Find great partners
Founder is the loneliest job title on the planet. To all future founders, I highly recommend finding other founders and creating something akin to a personal board of advisors. Build a network of folks who mutually benefit from sharing what you’re each going through and who can help work through the soup (the tough times).
For me, that network is filled with other founders and investors. These are folks I can call with any situation and get an unbiased view from someone who may have encountered something similar. It’s a sanity check.
I also have to acknowledge how patient my husband is and has been over the years. It makes all the difference in the world to have someone by your side who supports you unconditionally, even when things get dark. It’s so important to surround yourself with supportive people who’ve got your back.
Remember to relax
Startups are absolutely brutal. There’s no other way to say it. If you’re thinking about starting a company, you’re at least somewhat irrational.
It’s even harder right now. The pandemic is draining. Startups require so much of your energy. You’re constantly running into brick walls headfirst and finding ways to get over or through them. That’s your job. When the world is falling apart at the seams simultaneously, it’s hard not to get sucked into the abyss.
It’s so important for founders to find little ways to indulge and relax on a regular basis. Think about your energy as a battery; you have to recharge often so you can be at full power.
One of my founder friends was an olympic athlete. Athletes pour everything they’ve got into their sport. Top athletes work harder than anyone at their game. But, they also rest. He reminded me the other day that recovery is just as important as working hard.
Founders need to recover too.
Every night, I take a few minutes to indulge in my skincare routine. It brings me a little bit of joy and helps set my brain up for turning off. I’m currently obsessed with Hugh&Grace products (and recently invested in their company) because they’re amazing and hormone safe! Women put an ungodly amount of chemicals on and in our bodies on a daily basis, and it’s nice to swap out for high quality, clean products.
Simple routines are really helpful for me. I don’t get away for vacations because of the company (and COVID now) so finding ways to indulge, even on a small scale, creates a sense of mental balance for me.
Here’s my nighttime routine:
Wash face - I’ve used Galénic’s Velvety Milk cleanser for the last decade and it’s the best.
Toner - Best toner ever.
Face serum - Hugh&Grace all the way.
Body oil for shoulders, neck, and arms - Hugh&Grace all the way.
Current candle - I always have candles burning and fresh flowers in the house. My sister recently gifted me this Uncommon James candle and it’s such a lovely scent. It brings back memories of sailing in Greece, which is an excellent substitute for quarantining in my studio apartment.
How do you unwind? I’d love to hear about your routines in the comments!