# Strategies for Sustainable Success: Balancing Joy and Stress
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Selecting the Right Strategy
In the world of entrepreneurship, there are countless ways to approach building a business. However, not every strategy is suitable for every individual or venture. A few months ago, I invested significantly in a business launch program that emphasized action-oriented coaching. This experience proved valuable, particularly as it encouraged me to increase my social media presence for my business—a task I had previously avoided due to fears of judgment.
Yet, I struggled with other prescribed strategies, such as initiating conversations with 20 new LinkedIn contacts daily. As an introvert, the idea of engaging in numerous genuine discussions with strangers—even online—felt overwhelming. Despite witnessing my peers achieve significant financial success, I was reluctant to abandon the strategy. I pushed myself to engage in these conversations but quickly found myself drained and uninspired. The pressure to conform to methods that didn't resonate with my authentic self left me feeling depleted.
As Nikola Tesla famously said, "If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." This notion of energy is crucial. Scientifically, our bodies are comprised of trillions of mitochondria that transform chemical energy into electric energy, essential for communication among our organs and cells. As Martin Picard, a professor at Columbia University, notes, the fundamental difference between a living person and a corpse is the flow of energy through the body.
Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explores the concept of energy systems to promote healing. Our bodies encompass both material and energetic systems, with each capable of transforming into the other.
Chapter 2: Finding Your Unique Strategies
Rather than forcing myself to adhere strictly to the coaching program's guidelines, I opted to identify strategies that felt right for me—perhaps even adapting some of the program's methods to fit my style.
Section 2.1: Generating a Comprehensive Strategy List
The first step was creating a master list of available strategies. I included everything from the training I had received to what my peers were doing and my own brainstormed ideas.
Section 2.2: Assessing Energy Levels
Next, I categorized these strategies based on how energized I felt about them. I color-coded the list: green represented high energy, orange indicated moderate energy, and red highlighted low energy. For instance, strategies that required me to consistently appear on camera triggered a knee-jerk reaction, landing them firmly in the red zone.
Research from the National Library of Medicine offers various methods for measuring energy expenditure, such as metabolic rates and heart rates. To apply this concept to strategy selection, I could assess past strategies' outcomes or test new ones on a small scale. However, I also explored a more introspective approach by closing my eyes and asking myself several reflective questions:
- What activities seem most enjoyable?
- Which strategies align with my strengths?
- Which ones pique my curiosity?
- Which strategies engage me intellectually or emotionally?
- Which actions would bring a smile to my face?
- What would my friends or family encourage me to pursue?
- How would my future self view these decisions?
- What would a trusted mentor advise?
Chapter 3: Aligning Strategy with Energy
Research from the University of Surrey reveals that employees who dampen the energy of their colleagues are less likely to remain with their company. This underscores how energy impacts not only individual well-being but also the overall functioning of organizations.
I employ a strategy versus energy matrix to visualize my options and their alignment with my core values. Each week, I select at least one green-zone strategy and one from the orange or red zone. The green strategy keeps me motivated, while the other pushes me to grow. This approach helps me evaluate the energizing potential of my strategies, and if I find myself predominantly selecting low-energy options, I revisit my strategy list to ensure my entrepreneurial journey remains fulfilling.
Section 3.1: Managing Less Energizing Strategies
When I need to engage with less energizing strategies, I proactively manage my energy. This includes prioritizing hydration, increasing meditation, and scheduling regular breaks. Additionally, I seek support—whether through extra coaching or simply informing my partner that I may be irritable during these times.
Maintaining stability in other life areas is also crucial when tackling energy-draining tasks. For example, I avoid starting new relationships or entering competitions when I’m committed to sending out numerous cold emails.
Parting Thoughts
By recognizing the significance of harmonizing energy with strategy, I cultivated a more positive perspective on my business endeavors. I began each week with high energy and ended it feeling fulfilled. Engaging with strategies that resonate with my ideal clients and their needs came naturally and yielded greater success, as the emotional energy I had previously expended on more challenging strategies was now available for the energizing ones.
Building a business is inherently risky and often uncomfortable. Therefore, it's vital to leverage your strengths and engage in activities that come naturally to you. Selecting strategies that energize you can transform your entrepreneurial journey into a more enjoyable experience, reducing unnecessary stress along the way.