EP 4: Self-care as a business strategy for entrepreneurs
Episode 4: Self-care as a business strategy for entrepreneurs
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple
In this episode, I explore:
Why self-care isn’t just an add-on but a key business strategy
How our beliefs (hello, confirmation bias!) shape the way we work
The toxic effects of hustle culture (feat. Jeff Bezos’ questionable leadership mindset)
My personal journey of burnout—and what finally made me change how I workHow shame and scarcity fuel imposter syndrome and keep us stuck in cycles of self-doubt.
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Why is self-care a business strategy for entrepreneurs?
My endeavor in writing this episode was to answer the question: Why is self-care a business strategy for entrepreneurs? I'm on a bit of a mission to help entrepreneurs see their own self-care as a business strategy because the more they do, they more they will build businesses that honour their needs and the needs of their customers and employees.
What’s confirmation bias got to do with it?
Our brains have what's known as confirmation bias—the tendency to seek out and interpret information that supports our existing beliefs. Given how much information we process daily, this makes sense; it helps us filter what we focus on.
This is also where the idea of creating what you believe comes from. For example, if I believe that it's impossible to stand in front of a crowd and talk, I’m unlikely to pursue public speaking. But if I believe I can learn to be comfortable on stage, I’m far more likely to make that a reality.
Where do self-care and business come into this conversation? I'm so glad you asked.
We live in a world where hustle culture is pervasive. The idea that success requires relentless effort is everywhere: No pain, no gain. Entrepreneurs never stop working. But these aren’t facts; they’re beliefs—ones that lead business owners to sacrifice their health, values, and well-being in pursuit of financial success. Worse, these beliefs often trickle down into company culture, where employees feel pressure to overwork without true support for their well-being.
Take Jeff Bezos, for example. As CEO, he sets the mindset for Amazon, stating: “I constantly remind our employees to be afraid, to wake up every morning terrified.” While he intends to drive innovation, this philosophy creates a pressure-cooker environment almost guaranteed to cause burnout. Employees working under fear-driven leadership are more likely to quit—leading to high turnover rates, disengagement, and a lack of loyalty. Amazon has faced frequent criticism for its treatment of warehouse workers and corporate employees alike, with reports of extreme stress, impossible quotas, and little room for self-care.
But what if there’s a different way?
If we can shift our beliefs and see self-care as a core part of business strategy, we can start building a reality where entrepreneurs (and their teams) thrive. Just like a well-nourished plant grows abundantly, a person who is mentally, physically, and emotionally well is more creative, innovative, and resilient—all qualities that directly impact business success and longevity.
How Have We Traditionally Thought of Self-Care?
For many of us, the phrase self-care conjures up images of bubble baths and spa days. That’s no accident—it’s a product of social conditioning and a commercialized wellness industry. And while those activities can be self-care, they often mask the deeper truth: self-care isn’t about indulgence, it’s about sustainability.
Even dictionary definitions often reduce self-care to something reactive, only necessary when you're sick or exhausted:
Cambridge Dictionary: The practice of caring for yourself when you are sick or to stop yourself from becoming sick.
Wikipedia: The process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being, to promote health, and actively manage illness when it occurs.
Notice how these definitions focus on avoiding illness rather than thriving? True self-care is about proactively supporting our well-being—not just reacting when we’ve hit rock bottom.
So what makes self-care truly powerful?
It’s not just the actions we take; it’s who we are being when we take them.
Think about it:
You can eat broccoli because you have to—or because you want to honor your body.
You can drag yourself to the gym out of self-criticism—or move your body because it feels good and supports you.
Same actions, different motivational mechanism.
Self-care isn’t just about doing things; it’s about being someone who loves themselves and prioritizes their well-being with that love, not obligation.
Redefining Self-Care in Terms of Entrepreneurship
From 2020-2023 I struggled HARD in my business. I was coming off a traumatic situation and then with the pandemic, I was in a tough spot both internally within myself and also financially. And I went into old working patterns of behavior. I would prioritize work over everything. I would say no to friends who invited me out for joyful times either because I just didn’t have the energy or I didn’t feel I could afford it. I would skip meals because I would be so focused on “working”.
All of this led me to having some serious digestive health issues. Which further exacerbated my mental health. It was really tough.
From a business standpoint:
I didn’t have the energy to show up consistently in certain ways (primarily with marketing)
I struggled hard with my mental clarity which impacted the clarity of my offers and my messaging making it harder to show people the value of my work in a way that would compel them to purchase from me
I held a lot of anxiety in my body which made it hard to focus and assess what was working and what wasn’t working. My business needed tweaking and some minor pivots and I just couldn’t hold myself to do it. Plus I was so sure I needed BIG changes that I wasn’t able to see the little small tweaks I could make to move the needle
And all of the above things impacted my finances further because when you’re not drawing in clientele you’re not making money. The fear that would ensue as a result would cause me to be energetically graspy…which is a total turnoff for people seeking this kind of work whether they’re conscious of it or not
My level of self care was directly impacting my business: the way I was talking to myself, feeding myself and nurturing myself was making it hard to grow my business.
As an entrepreneur, you are the CEO of your business. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, your well-being directly impacts your company. If you're running on empty:
Marketing becomes inconsistent or less effective.
Decision-making becomes reactive instead of strategic.
Customer experience suffers because you’re distracted or drained.
Creativity declines, making it harder to innovate and problem-solve.
In contrast, prioritizing self-care leads to:
Clearer thinking and better decision-making.
More consistent, aligned business growth.
More energy to show up and build connections.
A workplace culture that supports well-being at every level.
Self-care isn’t an afterthought—it’s a business strategy.
What Does the Impact of Self-Care Have on Our Businesses?
When we care for ourselves—mind, body, and spirit—we create a firm foundation for our businesses to thrive. Instead of waiting for burnout to force us into rest, we proactively build habits that sustain us long-term. This isn’t just about individual entrepreneurs; it’s about changing workplace culture altogether.
Companies that embrace supportive, well-being-focused leadership see tangible benefits, including:
Higher employee retention & loyalty (people don’t want to leave a company that values them!).
More innovation & creative problem-solving (stress kills creativity; balance fuels it).
Stronger customer relationships (happy, energized leaders and teams create better experiences).
The best businesses aren’t built on sacrifice—they’re built on sustainability.
Let’s reflect:
Who is the being driving your self-care actions? A perfectionist? A critic? Or a supportive encourager who wants the best for you?
What if self-care isn’t just about surviving, but thriving?
Take one small step today: Set aside 10 minutes for a practice that makes you feel genuinely cared for—without guilt or obligation.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s smart business.
Thank you so much for being here and listening today. I'm looking forward to next month's episode and being able to connect with you and really land this more deeply as time goes on. With that, I'll bid you a, you see you soon friends.
Would you like personalized one-to-one support so you can build in the self-care practices that not only support your wellbeing, but that also support the growth and wellbeing of your business? If so, head to sydneyfletcher.com to learn more and also to book a consult. I'd love to help you and your business grow.
