Owning a Business With a Chronic Illness - 5 Tips to Having a Smoother Productive Day (BMM EP020)
Sep 10, 2024
"Outsource tasks that drain your energy or that you're not particularly good at."
I hope this note finds you well and thriving. Today, I have a special treat for you—a topic that holds a significant place in my heart and, I’m sure, resonates with many of you. We're diving into the world of owning a business while managing a chronic illness, and I have five life-changing tips to make your days smoother and more productive, no matter how you're feeling.
Tip 1: Master the Brain Dump
A brain dump is a super simple yet oh-so-effective method to clear your mind. Spend five minutes jotting down all your thoughts, ideas, and to-do lists. You don't have to be neat; just let it flow. Follow it up with a quick 15-minute tidy-up around your living space. It's amazing how clearing both mental and physical clutter can set the stage for a calmer, more focused day.
Tip 2: Establish Morning and Nighttime Routines
Consistency is key, my friends. Start your day by picking the top three things from your brain dump that you want to accomplish. This practice not only organizes your day but also sets a calming rhythm. Personalize this routine—maybe it’s sipping celery juice while soaking up the morning sun or meditating before bed. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Tip 3: Identify Your Golden Hour
We all have a time of day when we’re at our best. For some, it's the crack of dawn (yes, I see you, early birds!), and for others, it might be late at night. Identify your golden hour and schedule your most critical tasks during this time. For me, that's before 11 AM. Prioritizing my most important task first ensures that even if the rest of the day goes sideways, I’ve achieved something valuable.
Tip 4: The Power of Outsourcing
This is a biggie—don’t try to do it all. I repeat, don’t try to do it all! Outsource tasks that drain your energy or that you're not particularly good at. Personally, outsourcing meal prep and hiring a virtual assistant has been a game-changer. Couldn’t keep up with meal prepping? Outsource it. Drowning in admin tasks? Hire a VA. Let go of the guilt and embrace the freedom it brings.
Tip 5: Create a Health Info Binder
This might seem a bit off the beaten path, but it's incredibly empowering. Compile all your health information—doctor’s contacts, medications, treatment plans—into one binder. This will not only help you keep track but also make it easier for loved ones to assist you if needed. Plus, looking at that binder is a tangible reminder of how strong and resilient you are.
There you have it—five tips to help you rock your business and life, despite any chronic illnesses you might be juggling. Remember, you're more than any diagnosis or label. You're a powerhouse, and your dreams are so worth pursuing.
Is there anything you’re struggling with? Have tips of your own you'd love to share? Hit reply to this email or leave a comment—we're all in this together, and I love hearing from you!
P.S. If you found these tips helpful, why not share them with a fellow entrepreneur who could use a bit of inspiration? Forward this email or the link and spread the love.
P.P.S. Don't forget to follow me on social (@suzanneproksa everywhere) and join my Facebook group for more tips, tricks, and a whole lot of community support!
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ABOUT SUZANNE PROKSA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HHP
I'm Suzanne Proksa. A SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified Human Resources and Business Strategist, IAWP Certified Wellness Coach, AADP certified Holistic Health Practitioner, fierce supporter of women, and autoimmune educator + advocate. My focus is supporting, coaching, and creating programs for women, people-focused organizations, and online businesses so they can positively impact their own lives and those of others.
In my time as an online strategist, I've helped thousands of women gain confidence, establish clarity in their businesses, get visible and drive audience growth, create simple strategies and automation to grow their businesses, crush their tech challenges, and start making sales. During my time in HR, I have launched and led multiple initiatives to enrich and improve company culture and the employee experience. I've had my hands in business nearly my entire life starting when I was a kid selling my creations in my neighborhood. My business Bliss Candles was a Featured Seller on Etsy, featured in the book “How to Make Money on Etsy,” and a community favorite - and also a trailblazer in online marketing for small business.
My work has been published and featured in the Huffington Post, Medium, Thrive Global, the Amazing Women of Influence Summit, and on my beloved podcasts.
I've been honored with nominations for the MISHRM Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the HR Unite! Inspire Award, and the HR Unite! TA Trailblazer Award.
When I'm not loving on my business or being the best HR leader I can be -- I'm lifting up people however I can, strength training, studying all things women's health, geeking out over technology, attending networking events, and working/living in the beautiful oasis I've built at home.
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