There are all kinds of approaches to self care - and self care ideas seem to be a dime a dozen. But the topic is no less important for all the hype surrounding it. On this episode, Rosetta has a great conversation with Chivon John, a serious entrepreneur who has discovered from her own struggles that self care is non-negotiable. She’s felt the sting of the lack of self care and has a good deal of advice about how you can avoid the pitfalls that come from not taking care of yourself. You’ll do yourself a tremendous favor by listening.

Why do we find it OK to be intentional about business, but not about self care?

None of the Happy Black Woman Tribe has a problem getting very specific or intentional when it comes to their business. Business plans, strategy maps, marketing plans - they are things we are diligent about putting in place and working. So why are we so hesitant to be intentional about our self care? Is it laziness? Is it fear? Or is it something more? Chivon John has a ton of great insights about how you can put some self care ideas into practice and see yourself healthier and more profitable as a result. You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation.

How are you going to give your best if you aren’t feeling your best?

As entrepreneurs, we often forget that our businesses can only be as healthy as we are. That may sound like hyperbole or fluff, but it’s the truth. We need to remember that our businesses most important asset is us - and ensure that we are healthy enough to continue guiding our business to greater levels of success. On this episode, Chivon John tells her story about what the lack of self care brought about in her life and why she had to make a change for the better. Her story will resonate with many of you, so you should take the time to listen, learn, and take action on what she shares.

Recording your small wins can help you put things in better perspective.

When you’re in the trenches of your business and the daily grind of what it takes to make it successful you can easily fall prey to the discouraging things that happen along the way. Chivon John has discovered a self care idea that enables her to keep her eyes on what is true about her business. It’s a jar that she uses to hold small slips of paper. On those slips are written the small wins she’s achieved at various points along the way as she’s been building her business. Whenever she hits a down time, Chivon opens the jar and reads a few of the notes. It reminds her of the good she’s accomplishing and that the discouraging time she’s in will soon pass.

Self care ideas may be as simple as small intentional steps that set up safe boundaries.

Intentionality is huge when it comes to self care. You’ve got to see it as an important part of your daily disciplines - or else you will burn the candle of your life at both ends. Chivon John says that it’s the intentional steps of self-protection that matter the most. For example, she sometimes puts her phone in airplane mode just to relieve her mind of the constant barrage of notifications - or the temptation to jump on social media. Other times she chooses to leave her phone at home if she is going out. It’s her way of setting up boundaries for herself that help her keep her mind focused and clear. Find out more self care ideas from Chivon on this episode of Happy Black Woman.

Outline of this great episode

• [0:31] Rosetta’s introduction of her guest Chivon John.
• [2:27] What’s happened in Chivon’s life and business over the past 6 years.
• [6:20] How Chivon became so interested in self care ideas.
• [11:51] The violent level of comparison that happens between women entrepreneurs.
• [15:56] How can you hit the “reset” button by taking care of yourself in basic ways?
• [22:21] Why you need to be “all in” for yourself as much as you are for your business.
• [24:26] How Chivon stays on track with her own self care.
• [31:24] Chivon’s book recommendation.

Resources & Links mentioned in this episode

• Secrets Of A Side Hustler (Chivon’s website)
• Self Control App
• Facebook Newsfeed Blocker (Chrome Extension)
• Forest App
• BOOK: The Gifts of Imperfection

About Chivon John

Chivon John is a communication specialist by day and the mastermind behind Secrets of a Side Hustler. Motivated by her passion to inspire individuals to hustle with intention and create their own opportunities, in 2016 she was selected as the official Toronto Ambassador for Global Women's Entrepreneurship Day and was a Canadian delegate at the 2016 G20 YEA Summit in Beijing, China. As a passionate champion for mental health and wellness for entrepreneurs, she curates events and experiences designed to help biz owners thrive both in life and business.