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Calling All Entrepreneurs — No Matter What Your Age!
If you have what it takes to be your own boss, go for it! When entrepreneurship is embraced with the attitude that it can lead to a healthier lifestyle, it has the potential to provide more than just monetary rewards.
Think independence. Having your own business allows you to produce an income when you want and likewise, to take time off when you want. The healthy lifestyle benefits are tremendous when you're in charge. If you need to take a "me" day or an extra-long lunch break to recharge, your body will thank you and you'll have no one but yourself to answer to.
First, you have to decide if starting your own business is right for you. Whether you're just starting your career, or nearing the point where you thought you would retire, consider the advantages that being the boss of your own business can offer at different life stages.
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Advantages of Youth |
Advantages of Age |
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Energy |
Money - You've had time to save the cash required to fund a new business |
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Free time - Less likely to have a family that would require your financial support and time |
Connections |
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Young enough to recover financial losses should failure occur |
Experience |
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Open-minded, eager to learn |
Patience and wisdom |
Beware the Trap of Working 24/7
If you do decide to start your own business, go at it with an attitude to succeed, but don't burn out in the process. Keep reminding yourself to take advantage of the independence that being your own boss affords you. The temptation to work all the time is a habit that can be especially easy to fall into for the entrepreneur who works from home.
After all, a great reason to start your own business is to avoid the burnout that is often brought on by a work environment you aren't in control of. Work-related causes of burnout are:
- Feeling like you have little control over your work
- Lack of recognition
- Overly demanding job expectations
- Work that is unchallenging
- Working in a high-pressure environment
Physical symptoms of burnout may be:
- Feeling tired and drained
- Lowered immunity
- Frequent headaches, back pain, muscle aches
- Change in appetite or sleep habits
When you are in control of your own business, you have the ability to take charge of your day. Following these simple tips can help keep your body and mind in good shape.
Eat Breakfast and a Healthy Lunch. When you're not rushing out the door to get to the office, you have the ability to take the time to eat well and avoid the fast-food restaurants that surround many workplaces. When you eat right, you'll have more energy to handle what the day sends your way.
Set Boundaries. If you work from home, dedicate one area to where you work. Learn to turn off work and do other things you find enjoyable.
Take Time to Exercise. It can be as easy as walking around the block — you'll enjoy an elevated heart rate and the fresh air.
Take the Time To Do What's Important to You. When no one is looking over your shoulder to see how productive you are, making you feel stressed, you're eliminating the damaging effects that stress can lead to. Go ahead and make an appointment for a spa treatment during the day. Play sports. Go on vacation.
The opportunity to take control of your well-being is one that will benefit the entrepreneur of any age.
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