The state of being grounded refers to mental and emotional stability—living in the present and focusing on the current moment, rather than being stuck in the past or lost in thoughts about the future. It’s about having a down-to-earth attitude.
Let’s face it: starting and running a business is complex, with many moving parts and, often, a hefty dose of stress. There are countless ways to lose focus, get overwhelmed, or fall into the pitfalls that entrepreneurs face at any stage. In my opinion, the concept of being grounded is one of the fundamental pillars of success as an entrepreneur. Establishing and maintaining a routine that helps you practice grounding techniques and return to your center in times of chaos and adversity is an invaluable tool.
A variety of challenges—like unexpected setbacks, financial strain, loss of direction, or the pressures of balancing work and life—can leave our emotions running high, our energy depleted, and our nervous systems in distress. Without a way to return to our center, this imbalance can lead to feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, causing us to lose momentum. Our ability to make clear choices gets clouded, overthinking sets in, and we risk making rash decisions—or none at all, which can leave us stuck.
Grounding in Practice: How to Incorporate It and Why It Helps
- Slow down and reduce the “outside noise”
Most entrepreneurs are always on the go, and slowing down can be difficult. However, taking the time to reduce speed and quiet your mind will help you think more clearly, navigate challenges more effectively, and avoid overthinking. - Practice staying present daily
When mental chatter starts to pull you away from the present, take a breather. Find a quiet space—outdoors if possible—and spend a few minutes focusing on what’s happening right now. Bring the issue at hand to the forefront, and let go of the self-criticism, the “what ifs,” and the “should haves.” By clearing space for your intuition, you’ll often find that deep down, you already know the answers. - Stand your ground and be authentic
Staying connected to your values, ethics, and purpose is part of your “why.” When you are fully invested in what matters to you, it resonates with others. Your clients will sense when they’re experiencing the real you. - Mitigate stress
(Easier said than done, right?)Incorporating stress-relief techniques into your routine is essential. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to prioritize time management. A well-planned day can ease anxiety by creating structure and ensuring that essential tasks are completed. If you tend to procrastinate (guilty as charged!), block out time to focus on those tasks without distractions. Getting them out of the way early will make you more productive than you realize. Staying diligent with your schedule, making lists to stay on track, and having someone hold you accountable are key factors in daily success.Additionally, schedule time for yourself. We all hear it constantly, but putting “me time” on the to-do list without feeling guilty is challenging. The truth is, recharging is vital. Make time for activities you love that aren’t work-related. It might feel indulgent, but it’s likely more important than you think. Personally, I carve out time to spend with my horses, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. No matter how busy I am, I make an effort to head to the barn and decompress with the best listeners around. Prioritizing activities that bring calm to your hectic schedule is essential. - Ask for help
Another way to reduce stress and avoid feeling off-balance is by asking for help when needed. Navigating everything on your own is neither necessary nor productive. Reaching out to others who have experience with the challenges you’re facing can be invaluable. Having someone to confide in, seek advice from, or bounce ideas off of can ease anxiety and restore a sense of certainty in uncertain situations.
The practice of grounding helps build resilience, allowing us to navigate challenges more effectively. It strengthens our awareness of ourselves, our business, and our clients. It cultivates balance amidst chaos, brings clarity to decision-making, alleviates stress, and fosters better emotional, mental, and physical well-being in all aspects of life.