of dwelling on problems. They’re the ones who can find the silver lining, no matter how bad a situation is. They don’t sweat the small stuff. This is especially true when your business is just starting. There will be wins and losses but an optimistic solopreneur will know how to turn the negative into a learning experience.
2. They connect with the right people.
And by connecting I don’t just mean trying to network for business purposes. Connect with people who are good for your heart, mind, and soul. Surround yourself with people who share your dreams and success. Be with people who push you up and pick up when you fail.
3. They ask for help.
Happy solopreneurs and successful ones know when they need help and they’re not afraid to ask. They’re passionate people. They’re experts on something, but most times, not everything. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s an opportunity to learn.
4. Which brings us to “They’re thankful.”
Try waking up every day and just say “I am thankful for…” Do it before you hit the bed, too. Say thank you to someone who has helped you. Gratitude is free and brings about a whole lot of happy feelings. Say thank you even to the 6.
Read more: 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude in Your Business
5. They don’t make excuses.
When something fails, a happy solopreneur knows how to take responsibility. He doesn’t point a finger to blame anyone. If he was the one who failed, he admits the mistake and works on solutions.
6. They manage their time well.
Achieving work-life balance has a lot to do with time management. When you put off a task for tomorrow when you could have done it today makes you less efficient. Effective time management, let’s you do your business while still having enough time to enjoy other aspects of your life.
7. They continue to learn.
As I mentioned, we’re not experts on every single thing, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t grow. Learn a new craft. Attend workshops and seminars. Find a new hobby. There’s no stopping progress even for us.
8. They share.
Happy solopreneurs share their knowledge and skills. Be a speaker for a class you’re an expert in. Inspire others. Remember, we all started from zero before we got to where we are. Be someone who pays it forward.
9. Lastly, they take care of themselves.
Give yourself time to sleep. Eat a well-balanced food. Go to the gym. Travel to a place you’ve never been too. Reward yourself with some shopping or a massage. Do things that you love (without breaking the bank, of course). Happy solopreneurs take care of themselves because it is them that keep their businesses running.
You’re working hard and working alone, but you can still enjoy the ride. With this list, I hope you can turn your life around so this journey can be more fun and beneficial for you.
Are there habits that you live by that helped you stay happy as a business owner? I’d love to know!
