How to Reduce Stress in Business

To say there’s stress in starting up your own business is an understatement.  There’s stress in time management, in finding capital resources, in meeting deadlines, in meeting and exceeding customer expectations, in managing your employees, etc.  When you’re starting up a new venture there’s a lot of pressure and you might put most of it on yourself.  Getting stress under control is one of the most significant challenges faced by business owners today…so how to reduce stress in business?

Make yourself a list of tasks.  This will give you a source of reference and a “go-to” place to remember what’s important.  Consider using some form of electronic document like an Excel spreadsheet.  Include things like the date a task is due, the name of the task, comments, which employees (if you have them) will be helping with the project, etc.  Include all the pertinent details.  

Prioritize.  Ask yourself where the best focus of your energy is.  Don’t waste time on extraneous activities.  Rank your tasks in terms of importance.

Try not to be a micromanager.  Delegate to your employees.  Have faith in their ability to get the job done without constantly hovering over them.  You don’t have to be a “one-man” team – your subordinates are there to help you.  Don’t forget that!

Set goals for yourself, your employees and your company so you can see your vision through to the end.  Keeping your eye on the prize is important.

Motivate your employees – they are after all there to help you.  Encourage them to succeed and give them the tools to do so.

Give yourself time to relax.  Focusing on your business 24/7 isn’t healthy.  If you’re overworked and overtired, you won’t be able to think as clearly and you might lose track of what’s really important.  Working hard is definitely a good thing but give yourself and your brain some time to rest.  This is the only way you can give your best and avoid losing focus.

Remember, time management is key.  People get stressed when they have too much to do and are unable to do it.  This could lead to cramming and leaving things to the last minute which can lead to errors and mistakes and negative long-term ramifications for your business.  Time is precious so learn how to use it wisely.  Set yourself a schedule.

Get back in touch with why you started your business to begin with and go with your gut.  What are the things that excited you at first?  What had you planned on achieving?  Make sure your daily activities encourage things you enjoy about your business.

Be in control of your business finances.  Make sure you have a good accountant handy who can look after the books.  Managing your money is always stressful so get some help to take some of the pressure off.

Enhance your sales and marketing skills.  Knowing your target audience is key so that you don’t waste your time and effort where they’re not needed; where they won’t lead to success.  No business can survive without having a handle on sales and marketing techniques.

Put procedures in place.  Think of creating an employee handbook so your subordinates will know how to handle things if you’re called away.  Learn how to be a real manager.

Get your personal life under control.  While it’s important to have one, you don’t want it getting in the way of your business.  Make sure all aspects of your life are equally balanced.

Forgive yourself.  We’re all bound to make mistakes in business but don’t let them marinate and throw you off course.  Every day is a new chance to start over so be sure to keep that in mind and always be moving forward.  Looking back is merely an exercise in futility.

Keep perspective.  Remember, things don’t always come easy in business.  There are going to be bumps in the road.  Try and let them roll of your back.  Don’t dwell on the past you can’t change.

Lastly, accept responsibility.  Don’t point fingers and blame others when times get tough.  Remember, you’re the boss and it’s your job to keep the ship sailing.

Here are some articles you might want to check out about reducing stress in business:

“Stress reduction in 4 ways for Busy Business Owners”: http://rosiemedia.com/2012/03/16/stress-reduction-in-4-ways-for-busy-business-owners/

“6 Easy Ways to reduce Stress”: http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/6-easy-ways-to-reduce-stress.html

“Four Simple Ways to reduce Small Business Stress”: http://smallbusinessbonfire.com/reduce-small-business-stress

“Stress Management Key to Keeping Business (And Owner) Alive”: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/119-stress-management-business-owner.html

Until next time…