Growing a business is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but let’s be real, my friend—it can also be downright challenging and emotionally draining. It’s not for the faint of heart! 

From excitement and joy to frustration, anger, and fear, our emotions significantly impact every aspect of our business.

In this blog, we’re going to dive deep into the importance of being aware of our emotions and how working with them can boost productivity, relationships and happiness.

Running a business as a woman comes with its own set of pressures and challenges.

Add in our natural cycles, life experiences, raising families, the chattering of our inner critic, and societal woes, and we might find ourselves in a volcano of emotions that take a toll on us mentally, emotionally, and energetically.

Juggling the demands of day-to-day life, managing personal and professional relationships, striving to meet expectations, being the go-to problem solver, and keeping our business and life on track can seriously mess with how we operate. It’s a sneaky thing that creeps up on us, piling up until it finally hits us like a ton of bricks. We feel weighed down, and it affects how we function. And sometimes, it all hits us at once, bringing us to our knees!

Instead of bringing our A-game, we might settle for our C-game and wonder why things aren’t going as smoothly as we’d like. 

Our emotions greatly influence the decisions we make, particularly in critical situations. Fear may cause us to shy away from taking risks that could benefit our business, while anger might lead us to make rash decisions without fully considering the consequences. Our sense of self-worth can even affect how we show up on social media or at social events. According to a Forbes article, writing down your emotions will help you to process them and decrease their intensity leading to better decision-making.

Our mood can significantly impact how we communicate with team members, clients, and collaborators. When we’re feeling stressed or frustrated, we may unintentionally come across as abrupt or rigid, which can harm team morale, relationships, and potential business opportunities. Then shame sets in, and we have a whole new area of emotions!

Our emotions affect how much we get done, how we serve our clients, and the quality of our work. We’re more likely to give it our all and do our best work when we’re feeling passionate and excited. On the flip side, if we’re feeling discouraged, tasks may take longer to get done, our marketing may not be on point, and we may not be as impactful as we want to be to our audience, team, and clients.

The emotional tone we set in our marketing, interactions with clients, and relationships with our team can considerably impact the outcomes we want. Creating a safe space of kindness, understanding, and strength fosters a community that thrives on honesty and personal growth.

Our physical, mental, and emotional well-being are deeply intertwined. When one aspect is out of sync, it throws off the others. We may find ourselves less focused, inefficient, crankier, or more susceptible to getting sick. Taking care of our emotional health is essential for supporting our overall well-being.

Our emotions intertwine with everything we do, which is why taking care of our emotional well-being is just as vital as paying attention to the practical and strategic sides of our business. 

Let’s be honest– not every emotion requires an elaborate, long-term, or painful process to be resolved. Sometimes, we can recognize the emotion, allow ourselves to feel it, and let it naturally dissipate. However, there are circumstances where it may take more time, deeper introspection, or the support of a professionally trained guide to help us navigate what we’re feeling inside. 

Sometimes, even being able to identify the emotion you are feeling can be extremely difficult. This interactive version of Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions can help you as you work through the tips below.

To begin looking at your emotions, try these tips:

1. Set aside dedicated time for self-reflection every day or week. Write down your thoughts and feelings, or take a moment to clear your mind. Take a few deep breaths to help you do this. 
2. Take notice of situations or events that trigger strong emotions. This awareness helps you recognize when you’re experiencing an emotional reaction and allows you to work through it.
3. Seek support from trusted friends, colleagues, a coach, or a therapist. They can help you work through the challenging moments.
4. Engage in creative activities like art, pottery, music, or dance. These outlets allow you to express and process your emotions therapeutically.
5. Attend in-person or virtual healing events such as sound therapy, Reiki, meditation, or massage therapy. These experiences can help you begin processing emotions and set a relaxing tone for your well-being.
6. Set boundaries in your personal and professional life. Creating space for personal awareness and growth is essential for maintaining emotional balance.

By better understanding your emotions, giving them space to unravel, and digging into their root causes, you can fine-tune and adapt your business strategy.  

Here are some prompts to help you in this process:

1. How do you currently feel about your business? Are you fulfilled and energized or overwhelmed and burnt out?
2. Which specific areas of your business are causing you the most stress or frustration? How are these areas impacting your happiness?
3. How do your personal values and priorities align with your business? Are there any areas where your values and priorities feel out of alignment with your business goals?
4. How much time do you want to dedicate to your business versus other areas of your life?
5. What strategies can you implement to make your business more efficient and effective so that you can spend less time working and more time on the things that truly matter to you?
6. How can you improve your communication and set healthier boundaries with clients? How can you deliver your best work without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out?
7. How can you prioritize self-care and personal growth as essential to your business strategy? What practices or habits can help you stay energized, focused, and resilient as you navigate the challenges of running a business?

When you recognize and actively engage with your emotions, it brings you clarity, helps you make better choices, and allows you to be your best self in all aspects of life. Don’t forget taking care of your emotions is just as important as handling the practical and strategic parts of your business.

If you’re craving a fresh perspective to overcome the obstacles that make business more challenging than it needs to be, and if you desire support in leveling up to the next phase, it’s time to take action! Book a Paralyzed to Profitable coaching session now and shift your business experience together! Your business—and your emotional well-being—deserve it!

Always with love,