living stones’ Post

We've all seen it. 👀 Entrepreneurs bragging about working 14 hour days and surviving on no sleep. Maybe you see this and feel inadequate, thinking you need to adopt this hustle culture too. Some entrepreneurs thrive on long hours, but you end up exhausted. They can juggle multiple roles and wear several hats, while you feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. This doesn't make you less capable than them. 👏 Perhaps you work best with clear boundaries and a focused role. Maybe prioritising self-care is what allows you to show up as a leader and give your all. Read more about the impact of hustle culture here: https://heyor.ca/EjKngS #HustleCulture #SelfCare #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance

"You're not cut out for this." "Real entrepreneurs don't need sleep." "If you can't do it all, you're not trying hard enough." Entrepreneurs hear statements like this every day. From investors. Mentors. Even family. Here's the reality: Entrepreneurs... 💼 Juggle 11 different areas of business daily. 😴 Often work on less than 5 hours of sleep. 🏃♂️ Sprint from meeting to meeting, barely catching a breath. Yes - we chose this path (and we love being entrepreneurs.) But the demands can be overwhelming. And misconceptions make it even harder: 👉 Many believe entrepreneurs need to be experts in everything. 👉 The myth persists that successful founders are all highly educated. 👉 Having a work-life balance is seen as a sign of weakness. On top of business, we put 40+ hours per week into personal growth and learning. So... no, entrepreneurs aren't "superhuman". We're actually expert jugglers. We're still dedicated to our vision. It just looks different than you might expect. Let's change the narrative. Entrepreneurship is about smart work, not just hard work. Are you an entrepreneur facing these misconceptions? Share your story below. 👇 #EntrepreneurReality #StartupMyths

𝐓𝐡𝐞 "𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧" (𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧) 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: We all have been there, right?☹️ They say "say yes to new opportunities," but as entrepreneurs, we take it to a whole new level. Client wants a workshop in 2 days? Sure, hold my Red Bull! Investor meeting at 3 AM (your time)? Why not, pajamas are business casual these days, right? While boundaries are important (eventually!), the early days of entrepreneurship are a whirlwind of "yes." Here's the truth: 🟢 Saying "yes" fuels the hustle. It pushes you to learn, adapt, and wear a million hats... but 🟢 "Yes" opens doors (even if they're sometimes unexpected). You never know where that "yes" might lead – a new partnership, a killer idea, or just a hilarious story for future investors.... but 🟢 "Yes" builds resilience (and a strong coffee habit). You'll learn to roll with the punches (and the all-nighters) like a champ....but ⚠️"𝐘𝐄𝐒" 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 "𝐍𝐎" to focus, wellbeing, solving the right problems, having your people around, committing to impact.... [𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬] #entrepreneurlife #hustle #startupgrind #learningcurve #ittakesavillage (of sleep-deprived founders)

Maybe it's just me, but there's one thing that's more difficult than I thought in this #entrepreneurial journey: …managing all the ideas that people throw at me about how to grow Parentool. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the good intentions, and I know they want to help. However, what I, as an #entrepreneur, need (and I bet others feel the same) aren’t just ideas—we have a ton of them. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. What I need is actual help: - Financial resources - Connections with potential partners - Someone who can actually implement the ideas - A “but how do you really feel, Petruta?” from time to time. And let me explain why. When you are an entrepreneur, you find yourself in an endless cycle of uncertainty and pressure (sure, it depends on the business, but these are two very common experiences). When you add more ideas, especially if you're also experiencing burnout, what happens is that the system can't take it anymore. Every little thing is seen as an extra item on a plate that is already full. And an endless cycle of pressure-avoidance-shame-pressure starts. What I would recommend doing (this is a note to self as well, btw) is to ask people: Do you need ideas or just want me to listen to you?

Entrepreneurship can be like living in a pressure cooker. But here’s what I’ve learned… Pressure and stress? They’re not the same. Pressure is a constant companion. Those marathon 10-14 hour workdays, back-to-back decisions, and the weight of knowing your team depends on you. But the beauty of pressure is that it has a release valve. Once I’m home, I intentionally let the steam out. Be it a family dinner, some music, or simply unwinding with a good action movie, that release keeps me going. Stress on the other hand is a stickler. It doesn’t clock out when you do. It follows you into the weekend, creeps into your thoughts, and lingers like an unwelcome guest. I’ve rarely felt that kind of stress. But whenever I did, I leaned on one thing: conversations. Talking it out has been my biggest outlet thanks to: - My wife, who gets the unfiltered version - My kids, who remind me what really matters - My closest friends, who have my back Trying to "power through" alone as an entrepreneur is like sealing a pressure cooker without a valve. More than ineffective, it can be explosive. So here’s my advice to all entrepreneurs: Let the pressure out, talk it through and lean on your people... #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #Leadership

The entrepreneurial journey. It’s the resilience to keep going that separates thriving entrepreneurs from those who quit when things get tough. It is important to know that resilience isn’t something you’re born with, it is a skill you can build.  So, how should we do it? 🤔 𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻  Failure isn’t the end. It is a detour on the path to success. Billionaire entrepreneurs have turned setbacks into steppingstones. Shift your mindset by asking, “What did I learn?” every time something doesn’t go as planned. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Don’t play the blame game. Instead of saying, “It’s not my fault,” focus on solutions. Ask yourself, “How can I fix this?” and take action. 𝟯. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 Always remember that you can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and friends who can lift you up and guide you. 𝟰. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 Go out of your comfort zone. Start small, like calling new customers daily, and build your “stress muscle” over time. Resilience is the key to thriving, no matter what challenges come your way. So, remember, business challenges are inevitable. Your response to them is what matters. The #entrepreneurs who thrive aren't the ones who never face problems, they're the ones who stay in the game, learn from every setback, and keep pushing forward 💪 (Source: Harvard Business Review)  #entrepreneurs #bistecglobal  

“Behind the Hustle: The Internal Loneliness of Entrepreneurs” Majority of entrepreneurs experience feelings of loneliness, even if they aren’t outright “loners.” While entrepreneurs often work with teams, partners, or investors, the unique pressures of entrepreneurship can create feelings of isolation or internal loneliness for several reasons: 1. Responsibility and Decision-Making: Entrepreneurs are often the primary decision-makers and carry the full weight of the business’s success or failure. This sense of responsibility can make them feel isolated, as they may not always feel comfortable sharing their burdens with others, even close associates. 2. Work-Life Imbalance: The demanding nature of building a business often requires long hours, which can limit social interactions and personal time. Entrepreneurs may neglect their social relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness. 3. Lack of Peer Understanding: Many entrepreneurs feel that their unique struggles (like managing cash flow, securing investors, or making tough calls) aren’t fully understood by friends or family who aren’t involved in similar ventures. This can create a sense of disconnect, even if they have strong social networks. 4. High Emotional and Mental Strain: Entrepreneurship can be mentally and emotionally taxing, with constant highs and lows. While they might appear confident outwardly, many entrepreneurs deal with self-doubt, anxiety, and the stress of maintaining a public image of success, which can further internal loneliness. 5. Internal Reflection and Focus: Many entrepreneurs are naturally introspective and focused on their goals, which can pull them into a more solitary mindset, even in social settings. Though not all entrepreneurs feel this way, the nature of entrepreneurship makes it common for many to experience these internal feelings of loneliness or isolation at various points in their journey. #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #MentalHealth #Loneliness #EntrepreneurJourney #StartupLife #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurStruggles #FounderLife #EntrepreneurshipMindset #Entrepreneurs #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessGrowth #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurMotivation

🌟 Entrepreneurship, Balance, and the Power of Saying No 🌟 As an entrepreneur, especially when juggling a full-time job, personal obligations, and the must-have of self-care, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning a million plates. I’ve been there—chasing opportunities, building connections, and trying to give 100% to everything and everyone. It’s fulfilling, but it’s also exhausting if you’re not intentional. Here’s what I’ve learned: you can’t pour from an empty cup. ✅ Set Clear Priorities: Not every opportunity is the opportunity. It’s okay to focus on the tasks, partnerships, or projects that align with your goals and values. ✅ Master the Power of No: Saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s self-preservation. Every “no” to something less important is a “yes” to what truly matters. ✅ Make Time for Self-Care: As entrepreneurs, we are our most important asset. For me, that means mindfulness, stretching (sometimes even leading it!), and ensuring I have moments to recharge. Balancing all the roles we play requires intention and grace. Let’s normalize the idea that taking care of ourselves is productive. To my fellow entrepreneurs: How do you manage the hustle without burning out? Share your tips below ⬇️ #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #Leadership #HolisticWellness

Entrepreneurship Isn’t About Working 24/7. Here’s the Reality. Who told you entrepreneurship means no sleep and working round the clock? Let me shatter that myth! Let’s Get Real: The idea that success only comes from hustling 24/7 is outdated. Real entrepreneurs don’t just work harder—they work smarter. Here’s the thing: Burnout doesn’t build businesses. Creativity, strategy, and balance do. 🔑 What Truly Works: 1️⃣ Focus on Priorities: Not all tasks are equally important. Identify the ones that move the needle. 2️⃣ Delegate and Automate: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Use tools or hire people to manage repetitive tasks. 3️⃣ Take Care of YOU: Rest, recharge, and invest in self-care. Your mind and body are your biggest assets. 💬 What’s Your Take? How do YOU balance the demands of entrepreneurship? Let’s discuss in the comments! #Entrepreneurship #WorkSmart #BusinessGrowth #BalanceIsKey #EntrepreneurMindset

🚀 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬? 𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝? Entrepreneurship is romanticised as freedom, innovation, and passion, but the reality is often filled with gruelling challenges and relentless stress. Here’s the truth: If your pain threshold isn’t really high, this path might not be for you. Here’s why: 1. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: From investors and potential partners to customers, hearing “no” will become part of your daily routine. Resilience isn’t just helpful; it’s a necessity. 2. 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: No matter how great your business idea is, there will be moments when you’re wondering how to make payroll or keep the lights on. 3. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝: Forget 40-hour weeks. Entrepreneurship often demands sacrifices in personal time, relationships, and even mental and physical well-being. 4. 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞: Every entrepreneur has stories of failures that nearly broke them. Success is about persevering through the worst of it. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫? Because it’s the ability to withstand discomfort, uncertainty, and rejection that determines whether you’ll push forward or pack it in. Starting a business is like running a marathon where the finish line keeps moving further away. If your answer to the question is “Yes, I can handle it,” then buckle up—it’ll be the most painful yet rewarding ride of your life. #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #StartupLife #BusinessJourney #PainThreshold