Number One Priority for Women Entrepreneurs: Essential Self Care

Under an aqua blue umbrella, in the shade of a half century old maple tree, two women sat sipping ice cold water to stay comfortable. It was a warm July Monday with cardinals tweeting and sun glowing. The setting was perfect for a discussion on self-care for working women. A typical work place setting it was not; yet ideal for the honest conversation unfolding.

Adam, Tracy and Thomas Higginbotham

Some women are fortunate with careers reignited by the fuel of freedom when post-college sons or daughters find careers; but others struggle to fill their time with something more meaningful when the duties of motherhood are done. If a woman spends all her time paying attention to everyone else’s needs, she can find herself depleted of direction and passion. It is essential women take self-care seriously during all stages of life, but especially when they are exhausted putting everyone else first.

Twice in my two-decade career I found myself in need of medical sabbaticals necessitating a break from the typical hours of my busy work life as a solo entrepreneur. Throughout this time period, I witnessed other women needing to do the same due to health, marriage or family issues. In the American way of life, its hard to admit to needing time away from work to concentrate on personal issues. It may be seen as weakness or lack of passion when it’s really about survival or obligation.

Since solo women entrepreneurs represent a majority of my organization, I try to lead by example with honesty about my needs to take a break while being treated with new medicines, stepping away to attend to a dying father or happily spending time with my sons before leaving for college. We forget we become women entrepreneurs for the freedom and flexibility of career life. We are in charge. We choose our path, time and efforts.

Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is meant to remind you that you are a “woman” first and “entrepreneur” second. If you want to spend time with a high school friend, take two weeks off work to enjoy the weather or seek respite for self-care, you can! You have control over your life. If you have a good communications plan to announce a short respite, then send it knowing your clients will understand and will be there when you return. Turn off your electronic devices and attend to yourself first.