If you know me, you know I love systems, processes, and productivity. One of my systems is around social media. I do the bulk of my social media once per day, and I call it my daily social time. 

During daily social time, I saw the following:  The world is overwhelming as it is. Be gentle with yourself. 

I stopped scrolling when I saw this post and thought about it for a few minutes.  

How often are we not gentle with ourselves? 

Especially as an entrepreneur.

We set goals. Big goals. We have businesses to grow and clients to serve. You have friends and family that you want to support. 

Before you know it, you have focused on everyone but yourself. You show up even regardless, and you push through because that is what you should do.  

Have you done this?  

I have.  

But there is a reason that they tell you to put your mask on first in the event of a plane crash.  

They tell you this because if you don’t, you will become useless to everyone else around you. 

They tell you this because if you want to help your child, partner, family, or friend in the seat next to you, you have to take care of yourself first.  

This is true in business too. In business, we have to put ourselves first, or risk burnout, resentment, and an overall inability to focus and grow.  

If we remember to be gentle with ourselves, we acknowledge our feelings and allow ourselves to take time to process. We will take a break when we need a break because we understand that we will come back stronger with more focus if we do. We will follow the routines we put in place to help our mind, body, and souls. We will remember to be present, play, and have fun.   We will create boundaries that teach others how to treat us. 

If we remember to be gentle with ourselves, we get support, ask for help and remember that done is better than perfect.  

If we remember to be gentle with ourselves, we will put ourselves first to continue to grow into the people we need. 

Will you be gentle with yourself? 

You always have to remember to take care of you first and foremost, because when you stop taking care of yourself, you get out of balance, and you really forget how to take care of others.

JadaPinkett Smith