12 Bad Habits that many Female Entrepreneurs Have (AND how you can stop the madness)

12 Bad Habits that many Female Entrepreneurs Have (AND how you can stop the madness)

No question being an entrepreneur is tough. But it's especially tough for women, who often feel the need to do it all. We're juggling many roles and responsibilities, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's why it's important to be aware of the bad habits that many female entrepreneurs have, so you can break them and set yourself up for success.

Here are 12 bad habits that many female entrepreneurs have and how to stop the madness!

1. Being a perfectionist:

As any entrepreneur knows, perfectionism can be a frustrating habit. You want everything to be just right, and you're never quite satisfied with the results. Perfectionism can lead to constant revisions and delays, and it can be tough to let go of your vision and accept that sometimes good enough is good enough. 

So how do you break this bad habit of being a perfectionist? 

First, recognize that perfectionism is often a way of compensating for insecurity. If you're constantly striving for perfection, you're likely worried about making mistakes or being judged. Second, remind yourself that being done is better than perfect. Once you've completed a task, it's time to move on to the next. And finally, practice self-compassion. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself credit for all your hard work. Remember that you're human and that your best is good enough.

2. Putting yourself last:

It's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list and think there's always time for self-care later. But the truth is, if you don't make time for yourself, you will eventually burn out. 

It's not selfish to put yourself; first; it's necessary. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of anyone else. It's not selfish to want to achieve your goals and dreams; it's ambitious. It's not selfish to put your health and happiness first; it's wise. So often, you're told that you need to be selfless and that you need to put others first. But the truth is, to be our best selves, we must put ourselves first. When we take care of ourselves, we can take care of those around us more effectively. When you're happy and healthy, you're better able to contribute to the world positively. So don't be afraid to put yourself first - it's not selfish, it's brilliant.

So how do you break this bad habit of putting yourself last? 

First, schedule some "me time" into your day, even if it's just 10 minutes for a quick workout or 20 minutes for a relaxing bath. Second, delegate as much as possible and learn to say "no" when you're overextended. Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask for help from your friends, family, or employees. If you can start taking care of yourself, you'll be amazed at how much more productive and effective you'll be in running your business.

3. Trying to do it all:

Another bad habit many female entrepreneurs have is trying to do it all themselves. We wear many hats in our businesses - from CEO to salesperson to marketing director to accountant. And while it's admirable to be a jack-of-all-trades, sometimes it's just not realistic or sustainable. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and resentment. 

So how can we break this habit of trying to do it all?

First, recognize that it's okay to delegate and ask for help. We can't do everything ourselves, and that's perfectly fine. Second, by setting realistic goals and priorities. We must focus on what's most important and let go of the rest. Third, by taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally. We need to make time for exercise, relaxation, and self-care, or we'll never be able to sustain our businesses long-term.

4. Comparing yourself to others:

It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game. You see another woman your age with a successful business, and you can't help but wonder why haven't you achieved the same level of success. Or, you scroll through social media and see all the fantastic things other women are doing and feel like you're not doing enough. Trust me; I've been there. But here's the thing: comparing yourself to others is a destructive habit that will only hold you back from achieving your full potential. 

So how can you break this habit of comparing yourself to others?

First, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare yourself to others, you're taking away from your happiness and success. Second, focus on your journey. Every woman's path to success is different, so comparisons are apples to oranges. And finally, remind yourself that you are exactly where you're supposed to be. Comparison might make it seem like you're behind, but in reality, you're right on track. So instead of comparing yourself to others, celebrate your unique journey and all the amazing things you've accomplished along the way.

5. Being a people pleaser:

There's nothing wrong with wanting to bring joy to others. It's a trait that many of us share, and there's wrong with wanting to bring joy to others. But when it becomes a default setting, it can take a toll on our well-being. If you constantly bend over backward to please others, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your priorities.

People pleasing can often stem from a need for approval or validation. You might do things you don't necessarily want to do to get a pat on the back or feel accepted. But in the process, you can lose sight of your needs and wants. You might also start to feel like you're not good enough, just as you are.

It's important to remember that you are the only one responsible for your happiness. You don't need anyone's permission to live your life as you want. And people pleasers often find that their attempts at making others happy are unsuccessful. So if you're struggling with this bad habit, it's time to break free and start putting yourself first.

So, how can you break this bad habit of being a people pleaser? 

First of all, you need to be aware of it. Pay attention to the times when you say "yes" to something even though you want to say "no." Then, start saying "no" more often. It will initially feel uncomfortable, but it will get easier with practice. Remember that you are not obligated to please everyone. Your only obligation is to yourself. Pursue your dreams fearlessly and be true to yourself.

Related Article: How To Stop Being A People Pleaser: The Ultimate Guide For Ambitious Entrepreneurs And Leaders

6. Expecting Instant Results:

Many female entrepreneurs give up too easily because they expect instant results. The key to success in any venture is perseverance and a willingness to grind it out for the long haul. Yes, there will be ups and downs along the way, but if you stay focused on your goals and never give up, eventually, you will achieve the level of success you desire.

So if you're starting a new business, or working on a major project, remember to be patient, and don't get discouraged if you don't see overnight success. Take it one step at a time – good things come to those who wait. After all, Amazon wasn't built in a day.

So, how can you break this bad habit of expecting instant results? 

The key is to build your resilience to setbacks and have a long-term vision for your business. Success takes time, dedication, and hard work. If you expect to see results overnight, you will likely be disappointed. Instead of looking for shortcuts, focus on building a solid foundation for your business. 

7. Not Asking For What You Want:

We often stop ourselves from asking for what we desire because we fear rejection or are worried about seeming needy. However, this habit can be detrimental to your success. For example, not asking for a raise or promotion in the workplace can mean being passed over for opportunities. In personal relationships, not asking for help or support can lead to resentment and feeling overwhelmed. In business, not charging what you're worth, then feeling resentful.

Ultimately, not asking for what you want can hold you back in life and prevent you from achieving your goals. So next time you find yourself hesitating to ask for something, remember that it's better to ask and receive a no than never asking.

So, how can you break this bad habit of not asking for what you want?

First, you need to get clear on what you want. What do you need to feel supported, successful, and fulfilled? Once you know what you want, you must ask for it confidently and without apologizing. You need to believe that you deserve it and you're worth it. Then be prepared to follow through. If someone says no or doesn't come through for you, you need to be willing to walk away and find another solution. Breaking this bad habit will require effort, but it's worth your effort.

8. Being A Know-It-All:

There's nothing wrong with being a know-it-all... until it becomes a bad habit. As female entrepreneurs, we're often guilty of thinking we have to have all the answers. We feel like we need to know everything to be successful. But the truth is, nobody knows everything. And that's okay! Admitting that you don't know something can be a strength. It shows you're open to learning new things and growing as a business owner. 

So, how can you break this bad habit of being a know-it-all?

First, recognize when you're doing it. Are you always trying to have the last word in a conversation? Do you find yourself interrupting others so you can share your opinion? Or do you avoid asking questions because you don't want to appear ignorant? Once you've identified the behavior, make a conscious effort to change it.

Listen more than you talk. Ask questions instead of assuming you know the answer. And be open to learning from others, even if they don't have all the answers. Breaking the habit of being a know-it-all can be challenging, but it's worth it. It will make you a better leader and a better entrepreneur.

9. Not Asking for Help:

It's easy to feel like you have to go it alone, but that's not true. There are people out there who want to help you succeed. Asking for help is a superpower; it shows that you're willing to admit when you need assistance and that you're confident enough to reach out and ask for it. It demonstrates that you're resourceful and willing to seek new solutions. So next time you feel stuck, remember there's no shame in asking for help. It could be the key to taking your business to the next level.

So, how can you break this bad habit of not asking for help? 

First, list all the areas in your business where you need help. Second, reach out to your network of female entrepreneur friends and ask for recommendations. Third, hire a Virtual Assistant or Business Coach to help you with the areas where you need assistance. Fourth, delegate tasks and projects to other members of your team. Fifth, take some time for yourself each day to relax and rejuvenate.

10. Being Afraid of Failure:

Breaking this bad habit required me to look hard at my beliefs about failure. Do I genuinely believe that failing is the worst thing that can happen? Or is it possible that failing is simply a part of the journey to success? Once I began to see failure as an inevitable part of any journey, it became easier for me to take risks and embrace challenges. And as I started to take more risks and challenges, my business began to grow and thrive. So if you're afraid of failure, know you're not alone. But also know that by breaking this bad habit, you open yourself up to limitless possibilities for success.

So, how can you break this bad habit? 

The first step is to become aware of your fear of failure. Once you know it, you can challenge your beliefs about failure. Are you as scared of failing as you think you are? What's the worst that could happen if you did fail? Would it be the end of the world? I'm not saying that you should go out and seek out failure, but don't let your fear of it stop you from living your best life. Embrace your inner risk taker and go after your dreams. You might surprise yourself with what you're capable of achieving.

Related Article: Fear of Failure|5 ways to overcome IT and take action

11. Not Prioritizing Your Time:

As any successful female entrepreneur knows, time management is key to success. That's why avoiding the bad habit of not prioritizing your time is important. When you don't prioritize your time, you waste valuable hours on activities that don't move you closer to your goals. Not only does this hurt your productivity, but it can also lead to burnout.

So, how can you break this bad habit? 

One way to do this is to create a daily schedule and stick to it. Wake up each morning knowing what you need to accomplish that day, and make sure you block out enough time to finish it. Next, set aside time each week to work on bigger projects to help move your business forward. And if you get sidetracked, don't be afraid to take a break and come back later with fresh eyes. By taking control of your time, you'll be able to achieve your goals and build the successful business you've always wanted.

12. Putting Your Business First:

As a female entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind of growing your business. You pour all your passion, time, and energy into making your business successful, often at the expense of your personal life. This can lead to burnout, relationship problems, and even health issues.

However, it's important to remember that you can't pour from an empty cup. So, how can you break this bad habit?  

To be the best possible version of yourself, you must make time for self-care. This means taking breaks, saying no to new commitments, and making time for things that bring you joy. Taking care of yourself may seem like a luxury when there's so much to do, but it's essential for sustaining a successful business.

When you're feeling refreshed and recharged, you'll be able to work more effectively and bring your best self to your business. So don't be afraid to put your business first - taking care of yourself is the key to a thriving business.

Related Article: How to achieve more freedom in your business (without sacrificing your time with the ones you love)

Habit Affirmations For Success

Bottom-line: 

We've all been there, done that. And we know it's not sustainable. So let's end these bad habits and start taking better care of ourselves professionally and personally. The first step is awareness, so read through this list and see which (if any) resonates with you. Then take the time to reflect on why they might be holding you back and what you can do to break the cycle. Finally, bookmark this article or print it out for future reference. Share it with your entrepreneur friends and colleagues because self-care is an essential part of success for everyone – male or female! I'm sharing The Ultimate Self-Care guide to get you on the way to consistent self-care. This self-care guide will help you stay on track so you can continue achieving your dreams while maintaining balance in your life. I hope you find it helpful!

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