# Don’t Let Business Ruin You: Methods to Overcome Stress

Hello, friends! My name is Michael. I am an IT entrepreneur specializing in various SaaS solutions across different sectors and industries. Throughout my career, I have managed several companies, executed large-scale projects, and, unfortunately, faced bankruptcy. Therefore, I am intimately familiar with what stress in an entrepreneur’s life entails.

If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or top executive, you have likely encountered elevated levels of stress as well. It’s not just an unpleasant feeling—chronic stress can lead to decreased work efficiency and serious health issues. In this article, I will share proven techniques and methods that help me and my clients overcome stressful situations.

# The Problem of Stress Among Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is an exhilarating yet highly stressful journey. According to a study by GoLab, 72% of business owners experience stress levels comparable to clinical depression. Imagine, nearly three-quarters of all entrepreneurs are constantly under significant emotional strain.

## Why Do Business Owners Experience Such High Levels of Stress?

There are four main reasons:

1. Lack of Financial Stability: Unlike salaried employees, entrepreneurs bear full responsibility for the financial well-being of their business and team. Navigating through investment opportunities near me and securing funding from venture capital firms or angel investors adds to this uncertainty.

2. Increased Level of Responsibility: An entrepreneur’s decisions impact not only their own life but also that of employees, partners, and clients. Dealing with venture capital companies or private equity firms means making high-stakes decisions that can amplify stress.

3. High Level of Uncertainty: The market is constantly changing, and predicting all risks is virtually impossible. Engaging with startups and navigating through the dynamics of venture capital can add layers of unpredictability.

4. Overwhelming Amount of Information: Entrepreneurs must juggle numerous details related to various aspects of the business. From managing startup jobs to interacting with equity investors, the sheer volume of information can be daunting.

Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Freeman, who studies the psychology of entrepreneurs, found that compared to regular employees, business owners are twice as likely to develop mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. If you feel like you’re coping, you might just be accustomed to this state and consider it normal. However, ignoring stress can end disastrously for both your business and your personal well-being.

# Basic Tips for Reducing Stress

How can you tackle this issue? Here are some proven methods that help me and my clients:

## Time Management

Time management is a crucial skill for reducing stress. When you plan your day, tasks, and goals clearly, life becomes more predictable and manageable. To achieve this:

• Use a Calendar: I recommend Google Calendar or any other tool that suits you. Schedule all meetings, deadlines, and important events.

• Plan Tasks: Break down large goals into smaller steps and allocate them across days.

• Recommended Reading: If you’re new to time management, I recommend Gleb Arkhangelsky’s book “Time Drive.” It offers practical advice on managing time without unnecessary stress.

## Hiring a Business Assistant

A business assistant is not a luxury but a necessity for effective business management. The two main tasks of an assistant are:

1. Alleviating Routine Work: An assistant can handle organizing your work schedule, reminding you of meetings, and monitoring task completion.

2. Increasing Efficiency: By delegating certain responsibilities, you can focus on strategic issues and reduce stress levels.

It’s important to properly organize work with your assistant and clearly distribute areas of responsibility.

## Business Systematization

When company processes are documented and structured, it reduces uncertainty and increases control over the situation. To achieve this:

• Document Processes: Create guidelines and instructions for employees.

• Implement Regular Meetings: This helps keep a pulse on the business and respond promptly to changes.

• Use Dashboards and Metrics: They provide a clear picture of the business’s status.

Systematization not only reduces stress levels but also enhances the efficiency of the entire team.

# Methods to Combat Stress in Critical Situations

Unfortunately, there are moments in an entrepreneur’s life when standard methods don’t suffice. Here’s my personal experience overcoming the most challenging periods. I had to go through a business bankruptcy that I had built over ten years. At the same time, family difficulties arose, and I lost both parents. I understand what it means to be in a situation where there seems to be no way out. However, these moments became growth points for me and allowed me to find effective methods to combat stress.

## The Worst-Case Scenario Method

The essence of this method is to sit down and thoroughly describe the worst possible outcome. Take a sheet of paper and write down all potential negative consequences. Then, develop an action plan for each scenario.

Why Does This Work? Uncertainty breeds fear. When you specify your fears, they stop seeming insurmountable.

This method helps reduce anxiety and return to rational thinking. It is detailed in Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.”

## Emotion Processing Technique

Many men are taught from childhood to suppress their emotions, leading to accumulated internal tension. To eliminate it:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that you’re experiencing fear, anger, or frustration.

2. Focus on Your Body: Close your eyes and concentrate on physical sensations: where in your body do you feel tension?

3. Allow Emotions to Emerge: Don’t try to suppress them. Give yourself time to experience these feelings.

This technique helps release internal tension and make more balanced decisions.

## Acceptance of the Situation: “I Did All I Could”

Sometimes it’s important to acknowledge that you’ve done everything possible in a given situation.

• Release Control and Trust the Process: Accept that there are factors beyond your influence. Let events unfold while maintaining inner calm.

This isn’t a call to inaction but a way to alleviate unnecessary tension and focus on what is truly within your power.

# Conclusion

Stress is an integral part of an entrepreneur’s life, but it can and should be managed. By applying these techniques, you can not only reduce stress levels but also enhance the efficiency of your business. Co-Founder Ai offers various tools that can assist you in managing your startup and connecting with the right venture capital firms and angel investors to alleviate financial stressors. What methods do you use to combat stress? Share your experiences.