At very regular intervals, as an entrepreneur, I certainly suffer from one kind of loneliness, or another. I know for a FACT that I’m not alone in this situation.
The difference between those of us that ‘handle’ it, get over it in a timely fashion and focus on our goals, and those that don’t – is usually all-out success (in whatever form you’re shooting for), or simply put… failure.
In today’s short impromptu video clip, which was filmed at my new co-working space, Location63 – the first ever to open here in Cebu, Philippines – I pose a question to you all. How do YOU handle the feeling of being on your own in your entrepreneurial pursuits?
Do you find yourself:
- Getting depressed?
- Becoming unmotivated?
- Lethargic in your work?
Or do you perhaps:
- Use it as a motivating force?
- Snap yourself out of it by ‘doing something’?
- Re-focus your thoughts on becoming the success you’re striving to be?
Whatever you do to handle entrepreneurial loneliness, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
PLUS: Like I said in the video – I’ll pick the best answer and give-away a FREE 1-DAY PASS to Location63 for when you end up visiting in the future sometime.
A serial entrepreneur, virtual staffing expert, blogger, podcaster and author, Chris helps other entrepreneurs catapult their businesses into the 21st century utilizing what he calls the 'New Business' style of marketing. 
Chris is a serial entrepreneur, virtual staffing expert, blogger, podcaster and author who helps other entrepreneurs catapult their businesses into the 21st century utilizing what he calls the 'New Business' style of marketing.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
First off, congratulations on opening up Location 63 in the Philippines. I know a TON of entrepreneurs/virtual assistants will definitely benefit through forming those personal interactions in a solid environment.
As far as entrepreneurial loneliness (which we definitely ALL do suffer from from time to time) goes I like to handle it by getting back to my body.
I feel that most of the time I’m lacking in focus and not getting what I need to get done accomplished, it’s mainly due to my eating habits and a lack of exercise.
I’m 100% convinced that nutrition and physical fitness both play huge roles in terms of having a clear mind.
To add on to health, another thing I like to do is to start my day off with my vision.
- “Why am I doing what I’m doing?”
- “What am I working towards?”
- “Why does it matter?”
I feel that if you lose focus of your “why,” it’s a lot easier to get discouraged, lazy, lonely, feeling like what you’re doing doesn’t matter.
So to sum it all up: nutrition and physical fitness play a huge part in feeling good and having a clear mind. And starting your day with your vision reminds you of why you’re doing what you’re doing and also reminds you of why you’re working so hard.
I think every entrepreneur will always suffer from some type of entrepreneurial loneliness, but there are definitely ways to break away from it.
All the best Chris!
Cheers!
- Chris Altamirano
Hi Chris
Agreed on the health side of things.
110%.
I’m hoping that Location63 will provide a solid ‘nest’ for the scene here, and for visitors coming in to enjoy the islands, yet still wanting to get productive when the need arises.
Appreciate you, and your comment, Chris.
C
Chris,
I try to keep connected by frequenting forums, Facebook groups, and Twitter. I think I’m also in a unique situation as most days I do at least one interview with a successful online entrepreneur, so I think that really helps to keep me sane
I’m also a big fan of listening to podcasts centered around entrepreneurship as you can see that you’re not the only one out there working day in and day out towards your goal. I’d suggest listening to The Lifestyle Business Podcast specifically if you want to feel connected to the rest of the entrepreneur world.
Have a good trip to London, Chris!
Social media is a great way to stay up to date with what people are up to, for sure… I just know know whether it brings the same feeling of ‘being there’ with someone, know what I mean…?
Podcasts, I find are mostly ‘learning material’ for me, more than anything else – although, you’re right on Dan and Ian’s show – great stuff, and it’s like you’re hanging with them most of the time!
Thanks for the input, Mike.
C
I have only one answer to it: stop being alone.
Talk to someone, listen to someone, think of someone. Here’s what I do:
Whenever the old loneliness hits me I go and listen to a podcast of a fellow entrepreneur I like (you, Ralph Quintero, Farnoosh Brock etc.) and remind myself I am NOT alone in this.
Then I start taking MASSIVE action:
One of the things that I fond helpful is… wel, STOP being alone: I recruited a a graphic designer and now about to recruit a general VA via VSF – I find that gathering a TEAM that works together on your dreams and goals often reduces the time you feel alone, even if they focus on a very narrow list of assignments.
The very process of building a team, even a virtual one, creates a home-like environment, and helps prevent these lonely moments.
I love this comment… Stop being alone.
So, so true, too.
I’m so happy to help you along the way, with the VA, too.
Thanks for the support, and for the great, inspiring comment, too.
C
Julie I LOVE this answer too! Stop being alone! So simple but so great.
One of the things that stops me going full steam ahead is if leaving the workplace will mean loneliness. But of course it doesn’t!
Thankyou!
Not today it doesn’t, for sure.
Thanks for the comment!
C
Hi Chris
For me it’s more about the loss of a business partner. Whilst they can be annoying or just difficult it gives you somebody to share the joy and pain with as you grow your passion.
Never easy to do with friends or family.
Mastermind(ing) seems like a step in the right direction if one can find a group or part of a group to “work” with.
I don’t feel lonely or depressed about being solo. I feel pretty connected to the world via the web. Your blog and podcasts, the adsenseflippers and the awesome business lifestyle podcast with dan and Ian being some highlights.
Focusing on “the climb” (@garyvee) and bearing the “dips” (@sethgodin) is what it’s all about
I should have added.
I would love to have a location63 where I live or when I’m traveling in Thailand.
Often you see folks in coffee shops working on pc’s and macs etc. but rarely do people start a chat about what they do.
Whilst not being the type to bug somebody it would stand to reason that co-space workers would interact more.
I had an idea that folks that turn up could have a method where hey share who they are and what there into IF they want to. A pin board or a local website page? Be especially cool if you we’re new in town and wanted to meet other folks.
Broken the three sentence rule but hope it was worth it
I agree… there’s something about being in a ‘public’ place that makes you, almost, more private…
Strange – but, true.
C
PS. 3 sentence rule is for email only!
Gary and Seth are TWO perfectly solid entrepreneurs to follow, and get the focus on BOTH side of the coin.
Thanks for the input, Steve.
Appreciated, as always.
C
The DC bro, the DC… Love it
I hear ya, loud and clear.
Great group of peeps. Not for ‘everyone, but I certainly enjoy them.
C
Hi Chris,
I believe every entrepreneur knows times of depression, demotivation and fear.
If it comes to fear I find the words Grant Peelle says at the end of the movie „I’m fine, Thanks!“ very helpful:
“If you ever find yourself
Toe to toe with fear,
when you are scared and your back’s against the wall
when you begin to believe you cannot pursue your dreams:
Take Action”
Great input, Bernd.
Thanks, man.
C
Except when I have to go out to do my work I tend to cocoon into my mac. Something like Location 63 would help if there was something here like that. Thx.
Boom!
That’s the reason why I built the place!!!
C
It’s the age old problem of productivity for me. I try to organise my time but I do find myself jumping between projects during the day and then putting things on the back-burner when must-do client work comes in.
I’m sure my focus would improve if I didn’t work in isolation. But then I’m sure I can improve whilst in isolation as well!
On the other hand, I really love it! London is a great city for Meetups. I don’t miss going to work in an office – that was such a bad experience for me that I’m always grateful for working on my own at home!
Nice feedback and answer, here, Rob.
I like a little office work every now and then – but, do prefer to work along, most of the time – especially when I’m writing.
Thanks for dropping by.
C
I feel loneliness is the least of all my problems .
Let me tell you about some of the huge obstacles we face as entrepreneurs/businessmen in this part of the world :
Bureaucracy : if you want to do something you need a licence and a licence requires a couple of dozens papers and it takes months to get it .
Regulations : you have an idea for a business . I bet you there is a law that prohibits it. if you want to do something out of the ordinary , good luck with that .
Tax : VAT 23% ( for a lot of products/services ) , tax 26% from the first f…ing euro , just to name a few . there are lots of bills to pay.
Not to mention that if you are entrepreneur, society thinks your are a crook , a blood drinking capitalist that steals the workers money .
Can I go somewhere and just feel lonely ? Thank you , sir !
Anyway , we all have problems and this how I deal with them .
First of all I find friendly blogs and rant about my problems . I take out my frustrations and it feels better .
I listen podcasts , watch videos and read books .
But most help I get from joining communities . The DC is an excellent example of that . They organise masterminds, meetings and events. I think that If you don’t interact with your peers you’ll get stuck and you won’t do much of a progress.
That’s it from me , I hope I didn’t tire you . And, if I did, please bear with me .
I’m just a poor lonesome entrepreneur from the middle of nowhere .
And until we meet someday …
Be healthy and smile !
Great rant, my man! Love it.
And I feel you, believe me – sometimes here in the Philippines it can also be tough, too!!!
Keep ya head up, and remember – in London, this coming May – you’ll have a room full of other entrepreneurs to rant to, too! And I guess we’ll all agree with a lot of what you say – in one way, or another!
C
Hey guys,
Chris good question man… where to begin?
I think we all have our moments of depression. Where you feel like all you do is not worth it. That you are the only one that care.
Then we have those good moments where we feel motivated.
When we make a SALE, this is better than sex. It’s all a emotional rollercoaster…. Just gotta know how to hang on
Making a sale is one of the sweetest feelings in the world, you’re right, Eugene.
Great insights, thanks, bud.
C
Yeah, I do get tired of being surrounded by those who can’t visualize anything beyond salaried cube slavery. Definitely an issue here in Malaysia as well as in Cebu. For me the biggest thing is to meet somebody I look up to in person, like the first time we met up in Cebu. Conferences such as DC:BKK, Blog World, WDS, etc are also great. It’s so good to just soak in the energy for a few days, then go back home & really lean into your latest pursuits.
Hey Mike
I also remember our first meeting, and the several thereafter, and you’re right – there is something about that face2face approach to ‘getting to know you’ that simply can, and WILL NEVER be beaten!
‘Soak in the Energy’ – I like that…
C
PS. Hope the family is well, buddy.
Chris,
I agree with the take action principle. One of the important phrases I’ve learned is to “just get the little wins.” Little wins build momentum and draw you out of your gloomy ruminations with energy and vitality. A regular gym routine can do that too as you start to get to know people there. Also, my fellow start up friends/roommates and I have a good friend going through his CSO training in the Air Force and the best thing we’ve done to feel connected to him has been just facetiming each other over the wifi on our phones everyday. Whether the time is random or we can’t talk for very long at the moment, it always makes our day and keeps us feeling connected.
Keep on fighting the good fight, there’s a whole lotta race left to run,
Austin Hodge
Great insights, Austin.
Love that you attached fitness to this subject. Awesome stuff. And I couldn’t agree more.
Stay connected, buddy.
C
Question: What is the DC?
I just quit my day job one month ago, and so have one solid month of self-employment under my belt as a writer/blogger. What a month it has been! Though I am still going through the transition, I can say that the entrepreneurial loneliness is one of the things I was concerned with when thinking about whether or not to leave my job. Fortunately, I have become more socially active over the past month now that I am not working two full-time jobs, like joining a local knitting group, and catching up with friends/family more. It really helps to get outside of your house.