Being in business, especially as an entrepreneur, is challenging. Being an entrepreneur with a serious chronic illness? Well, that’s a whole new level of difficulty.
Having fibromyalgia (FM) can be debilitating, and I’ve learned to accept that fact. But I won’t let it define me. Acceptance is not the same as resignation. And along the way, amidst the ups and downs, I’ve come to realize that my fibromyalgia struggles have taught me some lessons that are applicable to entrepreneurship.
Perhaps you’ll recognize your fortitude and capabilities in this list as well.
#1 - Managing Change and Unpredictability:
In business, uncertainty and change are inevitable. You either embrace it or risk being left behind. As people with fibromyalgia, we’ve learned to anticipate our pain and manage our triggers. We’re always scanning ahead and taking corrective action to mitigate flares. Being proactive is a skill that becomes second nature for people with chronic illness.
#2 - Time Management and Organization:
It seems like there’s never enough time in the day. To maintain an ambitious, sometimes heavy workload, I’ve had to learn to prioritize. My energy levels can fluctuate, and when my energy is high, I try not to squander it on low payoff “busy work”. As the old farming proverb says, “Make hay while the sun is shining.”
#3 - Compassion, Empathy and Intuition:
My awareness of myself and how I respond to stimulation has attuned me to the subtle signals and the (often) masked pain of others. This heightened sensitivity lets me see beneath the superficial and, as a result, build better, more honest relationships. According to research by Catalyst, empathy is one of the most essential leadership skills. Just as those of us with chronic illness want to be seen and understood, you learn to see others in a different light. Everyone has problems and challenges which are not always apparent. Seeking understanding first and offering support without judgment leads to a truer connection.
#4 - Drive and Perseverance:
Dealing with a chronic illness means accepting that down days are inevitable. At the height of a flare, I reassure myself that it won’t last forever, even though it may feel like time has slowed to a crawl.
I’ve been there numerous times, and each time, I’ve persevered and forged a new path forward.
It’s the same with entrepreneurship. Being an entrepreneur means facing criticism and frequent setbacks. A VC pitch that held promise gets rejected. A customer with cash flow problems ignores your invoices.
The key to bouncing back is knowing that obstacles are stepping stones to a better outcome next time. When $#*! happens, I spend just enough time thinking through how I could have created a different outcome, and then I move on.
#5 - Problem-solving:
Fibromyalgia requires strong compartmentalization skills. We learn to manage daily life while simultaneously managing our symptoms. We don’t expect to work only on “good days” that may never come. We learn how to pivot and adapt. We make frequent modifications to our lifestyle and schedule. Finding a way to get things done despite the challenges hones ones problem solving skills.
#6 - Confidence:
Chronic illness can undermine your confidence. The unrelenting nature of an illness/disability and the knowledge that it will always be a part of your life can make one feel less than whole. But when I reflect on the obstacles and challenges I’ve already overcome, I am reminded of how strong I can be. As people living with FM, we’ve faced some tough days and didn’t give up. By overcoming personal obstacles, you strengthen your belief in your self and your abilities.
#7 - Creativity:
The link between pain and suffering and creative expression has been extensively studied. Creative processes can flourish when we deal effectively with frustration, anxiety, and stress. When we are able to successfully regulate these emotions, our creativity is able to emerge (Psychology Today).
As Rumi said “the wound is the place where the light enters you.” Finding a way to partner with the pain and psychological effects of a chronic illness can yield insight and new ways of thinking. The point is not to reside in your suffering, but to harness it, therefore unlocking the full range of your creative powers.
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you." – Rumi
#8 - Vulnerability & Authenticity:
Living with chronic illness requires one to accept their limitations, which leads to a more genuine self-identity. To improve and achieve goals, individuals learn how to communicate openly about their conditions. Personally, I’ve become more transparent in sharing my feelings and experiences since developing fibromyalgia; and it has also fostered a more authentic outlook on my life and true priorities.
When leaders, founders and employees talk openly about their emotional, mental, and physical health issues, it does not lessen them in the eyes of others—quite the opposite. Showing vulnerability and sharing your struggles with your team, peers and clients shows your authenticity and builds trust. People gravitate to that. Opening an honest dialogue, starting with yourself, will make your workplace, company and community more inclusive, capable and productive.
#9 - Strategic Wellness Planning:
An individual’s health and well-being are inseparable from long-term success in any pursuit. Fibromyalgia drove that message home for me in a series of painful and debilitating lessons. I learned that a good support network, proper rest, emotional self-care, and lifestyle alterations were crucial to meeting my professional and personal obligations.
Many “healthy” people borrow against their future well-being. They sacrifice vacations, work long days fueled by energy drinks and junk food, and neglect relationships for career success. This kind of lifestyle will eventually catch up. It always does. Which leads to my last point…
#10 - Avoiding Entrepreneurial Burnout:
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon that is characterized by three dimensions:
feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
reduced professional efficacy
While these symptoms can be experienced by any occupational group, it is generally accepted that entrepreneurs and the self-employed experience significantly higher levels of stress and depression than average.
While entrepreneurs have traits that lend themselves to their work (i.e. a high tolerance for risk and ambiguity, high levels of determination and resilience, the capacity for long hours, etc.) the stressors of an early-stage business can be overwhelming. Employees typically aren’t worried about making payroll or keeping the lights on. For someone with a chronic illness, those stressors are amplified even more. If they are not managed, they can result in serious health issues very quickly.
Paradoxically, that can make those of us with a chronic illness much less likely to experience burnout. Sure, it’s possible to push ourselves, but we will be acutely aware of when we’re bumping up against our limits. And unless you’re willing to invite a flare, you learn to take corrective action immediately. Chronic illness is like an early warning system that forces people to listen to their bodies and moderate their impulses.
I have no illusions that I’m indestructible, and the discipline and strategies that now comprise my self-care regime are calculated to keep me out of the burnout zone. I’ve needed to become more attuned to my physical and mental health, and my limitations. Unfortunately, that’s a lesson many managers and entrepreneurs learn only after they’ve made too many withdrawals from their wellness and energy accounts.
Conclusion:
Challenges and obstacles in life and business are inevitable for everyone. It’s how we respond that matters. By not allowing ourselves to be controlled by our circumstances, we build character and resilience. Even when we don’t have control over some part of our life (like whether we have a chronic illness), we can always cultivate empowerment through our actions. Developing an internal locus of control brings freedom, which ultimately makes us happier and more fulfilled.
For me, my fibromyalgia has been a tough, seemingly unfair teacher. But along the way, I’ve also learned a lot about myself and how to navigate my goals with a fluctuating disability. I believe that the lessons I’ve learned have made me a more compassionate and capable person, and perhaps, a better entrepreneur.
Interested in coaching through a gentle goal setting approach? I help individuals with chronic illness navigate life and rediscover their joy. Schedule your free consultation here. Sign up in the footer of this page to receive notifications on new blog posts.
Comments