Self-Compassion for Solopreneurs Funding Their Adventures

Guest Post by The Punk Granny

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

The following is a fabulous guest post by The Punk Granny. 😊

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Hey there, fellow solopreneurs, freedom seekers and midlife explorers! I am so thankful to Jo Barnes for inviting me to offer "The 50+ Nomad Club readers" a guest post. It's both thrilling, and a little nerve wracking, to write for a new audience.

For those of you who'd like a quick down-and dirty intro to The Punk Granny, in a nutshell, it's a mid-life revolution. Whatever that might look like for you.

So, when Jo and I came across each other's content, it was not only immediate "Subscribe", but an interest in collaborating. She asked me to address a common need among the solopreneurs in her audience: self-compassion.

A lot of you are too hard on yourselves.

I can certainly identify with that, especially being an solopreneur myself. If you’re anything like me, you are well over Hustle and/or Corporate culture.

So how can we build the extra income needed to fund our travel—and other dreams—without giving into the grind?

While we value our freedom above everything else, the journey can feel like a never-ending race, and sometimes we’re our own worst critics. I mean, who hasn’t found themselves knee-deep in a to-do list, feeling like a hamster on a wheel, while that pesky inner critic is shouting, “You should be doing more!”?

Yeah, I can practically see you nodding.

In an article posted earlier this year titled, "How to Go Easier On Yourself" I talked about the importance of self-compassion and how we can flip the script on that inner critic. Today, let’s dive deeper into how we can be kinder to ourselves as we chase those travel dreams and build our businesses. Because life is too short to be your own worst enemy, especially when there are adventures waiting for you out there!

Understanding Self-Compassion

First off, we need to get on the same page about what self-compassion really means. What I'm talking about here is treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a close friend.

We don’t expect perfection from our loved ones (hopefully), so why do we hold ourselves to such impossible standards? That mindset needs to be released. It does not serve us.

Self-compassion is especially crucial for us solopreneurs trying to fund our travels. We’re juggling a million things, and the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. If we let it build to a critical point, we risk giving up on our dreams altogether.

But the truth is, being hard on ourselves doesn’t lead to better results. It leads to burnout, anxiety, and a whole lot of frustration. So, let’s cut ourselves some slack, shall we?

The Cost of Self-Criticism

As businesspeople, we are constantly managing accounts (again, hopefully). Let’s take a moment to assess how our a limiting inner critic affects the business of self-care. This is the one that whispers (or shouts) that you’re not doing enough, or making profit fast enough.

It’s a total buzzkill and is demotivating. There are all sorts of ways this Negative Nelly can manifest: doubting your abilities, feeling inadequate, or even paralyzing you with fear of failure. Sound familiar?

Self-criticism does not help us grow. It stifles our creativity and makes us second-guess every decision. Let's kick that bummer inner critic to the curb and start embracing a more compassionate approach. One that will re-energize, re-motivate and remind you of your "why".

Key Questions for Self-Reflection

Here is where we are going to start digging a little deeper. Don't worry. We're not going to get heavy. I believe in starting with small steps to boost confidence and resilience.

The following questions have been chosen to help you reflect on your solopreneur journey:

• What small wins have you achieved recently that you can celebrate? Seriously, take a moment to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. You deserve it!

• What would your definition of success look like if you include well-being and happiness? Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about feeling fulfilled and content in your life, like having the freedom to travel!

• What would you tell a fellow solopreneur who is struggling with self-doubt? Spoiler alert: you’d probably be way kinder to them than you are to yourself. So, take that advice and apply it to your own life!

Practical Tips for Cultivating Self-Compassion

Alright, let’s get down to the brass tacks. Here are some practical tips to help you cultivate self compassion while building that extra income for your travels:

1. Set Boundaries: Establish work-life boundaries to prevent burnout. Trust me, your sanity will thank you. Designate specific work hours and stick to them. Work smarter, not harder. Remember why you started this venture in the first place: personal time is sacred!

2. Regularly Celebrate Small Wins: Create a “win jar” where you drop notes about your achievements. It’s a great way to remind yourself of how far you’ve come, even on the tough days.

3. Mindfulness Practices: I know this one gets thrown out with just about every list of tips, but it really does help. Take a few minutes each day to breathe and be present. Whether it’s a quick meditation or just enjoying your coffee intentionally, it can help you gain perspective and calm those racing thoughts.

4. Connect with Others: Build a support network of fellow solopreneurs. Share your struggles and successes. Sometimes, a little encouragement from others can make all the difference. Pro Tip: pop into The 50+ Nomad Club chat on Substack and introduce yourself.

The Journey of Self-Compassion

Ultimately, self-compassion is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to have setbacks; we’re all human, after all. The key is to keep moving forward and to be patient with yourself as you navigate this path.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Friends, I challenge you to start connecting here and now. Take a moment to reflect on how you can be kinder to yourself in your entrepreneurial journey. Share at least one thought in the comments!

What tips will you try? What lessons have you learned that may help a fellow solopreneur?

Let's cheer each other on and lift each other up!