This blog might ruffle some feathers, especially if you’re partial to a ‘hustle-harder’ narrative and think the secret to business growth is to “work more, work harder and never stop.”
But if you’re burnt out, frazzled, or just not enjoying the entrepreneurial hamster wheel, I need you to listen up and keep an open mind…
‘PUT YOURSELF FIRST’
There’s a pervasive belief swirling around the entrepreneurial space that to grow your business, you have to sacrifice your health, your happiness and sometimes even your sanity. And trust me when I say: I used to be right there, sprinting alongside everyone else.
But let’s be honest – what good is a successful business if the person running it feels low, exhausted, or downright disconnected?
WHY IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
Recently on the “What Is Public Relations?” podcast, I was joined by the fabulous Natalie Arabella Bailey, someone who fundamentally challenges this culture of self-sacrifice.
Her approach is refreshingly simple: focus on health, wealth and happiness equally. It sounds obvious, but how often do you see business spaces where burnout is glorified and overcommitment is a badge of honour?
It’s even harder if you’re an over-achiever and have high standards for yourself.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: All too often, when you start a business, you pour so much of yourself into finding clients, learning strategies and staying ‘visible’, that you neglect the one thing you absolutely need for the long-haul; your OWN wellbeing.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Being in business is supposed to bring freedom, flexibility and fulfilment. So why do so many of you end up tired, stressed and on the verge of giving up?
Maybe it’s because you believe what you’re told when it comes to “doing all the things”. Maybe it’s because your social media feeds are filled with quick fixes and tales of overnight success.
Maybe you’re so busy following formulas that you forget to tune into what actually works for you and lights you the fuck up.
Natalie brought home a point that more entrepreneurs need to hear: when you prioritise your health – BODY and MIND – your business will thank you. She knows this first-hand.
When life threw her a curveball, it was the discipline and therapy of the gym that grounded and rebuilt her, long before she started helping clients do the same.
So, the real question I want you to sit with is:
🤔 How often are you putting your business before your health and happiness?
🤔 Is the way you’re working sustainable for the long term?
🤔 What do YOU actually need right now – more strategy or more self-care?
🤔 Are you brave enough to slow down and trust that it will speed things up in the long run?
THE IMPACT OF PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST
For many, the idea of putting yourself first might feel selfish. You’re conditioned to think that hustle comes before health. But here’s the truth: when you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to serve your clients, lead your team and show up with energy and clarity.
Self-care isn’t a side note – it’s the strategy.
Natalie and I both agree – you can’t pour from an empty cup. That means moving in ways that bring you joy, eating food that fuels you and creating routines that work with your natural rhythms (not against them).
The entrepreneurs I see thriving and building real, long-term reputation are the ones who’ve prioritised their own wellbeing.
The ones who listen to their bodies, build in rest as a non-negotiable and cultivate routines that make them stronger inside and out.
BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR TIME AND ENERGY
I have a permission slip for you: you DO NOT have to ‘do it all’. Say that again, and again, out loud until you can finally accept that you do not have to do it all, and certainly not alone.
Doing less, but doing things better is often what moves the needle furthest. If your routine is draining you, if client work is always taking priority over your health, or if you haven’t stopped to ask yourself “what actually feels good for me?”, NOW is the time.
Don’t just jump into the next ‘visibility challenge’ or business course if what you really need is a slow morning, a decent meal, or some fresh air.
For me, the breakthroughs (in business and confidence) didn’t come from piling more onto my plate. They came when I started honouring what I needed. And guess what? The more I looked after myself, the better I got at looking after my clients and growing my business.
If you want to know what that looks like, it looks like hibernating in winter – slowing down with the seasons and enjoying deep reflection..
PURPOSE + PASSION = POTENCY
If you want to build a resilient business, one that stands the test of time and truly serves YOU, you need to tune back into your purpose and your joy.
There’s no “one size fits all” blueprint, and you certainly won’t find the answers through someone else’s highlight reel. Tune in. What are your own answers saying?
Ready for the big secret?
The magic happens when you combine your purpose with practices that support you as a person, not just a business owner. Whether that’s in the gym (like Natalie), in the kitchen, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down.
Your next level starts with feeling good, and trusting yourself enough to follow what feels good.
RAISE YOUR PROFILE, BUT PROTECT YOUR ENERGY
As always, PR is about raising your profile and building your reputation, but you’ll never become a true authority when you’re operating from empty.
You want to be seen as an expert? Start by becoming the expert of your own life and wellbeing.
Don’t wait until you crash or burn out to prioritise yourself. Start now. Figure out what makes you feel strong and secure – physically, mentally, emotionally – and build your business around THAT.
Not sure how to balance strategy with self? DM me on Instagram @PRwithPerkes and let’s chat about building a business (and reputation) that lasts – one that puts you, unapologetically, at the centre.
Because health, wealth, and happiness? They’re not optional extras. They’re the strategy.
About Laura Perkes:
Laura Perkes is a PR Specialist, Communications Consultant and the Founder of PR with Perkes. She helps creative, diverse and innovative founders, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs who are wanting to raise their profile and build authority through effective PR.
Creating an an earned attention eco-system which contributes to the year on year growth of their business.
