hey @aditi1002 glad you’re asking about this; too many founders assume that it’s just something that should happen naturally or passively, but it’s not often the case.
In the early days I assumed the startup was a sprint and I had to sink all my energy into it. After a few years I realized that I had a similar state-of-mind, regardless of progress and problems. I felt hurried and assumed at any step the whole thing could come crashing down.
Over time I’m not “running a startup” but “doing work”. And with “doing work” comes a different perspective:
- Work is not the only thing in my life; I have other key priorities
- Work is meant to be fulfilling and rewards
- I should enjoy my work each day and each week and each month
If I was in a job and work took over my life and I was unhappy then I’d quit. So why do I need to create an environment where work isn’t the things above.
Some specific things that have worked for me:
- Confiding anxieties in a partner or co-founder or mentor. Having someone listen that can re-assure you that things are okay
- Making physical health a priority; exercising every day / regularly
- Celebrating all the small wins in a big way
I do meditate and have been for years, and although so many people claim it as a solution to anxiety, I find that the benefits of this to be slow and often invisible. One thing that has been effective is being part of a meditation group where the teacher takes questions and helps provide perspective. The group I’m a part of and you can also join is sundaysangha.org.