A modern take on timeless habits – adapted for microbusiness owners.
Summary: The daily demands of running a business solo can sometimes feel overwhelming. These five quick and effective habits can help you reduce stress and regain focus—each paired with a simple tech tool you can use right from your smartphone.
Introduction
Running a business solo can be incredibly fulfilling — but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Long hours, constant decisions, and the pressure to perform can add up fast.
Recently, I came across Greg McKeown’s 2013 article in a LinkedIn post shared by Harvard Business Review, and it immediately resonated with me. The author shares how five small habits helped a high-performing executive find peace and clarity — and they happen to be habits I’ve personally practiced for years. Best of all, these are habits you can practice anytime, anywhere — right from your mobile device.
1. Breathe
Why it matters:
Taking even a few deep breaths can calm you by signaling your nervous system to shift out of stress mode. It helps you reset both mentally and physically so you can respond rather than react.
How it helps:
As a solopreneur, you’re juggling a lot and your mind is probably racing between to-do lists, finances, and client work. Taking a couple of minutes to breathe is like hitting the “pause” button before jumping into action.
Tech Tools:
- Apple: The Mindfulness app on Apple Watch offers a “Breathe” activity that can be tracked in the Health app.
- Android: Calm offers guided breathing and short stress-relief sessions through its smartphone app.
Try setting a reminder during your busiest time of day to make it stick.
2. Meditate
Why it matters:
Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind — it’s about becoming more aware of what’s going on inside it. Even a few minutes of stillness can help you feel more centered and less reactive, especially when things feel hectic.
How it helps:
As a solopreneur, your brain is probably in overdrive most of the day. A short meditation can act like a reset button — helping you start fresh, gain perspective, and make more thoughtful decisions.
Tech Tools:
- Apple: The Happier app (formerly 10% Happier) and Apple Fitness+ offer guided meditations as short as 5–10 minutes.
- Android: Insight Timer has a huge library of free guided meditations, including quick sessions designed for busy schedules.
Try starting with just five minutes. You might be surprised at how much clearer your mind feels.
3. Listen
Why it matters:
Really listening — not just hearing — is one of the simplest ways to connect with others. It shows respect, builds trust, and helps you better understand what’s being said (and what’s not).
How it helps:
Whether it’s with a client, customer, or collaborator, deep listening can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes. It’s also a great way to slow down and be more present in your conversations.
Tech Tools:
No app required here — just practice. But you can use voice notes or journaling apps to jot down takeaways or reflect on how well you listened.
After each conversation, ask yourself: Was I truly listening, or was I just waiting to respond? The old saying goes, “You were born with two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
4. Reflect
Why it matters:
Our minds are busy places, constantly spinning out thoughts and stories. But not all of those thoughts are helpful — or even true. Taking time to reflect can help you sort through the noise and come back to what matters.
How it helps:
Reflection gives you space to check in with yourself — what’s working, what’s not, and how you’re feeling. That’s especially helpful when you’re running a business on your own and making decisions all day.
Tech Tools:
- Apple: The Journal app is a simple, built-in way to capture thoughts, add photos, or reflect on your day.
- Android: Journey offers private, customizable journaling with optional prompts to help you get started.
Even a quick entry in a journal or notes app can make a big difference in how you process the day.
5. Be Present
Why it matters:
Being present doesn’t mean being perfect. It just means fully doing what you’re doing — whether that’s eating lunch, answering email, or taking a walk. Giving something your full attention can make it more enjoyable and less stressful.
How it helps:
When you’re always multitasking, nothing feels done. But when you give one thing your focus, you get more done and feel better doing it. That presence can bring more calm into your day — and into your business.
Tech Tools:
- Apple: The Happier app includes guided meditations for everyday moments like brushing your teeth or walking.
- Android: Simple Habit offers short sessions to help you be more mindful during real-life situations like commuting or winding down.
Try choosing one everyday task to be fully present for — and notice what changes.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need 30 minutes — just a couple minutes a day can really help.
- Tools like Apple Watch, Happier, Calm, and Journey make these habits easier to stick with.
- Breathing, reflecting, and being present aren’t just calming — they actually help you run your business better.
- Start small, and leave yourself looking forward to doing it again tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Stress is part of solopreneur life — but it doesn’t have to take over. These habits have helped me stay grounded, and with a few simple tech tools, you can build your own rhythm too.
Whether you try one or all five, I hope these ideas help you create a little more calm in your day.
What about you? What helps you recharge or reset when things get busy? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
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