Habits to change 'I might be failing' to 'This is good enough'! A mental rescue for female entrepreneurs

To you, who is carrying everything alone and on the verge of a mental breakdown

Leveraging 38 years of administrative experience to lighten the practical and emotional burden for female entrepreneurs
I am Yoko Ito, a 'dedicated manager' for solo female entrepreneurs.

Let's organize your strengths and IT tools together, and confidently shift from a hobby-like approach to a professional one.

Don't push yourself alone; let's start by taking a deep breath together.

Habits to relax your tired 'I have to be perfect' mindset. Secrets taught by psychology

If I suddenly let my guard down, won't I just fall apart?

As a solo entrepreneur, you have surely felt that kind of anxiety before.

Looking back at my own tense self at the time, I realize that it was surprisingly normal.

The true nature of that tension

A state of mental or physical tension is a sign that your autonomic nervous system is dominated by the sympathetic nervous system.

If you keep pushing yourself in 'fight mode' constantly, the relaxation function of the parasympathetic nervous system won't work, creating a vicious cycle.

In psychology, this is called a precursor to burnout, and it is especially common among female entrepreneurs with a strong sense of responsibility.

Why you won't break if you relax

Adlerian psychology views perfectionism as 'armor to hide flaws,' but the 'courage to be imperfect' is true strength.

Relaxing is not laziness; it is a natural process that makes the parasympathetic nervous system dominant and restores your mind and body.

Philosophically speaking, like in Stoicism, if you 'focus on what you can control,' you can let go of unnecessary tension.

Daily habits to loosen perfectionism

Perfectionism is considered 'all-or-nothing rigid thinking' in Adlerian psychology, and it can be loosened with the 'courage to be imperfect.'

If you make this a habit, you can prevent procrastination and exhaustion.

Daily habit list

1. The 80% is OK rule: Finish tasks at 80% completion rather than perfection. Practice this with email replies or posts, and set time limits.

2. Self-compassion: If you make a mistake, be kind to yourself and say, 'It's okay, I'm human.' Do this for one minute in front of the mirror every morning.

3. Mindfulness breathing: Three times a day, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This releases tension and reduces the demand for perfection.

4. Create a 'To-Don't' list: List tasks that don't need to be perfect (e.g., deep cleaning) once a week and let them go.

5. Small success diary: In the evening, jot down 'three things I did today.' Cultivate self-affirmation through additive thinking.

6. Time-boxing: Break tasks into 10-15 minute segments and move on even if unfinished. Prevent perfectionism and encourage action.

Starting with just one of these will create space in your heart.

A cheer for you

As a solo entrepreneur, your tension is a sign of the 'kindness that tries to protect.'

But you are already doing enough.

Let's start relaxing with a single deep breath.

For example, just inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.

You are fine just as you are.

Your strengths will continue to shine quietly.

I also experience fluctuations every day, and I cherish my own feelings.

I would be happy if we could walk through such days together, gently.

Thank you for reading until the end.

If anything resonated with you, please let me know with a like or a comment.

Follows are also very welcome.

May gentle light shine upon your every day.