Late at night, a single light glows from a window down the street. With the rest of the neighbourhood in darkness, it shines like a beacon to those passing by.
On the other side of the tightly drawn curtains, a weary business owner once again goes over their plans for the next month, wondering if they are making the right choices. They’d like to talk to someone about their business, but at this hour, others are sleeping in preparation for the next day at their jobs and even if they weren’t, they most likely wouldn’t understand the worries of an entrepreneur anyway.
The life of an entrepreneur can be very lonely. Their hours tend to be different than those of their friends and family. Most of the time they work alone and their chances for human contact during those hours can be minimal. Though others believe we are so driven and busy that we don’t have time for them or even think of them, the exact opposite is true.
Most entrepreneurs have learned that there is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. They find that they do their best and most creative work when they’re by themselves, without interruptions. They’ve learned that being disconnected from others can sometimes be a blessing in disguise and have learned to appreciate the choices that working alone and on their own, can provide.
For those that absolutely can’t put up with being alone, there are other choices. If you can, work outside of your home part of the time, at a coffee shop or other area that provides an internet connection. Your balcony or patio are both good areas to work during the summer. Stay in touch with others through chat or social media. Get outside for a walk every few hours, weather permitting. Even having background music playing or talk radio can be a help.
Don’t let the fact that you are working alone build into anxiety or too much stress. Learn to take advantage of all that working on your own can give you – unlimited choices, growth at your own rate, originality. Lack of distraction is not just a want for entrepreneurs, it’s a need. Sometimes we do our best work late at night, when we are comfortable in our own homes and the rest of the city is asleep.
© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015
image courtesy of personalopz
