How to Be Happy Working Alone: Survival Guide for Solopreneurs
Solopreneurs work for themselves and answer to themselves. Nobody tells them how to run their business. And because they’re working on their own, they get to expand their skill set.
While all of these benefits of being a solopreneur sound amazing, a lot of solopreneurs face a common problem: Isolation. That feeling of isolation can prevent them from being productive and motivated.
If you’re really serious about solopreneurship, here are some tips to staying happy and being at peace with where you are.
1. Don’t spend the entire week at home!
Rule # 1: Change your work environment from time to time. Just because you’re a lone wolf, doesn’t mean you can’t ever be in the company of others. Sometimes, we need to get out and see other people working too. Spend at least two days a week in a co-working space. Knowing that others like you are working towards their goals will help you get back in the groove.
2. Realize that you are enough.
One of the most powerful ways to be a truly happy solopreneur is to trust yourself. It’s easy to want other people’s approval. This is especially true if you’ve been used to a work environment where you always answer to a boss or supervisor. If you don’t get things right, remind yourself that it’s okay. You will gain wisdom and confidence along the way.
3. Connect with like-minded individuals.
It doesn’t have to be offline. There are plenty of online groups where you can share your ideas and steal ideas from. You can join the Consulting Community by Sam Ovens, The Branded Solopreneur by Andrea Beltrami, or Lifestyle Solopreneur by yours truly. Reddit is also a great platform for exchanging thoughts!
4. Create a schedule and commit to it.
Remind yourself that the rest of the world is working. We’re all working towards a goal. There are hundreds of thousands of other solopreneurs like you who work day and night. So, set a schedule! It’ll protect you from distractions. It’ll push you to get things done. A schedule gives you a sense of direction.
5. Focus on the positives of working independently.
What you focus on becomes your reality. You’ve wished for this kind of lifestyle - the solopreneur lifestyle. You also know that solopreneurship isn’t all sunshine and roses. Now, retrain your focus. Banish negative thinking and put all your energies on what’s going to go right in your business. Take advantage of all the benefits of solopreneurship - the freedom to create your own destiny, technology, and the ability to work anywhere you like (even travel the world!)
Over to You
Working alone takes commitment and disciple. But you have a choice to be happy. You’ve made a decision to create a better life for yourself. Now is your chance to maximize that opportunity. And whenever you get to spend time with your family and friends, cherish those times!