Recently, I returned from an incredible trip to China, filled with unforgettable experiences and abundant opportunities for my Aster clients. While I relished the journey and the valuable insights gained, I returned with an unwelcome souvenir - a dreadful bug that has completely knocked me off my feet.

Running your own business is an exhilarating adventure, but it comes with its undeniable challenges. There’s a relentless nature to entrepreneurship that doesn’t pause or offer respite; there’s no ‘off’ switch, no sick days, and no colleague to cover for you when you're under the weather.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship

The truth is, when you run your own business, you are the business. Every decision, action, and consequence falls on your shoulders. When health issues strike, the impact is immediate and often severe. This recent illness has been a stark reminder of that reality, hitting hard at a time when I felt unstoppable after my trip.

Lessons Learned in the Throes of Illness

However, every challenge presents a learning opportunity. Here are some reflections and changes I've embraced while recovering:

Celebrating Small Wins

Even in the midst of feeling terrible, it’s important to find and celebrate the small victories. For instance, this bug has unexpectedly contributed to my weight loss goals—a small, albeit slightly ironic, win amidst the overall ordeal.

Recognising the Need to Slow Down

Being your own boss is often romanticised as a role filled with relentless drive and unyielding stamina. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that it doesn’t mean pushing through at all costs. True strength sometimes lies in recognising when to slow down, step back, and allow yourself time to recover.

Striving for Balance

Finding the equilibrium between ambition and self-care is a continuous journey. As entrepreneurs, we tend to put our business aspirations before our health, but this approach is unsustainable. This experience has reminded me of the importance of striving for a balance, where ambition coexists with necessary self-care.

This Too Shall Pass

In the toughest times, a simple yet powerful mantra I remind myself of is: "This too shall pass." It’s a reassurance that helps maintain perspective, reminding us that despite the current hardships, there is an end in sight, and recovery is on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

Determined to overcome this setback in true Sarah style, I am eager to start applying and sharing all that I learned in China. But for now, my focus is on more tea, more rest, and perhaps a moment to feel slightly smug about the unexpected weight loss.

A Call to Fellow Business Owners

To my fellow entrepreneurs, I pose a question: How do you handle the unavoidable down days, the 'bleurgh' moments when you still need to keep things moving? Your strategies and tips are invaluable, not just to me but to our community of driven business owners who might find themselves in similar situations.

Share your survival tips and insights in the comments, and let’s continue to support each other through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.