By: Joshua Finley
For entrepreneurs leading ambitious startups, traditional notions of relaxation and work-life balance often seem like luxuries they can’t afford. Focused single-mindedly on driving their company forward, many founders and executives burn the candle at both ends. However, Christie Kerner – founder of leadership coaching community Startup COO Club – argues a different approach to “self-care” may be necessary for early-stage startup leaders.
“It’s just unrealistic to ask startup execs to spend oodles of time not working in a day or to relax in a bubble bath,” notes Christie. “They are on a mission with great fervor, and something in them loves that chase.”
Rather than conventional timeouts from work, Christie says startup leaders need strategies for recharging their batteries while driving full speed ahead. She proposes three key tactics for energizing oneself within the everyday pressures of an early-stage company.
Create Moments of Presence
For busy founders, even brief interruptions can provide respite from swirling thoughts. According to Christie, leaders should carve out short windows to fully engage their senses and be present with others.
“Deliberately connect with others and nature in all-consuming ways, even for 5-10 minutes at a time,” she advises. Running, dancing, sitting in the rain, or spending playtime with a child allows space to shift mental modes and find calm. Christie also recommends deep dinner conversations without devices as an opportunity to immerse in genuine connection.
“Anything that interrupts the spinning mind with moments of presence and connection can reinvigorate stressed entrepreneurs,” says Christie. These small breaks need not detract from productivity – they may enhance it by alleviating stress.
Delegate Strategically
As the company demands mount, founders must prioritize tasks carefully. Christie recommends analyzing which responsibilities energize or drain personal bandwidth.
“Figure out which activities unduly drain you and which re-energize you, then design a system where whatever resources you have are targeted at augmenting you right,” she explains. Delegating the right work to others allows you to focus your energy on intrinsically motivating efforts.
To optimize this approach, Christie also advises “deliberately hiring people who get reenergized by the very things that drain you.” This empowering of employees in their natural strengths creates a high-performing team where all individuals thrive.
Reflect Regularly
Amid challenges, reflecting on purpose and progress can boost perseverance. Christie stresses leaders must make time for introspection.
“Forcibly realize how far you have come,” she says. Noticing subtle wins builds confidence to persist when obstacles loom largest. Expressing gratitude for blessings already received also lifts outlook.
Christie also notes the importance of remembering “why we started this journey in the first place.” Connecting current reality to the original vision sustains motivation even in tough stretches. For startup leaders facing constant demands, reflection energizes the continued pursuit of their mission and goals.
Her recommendation to others shows how far reflection has come: “Don’t think you can’t learn while earning – go where you’ll flourish as you fill essential needs elsewhere.” No context is wasted through Christie’s eyes, only chances to exchange security for enrichment or stability for answers to problems ready to be solved.
Over 30 years cultivating hit businesses, Christie has learned that leading through relationship-building and self-care unlocks exponential potential. She offers a philosophy for continued success:
“Getting the people to do the things is completely different than knowing what you need to do. As leaders, we face that challenge daily, so why wouldn’t our teams?”
To learn more about Christie Kerner and her approach, visit her website here.
Published by: Holy Minoza
