There are plenty of variables in business. And, in truth, many of them will be beyond your control. There’s not that much, for instance, that you can do about the global economy, new disruptive technology, and whether a new competitor pops up in your industry. There are things, however, that you can impact. It is best to focus on those things. Take, for example, the sharpness of your mind. This is no one’s responsibility but yours. And given that the sharpness of your mind will have a big impact on your overall entrepreneurial success, it is a responsibility that you should take seriously.
In this blog, we’re going to look at some useful tips that anyone can follow that will help to keep their mind at its sharpest and most brilliant best.
Strategy Games
The brain isn’t a muscle, but it’s a good idea to think of it in this way. The more you exercise the brain, the stronger it’ll be! There are plenty of ways you can keep your mind sharp, and you should do so whenever you have some spare time. Any game that tests your strategic skills, such as chess or card games, will strengthen your decision-making process, which will only benefit your business in the long run.
Reduce the Toxins
Everyone wants to relax from time to time. However, it’s important to think about your method of relaxing. If it involves drinking alcohol, then you may want to consider finding an alternative relaxation tool. While the occasional drink won’t do that much damage, consistent drinking — even if it’s only a couple of drinks — can negatively impact brain sharpness. Indeed, it’s usually only after a person takes a break of a few weeks that they realise just how much it has been slowing them down. Live a tee-total month, and you’ll have more energy, feel better, and think sharper. It’s a no-brainer decision.
Read A Variety Books
It’s easy to get sucked into reading books on your industry or on the entrepreneurial mindset in general. However, while reading these books is unlikely to harm your brain, it’s not going to push it forward. In order for that to happen, you need to find ways to challenge yourself. And that means reading books that fall outside the domain of your usual interests or industry. Reading a variety of books won’t just keep your mind sharp, either — through the course of reading, you might just learn something that helps to push your business forward.
And talking of reading, consider the articles and pages that you read online. Entrepreneurs are as guilty as anyone else of falling into an echo chamber. One way to get around this is to push yourself to read an article by someone who holds the opposing view. This will force you to think in ways that your regular articles would not.
Learn New Skills
You’ve spent your whole educational life learning new skills. Why stop now? Studies have shown that learning a new skill can have a positive impact on brain health, even if it’s something just like woodwork. And that’s just one of the benefits. Not only will your brain be that little sharper, but you’ll also find that a new skill can function as a relaxation tool that takes you “outside” of your company. That’s something every entrepreneur needs from time to time.
Take a Break
Finally, remember that no one can operate at a high level at all times. While you’ll have periods of intense work, it’s also important that you take breaks from time to time. Now, spending a week on a beach is not something entrepreneurs usually think to do since they’re programmed to be in the office and hustle. However, it can be worthwhile forcing through a break. It’ll give your mind a little time and space to rest. You’ll find that by the time you return to the office, you’re raring to go.