Being self-employed is one of the hardest, but most rewarding things ever. It is the most testing environment to be in. As entrepreneurs our eyes and ears are always open, making sure we are not missing anything, always having the finger on the pulse.

Learning the sales pitch, how to price, searching for new ways of doing business and keeping the bank happy. If you are anything like me, you are engaging in endless meetings and networking events, and the reality is, sometimes you lose.

From the all excited and motivated business owner, you get to a point to re-shuffle your cards and that is the exact moment that can break you or make you as a successful business owner. It is the moment where you decide if it is all worth it, find a new job or learn from your mistakes and move onwards and upwards from there.

I am naturally very sociable and happy to meet people all the time, but I had to realise that networking doesn’t necessarily convert into business. It all helps, but all in moderation. I started to cut back on lunch and coffee catch-up’s when I can resolve things over the phone or via an email exchange.

The one thing I have learnt is never cancel the appointment with yourself!

Allowing yourself to take that hour walk during the day, or going to Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness retreats or playing Squash. Whatever it is for you… DIARISE IT and treat it as a business meeting with your most important customer.

Not only will you be more productive, but you are also more positive in general by looking after yourself.

Research has shown it time and time again, unproductive people are often overworked, no longer motivated and failing their businesses because they don’t look after themselves.

Here is how I started to implement this into my day-to-day life.

1. Write down what you love doing
2. Compare this with your daily routine
3. Implement these activities into your day or week (at least one or two per week)
4. Treat it as seriously as a business meeting with your most important client

You are your number one asset.