020: The 49th Law of Paradox

I have been reading Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power for the last few days

Well, re-reading, if we’re being technical - because of the whole cold & fever! I’m still recovering & haven’t done much this whole week, apart from binging on a few movies & getting back to old books

And it got me thinking - wouldn’t it be great to have a book similar to 48 Laws focused on Startups?

I think there are already varied forms of it in the market - I’ll need to research it a bit thoroughly

For the sake of this edition, let’s suspend our belief & actually embody a “48 Laws” themed book for Startup Founders

And today’s topic will be the last to make an appearance

So, let’s call this The 49th Law

"The 49th Law: The Importance of Rest and Self-Care"

Law 49: Plan your rest as carefully as you plan your work. The ability to rest is a skill that requires as much effort and discipline as any other.

In the fast-paced world of startups, getting caught up in the endless cycle of work, hustle, and grind is easy. Founders often work long hours, sacrificing sleep and self-care in the name of progress.

But what if I told you that rest and self-care are not just important for your health and well-being, but also for your success in business?

You can find inspiration & learn the power of rest and self-care from these icons!!!

Ingvar Kamprad

Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, was known for his frugal lifestyle and strict work ethic, but he also understood the importance of rest.

He would take regular naps throughout the day to recharge his energy and creativity, allowing him to stay focused and productive.

Charles Darwin

The famous naturalist and author of "On the Origin of Species" was known for his work ethic and dedication to his research.

However, he also recognized the importance of taking breaks and spending time outdoors.

He would often take long walks or work in his garden to clear his mind and improve his mental well-being.

Richard Branson

The billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group is a strong advocate for the importance of work-life balance.

He recognizes that taking breaks and spending time with loved ones can actually lead to greater productivity and success in the long run.

Steve Jobs

The late co-founder of Apple was known for his intense work ethic and dedication to his company.

However, he also recognized the importance of rest and relaxation. He would often take vacations with his family and go on walks to clear his mind and come up with new ideas.

Salvador Dali

The surrealist painter Salvador Dali was known for his eccentric and flamboyant personality, but he also recognized the importance of rest and self-care.

Dali would take naps during the day to recharge his creative energy, and he also practised a form of meditation that he called "slumber with a key," where he would sit in a chair with a key in his hand and allow himself to fall asleep.

When the key fell from his hand, he would wake up and feel refreshed.

Albert Einstein

Einstein found ways to incorporate rest and relaxation into his daily routine.

For example, he often took walks in nature to clear his mind and stimulate his creativity.

Founders can follow his example by incorporating time in nature into their routine, whether it's taking a walk during lunchtime or planning a weekend getaway to disconnect from work and recharge.

Sigmund Freud

Freud was a strong advocate for taking regular breaks and vacations to prevent burnout.

Founders can follow his example by scheduling regular vacations or staycations to recharge and avoid burnout.

They can also take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and rejuvenate.

Here’s how You can do it too,

1. Schedule self-care time into your calendar: Just like you schedule meetings and work tasks, schedule time for self-care and rest into your calendar. This could be anything from going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or just taking a break to read a book or listen to music.

2. Set boundaries: As a founder, it's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself. Set boundaries around your work schedule, such as no working after a certain time or on weekends, and stick to them.

3. Delegate tasks: As we discussed earlier, delegating tasks can free up time for self-care and rest. Look for tasks that can be delegated to team members or outsourced to a contractor.

4. Take advantage of technology: There are many apps and tools available that can help you with self-care and rest, such as meditation apps, sleep tracking apps, and even tools that remind you to take a break.

5. Get outside: Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. Try to incorporate some outdoor time into your routine, whether it's a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains.

Closing Thoughts

Remember, self-care and rest are essential for maintaining your health and well-being, which in turn can help you be more productive and effective as a founder.

By making it a priority and taking actionable steps to incorporate it into your routine, you can ensure that you are taking care of yourself while also building a successful business.

It's important to remember that rest and self-care are not luxuries for the privileged few, but essential components of a successful life and business.

We've seen how some of the most successful people of the 20th century incorporated rest and self-care into their routines, leading to profound breakthroughs and achievements.

It's time for founders to start prioritizing rest and self-care in their lives, not only for their own well-being but for the well-being of their businesses. The path to success is not a sprint, but a marathon, and incorporating rest and self-care into your routine is the key to running that marathon successfully.

Remember, self-care is not selfish, it's necessary. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. So take care of yourself, prioritize rest, and watch your business thrive.

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