Just saw the movie "The Founder". It's about Ray Kroc, the guy who made McDonald's what it is. It was so overwhelming to watch the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Kroc.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Confucius
'Happiness', 'happy', 'Be happy'. We read so much about it. How crucial is the ability to be happy at work, to be successful? Many entrepreneurs are not happy. Or, even worse, they suffer at work.
So why bother and open a business?
Many people don’t like working for other people, so they find it a good solution opening their own business. This post gives you the tools to be an owner and to be happy.
Part 1 - Creating a business that can free you - Working On your business:
Open a business with a reason - Have a WHY for your business. Never open a business just for the money, or, not to be a hired employee. Whom do you want to help? Helping others can help you become happy at work.
Have a big vision – After the WHY, having a vision is the next step. Plan where you want to take your business in the next 3-5 years. Include your people and show them the way. Let them be inspired by it, so you can do it together. Add to that sharing great company values so that you have great culture in the company. Working with like-minded people, is good for your happiness.
Choose your employees wisely – Hire for values, and not just for skills. Skills can be learned, attitude not so much. You want people like minded working together.
Mentor your people – Your people, in the company, are your arms and legs. Teach them everything you know, so they can eventually work without you.
Build systems – Systems are the foundation of the business. After your people are trained and familiar with the systems. The work can be done by each one in the organization. It allows you, the owner, to take long vacations, and to know that they are taking good care of your business. Working ON your business is not enough!
Part 2 – Creating a life that will make you happy.
Have Work-Life Balance - Never forget your private life. Working fourteen hours a day, six days a week, will not make you happy. It will make you tired, overwhelmed and cranky. Have time for your family, your hobbies and your health. When you take good care of yourself you can take care of all others, including your workplace, your employees and your customers. They all deserve the best version of you.
Give yourself a present every day - "Dale Cooper: Harry, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee." (Quote from Twin Peaks). Never have a day without some high points – coffee, quality time with family, sports event on TV, a good book, listening to music, exercising and more.
Count your blessings - Be grateful. Grateful to the good in your life. Every night before you go to sleep count your blessings. Nothing in your life should be taken for granted. Health, work, family, pure water, your home, your food, your car, your freedom and more. There are so many who don’t share that fortune. Remember the little things – the cup of coffee in the morning, a nice sunset, a successful project, a disaster that almost happened and eventually was just a minor issue. Look for these little things that comprise a great day.
Play – A Philosophy taken from the Fish! (the Seattle fish market). Find ways to have fun at work. Every task can be boring, but if you make it fun it will be better. Find ceremonies at work, like; celebrating a new deal, making a habit of having lunch together with employees, and many other ways of playing at work.
Choose your attitude – You and only you, have the power to choose how you react to things that happen to you. Breathe, count to 5, never get angry, choose your words wisely, smile, try to understand before being understood. Every morning, when you wake up, have a daily ritual – choose your attitude, make this day count, plan to enjoy it.
Happiness at work comes from multiple factors, combined like pieces in a puzzle. When you eventually complete the picture, you can be happy.
insights that I believe can be helpful for every entrepreneur.
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."
Earl Nightingale (An American radio speaker and author)