Six women sitting at table talking in a business setting — Group of six women sitting around a table talking in a business setting. Photo by Stacy Keck Photo

In Your Corner is one of You Belong Here’s signature programs. We like to refer to it as “business therapy”. To be perfectly honest, it is a time for creatives and small businesses, alike, to make the time to center ourselves as individuals who are building, operating, and managing a business. Most often than not, business networking events and mixers invite us to come together to talk business, strategy, outcome, growth… constant input of information, and forced growth concepts. We spend so much of our valuable time “doing the damn thing” and very little time and energy on ourselves as leaders, mentors, and visionaries.

We forget about the hamster on the wheel (yes, we are that hamster, you and I—you seen!! We want off. We want to sleep. We know that it’s not sustainable to be on this wheel for too long, but yet, here we are. We keep getting on it, knowing damn well, we are just going to spin. We know we want rest and connection. And time and time again we reject that need, maintaining the mindset that if we keep building faster, smarter, better, we will feel accomplished. Instead, we find ourselves burnt out, unrecognizable, exhausted, and lacking the ability to recognize joy and play.

March’s In Your Corner topic was about ASKING FOR WHAT YOU NEED. Many of us came to the realization that we just want to PLAY, be inspired, and use our creativity for our own enjoyment. We’ve highlighted below some topics of discussion that we invite you to journal about. If you scroll further below, we give you some insight about why it is important to recognize your needs and begin implementing more space, play, and rest in your day-to-day as a business owner.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

As a group, the following questions and themes came up in conversation. We invite you to explore these in your journal, or with your fellow business pals, or with your friends/family.

How and why do we get in the way of ourselves?
As creatives, why do we feel the need to turn passions and new hobbies into a business?
Zone of Excellence Zone of Genius - What does this statement mean to you?
How is your environment/atmosphere impacting you (positive or negatively)?

Women with toy in hand — Woman with toy in hand. Phot by Stacy Keck Photo

TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNER CHECK-IN

Celebrate a current win
Recognize how you are feeling in the here and now, how much of it is all about business? How much of it is about you?
Ask yourself “what do YOU need”? No, not your business. You.
What are the small steps to take to meet those needs? How can you avoid getting in the way of yourself?

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Rest and play are crucial for small business owners to maintain their overall health and wellbeing, increase productivity and creativity, and strengthen relationships. By taking time to recharge and engage in activities outside of work, small business owners can set themselves up for success in the long run. Here are some reasons to consider taking a break and PLAYING:

two women sitting side-by-side doing origami — Two women side-by-side doing origami. Photo by Stacy Keck Photo

Avoid burnout: Running a small business can be stressful and overwhelming. Taking time to rest and play can help prevent burnout, which can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and motivation.
Boost productivity: Rest and play can help small business owners increase their productivity. Studies show that taking breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy can increase energy levels, reduce stress, and improve focus and concentration.
Promote creativity: Engaging in activities outside of work can stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas. When you take a break from work, your mind has time to wander, and you may come up with new and innovative ideas for your business.
Improve mental health: Rest and play can also have positive effects on mental health. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can impact overall health and well-being.
Enhance relationships: Taking time to rest and play can also improve relationships. Spending time with family and friends, or participating in group activities, can strengthen connections and build a support network.