the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship: how i cope 7 years in

Entrepreneurship & My Mental Health:

How I Cope 7 Years InCory J. Miller

iThemes @corymiller303

@corymiller303#WCDENVER

Anger, Stress, Frustration, Jealousy, Competition, Conflict,

Loss, Insecurity, Criticism, Failure, Fear, Breakups, Divorce,

Loss, Family, Problems, Loneliness, Depression,

Money Problems, Burnout

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The toughest, often loneliest job

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7 Beliefs That Change(d) My Life

aka Things I Say To Myself, Over and Over and Over

@corymiller303#WCDENVER

“Sometimes I need help &

that’s OK.”

BELIEF #1

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Disclaimer: I’m not a counselor

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My counselor’s name is Kyle

5 Years ~4 times a Year

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• Dump my garbage on someone I don’t see at Thanksgiving

• Talk/work through tough situations privately

• Get outside expert opinions & perspectives on relationships

• Regular mental health checkup

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“I’m not alone.”BELIEF #2

@corymiller303#WCDENVER

I'm not the only one dealing with these

issues or feelings

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Same problems, different names

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Find a Like-Minded Peer Group on Similar Journey to Walk With

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By the way, YOU’RE NOT ALONE

EITHER!

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“My health & happiness comes first.”

BELIEF #3

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If I’m miserable, everybody else will be too

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What 8 months of misery taught me

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If you’re not happy, change it.

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“Ultimately, I’m only responsible for

my own happiness.”

BELIEF #4

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YOUR happiness is not MY job

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Clear boundaries = More Happiness

I decide what I will & won’t allow in my life & biz

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“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor & “Boundaries” by Henry Cloud

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“The only thing I can truly control is myself.”

BELIEF #5

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… my actions, my reactions, my thoughts,

my feelings

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Positive & productive vs.

negative & pessimistic

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Anger and frustration come from unmet

expectations

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“My worth isn’t measured in dollar signs.”

BELIEF #6

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Likes, Follows, Awards, Cars, Company Size,

House, etc.

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I refuse to play puerile games

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I value my life by the people I love & who love me & the lives I impact for good

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“I can’t WON’T do this by myself, ever again.”

BELIEF #7

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My pride put me in 6 months of solitary

confinement

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I need people. You need people. We need people.

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The people who make the difference for me

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1. It’s OK to ask for help 2. You’re not alone 3. Your health & happiness comes first4. Control only the things you can control 5. Other’s happiness is not your responsibility 6. Your worth shouldn’t be measured in things7. Don’t try to do this alone

Thank you! cory@iThemes.com

@corymiller303

FINDING A COUNSELORAsk your physician for a referral

Ask trusted friends/family

Contact Health Insurance

1-800-NEW-LIFE