But my private life is an utter disaster. I'm in debt. I'm neglecting my family. I'm alienated from my friends. Besides my startup I'm doing none of the things I want to do.
What helped you get through moments like this?
Of course, finding such a support system is easier said than done. I was fortunate that many of my former coworkers were in similar situations, so I just reached out to them. I haven't had as much luck in meetups and conferences, but perhaps you may. Friends of friends were sometimes a good source too - whenever I heard that such a 2nd degree connection was also an entrepreneur, I'd invite them out for a casual coffee and make sure they knew I wasn't out to get anything from them, apart from meeting fellow entrepreneurs and perhaps finding a sounding board. A few worked out, most didn't though.
I should add that I personally find great comfort in being able to help others too. So in reaching out to these people, I sometimes found myself helping them as much as I was being helped - and that reciprocal relationship was what really made it work, IMO.
Another idea: See if you can rebalance your life to include more of your family and friends again. I know that's not always easy in a startup with insane deadlines, but you can start small. Put aside one day a week for family & friends. Or even one meal a week. And make sure you stick to that schedule too.
Debt is another matter, unfortunately. It took a lot of financial discipline to work down my debt, but after several years, it happened.
Hang in there. You're not alone. There's a huge community of entrepreneurs riding the same roller coaster. (One friend told me it's like being manic-depressive; I totally agree.) I hope this helps.
Here is what I am doing:
- brainwashing myself. I am reading positive books like Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson and The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. I didn't have the time so I made the time. Everyday.
- I am reaching out to my family members and pushing away from work.
- I am enjoying the sunshine and trying to laugh more. Both are free.
- I have spoken to my accountant and the tax man about dealing with some of my debts. There are other debts I don't know how to deal with, so I don't worry about it.
- I am learning a new language. It's another way to change my thinking. This post explains the idea behind it: http://dreaminespanol.com/spanish-lifehacks/eradicate-bad-me...
If you ever catch yourself hating life or yourself, you must stop. It's a downward spiral and completely toxic. Take corrective action now.
Start your life over again. You can. That's why we have a new day every 24 hours. Start over as many times as you need to to get it right.
Helped me when I ran a (non tech) small business at 90 hours a week, planning out every 15 minutes from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Eventually I burnt out and had a nervous breakdown, so be careful with allotting yourself that personal time. Their is a reason I believe it to be priority #2 outside of the MUSTS or those items which cannot be changed in your schedule.
Look at outsourcing the mundane, hiring for what you can, and learning to delegate (if relevant). Most people are horrid at delegation and that will become an incredible boon for you in the future.
Take some small steps and make some time for your friends and family. Cut down on activities that you think are a waste of your time (like commute, TV, excessive browsing, shopping etc). If you make room in your daily schedule for things which are equally important, you'll slowly start to see that your mood and attitude towards things will improve. And finally, always look ahead. Past is past.
1) Keep a weekly schedule as suggested by salemh, including 'off-time' & 'force-yourself-to-reconnect' time
2) Work off my debt. One $ at a time. And YOU can help!
Check out this link & tell me if it's a good idea or if I'm nuts. If you like it, spread it!:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey...
I assume you collected some debt while you pushed your startup instead of everything else. You should start pay it off immediately! If you just pay $10 now, let's do it and keep doing it as you can. No amount is to low!
From friends and family... you can't really be alienated, they just welcome you back anytime. :)
My mom still rings me a few times a day ( waaaaaaa ) and I'm usually unable to pick up, so... I just call her back... today... or... tomorrow. ;)
Don't worry, maybe it will be a new pivot in your life.
ps: ocean, workout, surfing, cycling, interesting podcasts and books work very well for me.
with a clearer mind and more energy you will probably realize your situation doesn't suck so bad and think of ways to solve it.