Take a Brake: 5 Myths of Slow Entrepreneurship
What exactly do we mean when we say “Slow Entrepreneurship”? The word “slow” can encompass many different ideas, some true and some misleading. Today, we’re clearing-up some of those messages by debunking 5 Myths of Slow Entrepreneurship.
Words: SARAH MAGIDOFF
Photograph: JEREMY LAPAK
MYTH #1: “SLOWING DOWN MEANS IT’LL TAKE LONGER TO REACH MY GOALS.”
Truth: Taking time-off can actually speed-up productivity, as rested minds produce creative solutions more rapidly than fatigued ones. Just think of all the problem-solving you’ve accomplished while on a bathroom break! So today, if you find yourself in a mid-day lull, step away for a bit. When you come back, you may be able to finish your task in a fraction of the time.
MYTH #2: “SLOWING DOWN SOUNDS IDEAL, BUT WHEN I DO, I FEEL GUILTY OR LAZY.”
Truth: Working culture likes to reward hours spent at a desk. However, lengthy days can be an indication of distracted and inefficient practices. Instead of making it your goal to work as much as possible, make it your goal to be as productive, efficient, and effective as possible. Then, when you step away from your work, you can feel good about your hard work and accomplishments, and rest guilt-free.
MYTH #3: “SLOWING DOWN MEANS I WON’T BE ABLE TO BRING IN ENOUGH WORK OR MAKE ENOUGH MONEY.”
Truth: Jump-off the hamster wheel of trading hours for dollars by developing creative solutions to help each hour go further. Creating digital products, developing e-courses, or designing a membership platform are a few ways to create once, and sell over and over again. Instead of thinking “How can I do more?” think “How can I do more with less.”
MYTH #4: “SLOWING DOWN WILL REQUIRE ME TO OVERHAUL MY ENTIRE BUSINESS, AND I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THAT!”
Truth: It can be tempting to think of slowing down as an all or nothing approach. However, taking one step at a time towards slowing down can generate impactful results with immediate payout. Try defining one simple, easily achievable practice, and once you’ve mastered it, add another one. In time, you will have made enough small-scale changes while achieving large-scale results.
MYTH #5: “SLOWING DOWN MEANS I SHOULD NEVER HUSTLE.”
Truth: There certainly are times when work and life require us to hustle (#pandemiclife!) But rather than allowing hustle to become a lifestyle, it’s important to practice it in partnership with balance. For example, if you find yourself spending a few late nights in the office, give yourself permission to sleep-in the following day. Or, if a deadline requires you to work through a weekend, give yourself a mid-week “weekend” by taking a day or two off once you’ve met your deadline. If you find yourself in a season of hustle, create pockets of purposeful rest at regular intervals. That could be taking a week-off at the end of every quarter, a day-off every other week, or even allowing yourself to observe late starts during the season of hustle. Divvy-up your time to allow yourself to be both rested and productive in whatever capacity feels good to you.
WHICH MYTH MOST RESONATES WITH YOU?
I’d love to hear from you! Email me at slowentrepreneur@gmail.com. - Sarah