Yes, Entrepreneurs DO Need to Sleep

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

What they say: After specializing in helping elite athletes optimize their performance, the authors began applying their fundamental energy equation to 'corporate athletes," who, the say, are under far greater pressure than any athlete.

This is because in sports, athletes focus on their physical health, including watching their diet and balancing their energy through ample rest and recovery. We, on the other hand, behave like we're participating in an endless marathon, and we don't give ourselves the appropriate fuel and rest required to survive, let alone thrive.

Professional athletes spend about 90% of their time training, while they spend only 10% of their time performing. We are typically working in a reverse of that equation. in order to optimize our performance and become "fully engaged," we must pay attention to our energy management.

What this means for you: One of the most prominent entrepreneurial myths today is the idea that entrepreneurs never sleep or rest. They are 'always on," never giving up on their dream. For most of us though, this will lead to burnout. Don't forget that you are a human being, and you need the following to perform at your best:

1. Adequate rest (7-9 hours per night)
2. Good fuel (whole foods)
3. Recovery time (AKA relaxation with no work tasks)
4. Connection with others (this is a requirement for all mentally healthy human beings)
5. A sense of purpose (beyond the day-to-day operations of your business)

The myths of entrepreneurship are pervasive and impossible to achieve unless you are mentally ill (or intent on making yourself so). You need to keep your body and mind healthy in order to make an impact on your business and to provide the world with your greatness.

Virginia Ginsburg is founder and chief consultant at Swell Strategies. She is passionate about supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in starting and running successful enterprises. An avid reader, in this blog she reviews books and articles and relates specific learning points back to entrepreneurial businesses.