Self-development and mindset work are about so much more than the buzzwords they may bring to mind. Time to ourselves and developing tools for our resilience and mindset are essential for running an online business.
As an online entrepreneur myself, I’ve had to learn this alot along the way… sometimes in difficult ways, sometimes in beautiful ways. It’s all part of this journey, my friend.
Today I want to share with you 10 of my favorite self-development ideas when you need to spend some time pouring into yourself.
1. Read an Inspirational Book
Whenever I’m sitting down to practice some self-development, I love to pull out one of my favorite inspirational reads. This is a quick way to get myself re-aligned to the greater purpose behind what I do, why I’m doing it, and how I can be even more intentional along the way.
Here are my personal favorite self-development books:
- A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
- The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
- Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss
- ReWork: Change the Way You Work Forever by Jason Fried
- The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
2. Journal
Taking the time to just write out what’s on your mind, even if it’s a simple brain dump, is one of the best things to do when you’re feeling anxious or lost in your business. I find it really provides me with mental clarity to know which way to turn to next.
Another form of journaling I really love to practice is gratitude journaling, especially in those more challenging moments. It can be hard, but it’s one of the best ways to remember all the wonderful things already going right for your business and in life.
If you’re ever stuck on what to journal about, you can always look up some guided journal prompts too! Such as..
- What does your dream day look like?
- What piece of advice would you give to 16-year-old you?
- What sets your soul on fire?
3. Listen To A Podcast
Listening to a podcast or watching a motivational video is a fun way to learn while still developing your mindset and professional skills. As a designer, I love listening to podcasts to keep me inspired and in the zone as I work. My personal favorite is the Podcast, How I Built This.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Though a few of the other things I’ve touched on, like journaling, can be considered mindset work, there are other excellent mindset practices you can start to learn and keep in your back pocket.
What’s important is to find what personally works well for you.
Though I don’t personally practise each of these daily, other mindset practices can include affirmation cards, oracle cards, chakra healing, and more. Explore and follow your curiosity!
Here are 15 of my favorite self-care activities.
5. Exercise
Whenever I’m feeling creatively blocked or needing to really shake out some lousy energy, I move my body. Ideally, I drive out to nature and get into the woods – that is optimal! If you can combine both nature and exercise, then this is a total winner.
I personally love running, hiking, yoga, swimming, and ice skating.
Getting movement in really disrupts our stress or anxiety and gives our body and mind something new to focus on – not to mention the endorphins and other happy chemicals our brains get to enjoy from exercise!
6. Define Your Own Sense of Balance
This one is huge. Let’s face it. There is a lot of noise in the online space about what success and balance look like. Some thrive in the ‘hustle hard’ culture of working 12+ hour days, while others can simply dedicate 12 hours a week to their business.
There is no right or wrong! We all have different lives and responsibilities, dreams and desires.
So make sure that you take the time to define what balance really means to YOU.
This was one of the best things I’ve done for my business and, of course, for my mindset.
If you’re not sure how to begin, grab a blank sheet of paper, and start jotting down what balance is and what balance isn’t for you.
7. Practice Your Craft With a Mock Assignment
When I was just beginning my career as a designer, this was one of the best things I did for my self-development: creating mock assignments for myself.
This allows you to practice and refine your craft while also creating samples of your work to show to potential clients. A portfolio is a must for us designers and creatives, and when you’re just getting started, this is a great way to highlight your skills!
8. Watch a Workshop or Learn a New Skill
Similarly, watching a workshop or learning a new skill are also fabulous ways to work on your self-development while also re-inspiring yourself in your work.
9. Meditate
This one is tough because it’s likely if you’re reading this, you’ve heard of meditation before and struggle to keep a consistent practice.
Getting quiet in some form, even if your meditation cannot be a full session every day, really allows for you to gain mental clarity, receive guidance, and calm and soothe your energy. It really helps me to get recentered, especially before a client call.
This is the piece for making meditation sustainable: your version doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s! Just make sure to give yourself quiet reflection time, even just for 5 minutes, daily.
10. Start a Blog About What Matters To YOU
I think this is my favorite part about having a blog. Don’t get me wrong, there are tons of reasons why your business needs a blog, but the ability to get deeper and more personal on things that are important to me is one of the best parts.
For example, I really am passionate about topics like this: mindset and self-development. On the blog, I can take the time to really speak from my heart and share about these topics that maybe aren’t necessarily obviously connected to my design business, but the truth is… they ARE.
Because topics that matter to you – things that you value – are what will bond you with your ideal client. So blogging is not just great for you for creativity and self-expression and speaking about things that matter to you… but it’s also good for your business.
Here are a couple of blog posts about blogging that will give you the extra tips you need:
5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Blog
8 Hot Blogging Tips for Business Owners
Wouldn’t it be cool to start sharing your story online today?
Start Sharing Your Story Today…
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About Brittany:
Brittany Hastings is a website & Showit template designer for creatives. Brittany strives to support other business owners with the rapidly expanding online business world to go after their dreams.
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