You’ve probably heard the saying, “wearing many hats,” but franken-preneurship goes way past over-accessorizing.
Frankenstein’s monster was pieced together with random parts, resulting in a hideous yet emotional monster. You remember - “it’s alive! It’s alive!” Dr. Frankenstein brought his experiment to life then referred to him as a "fiend", "wretch", "thing", "being", and "ogre". The nameless giant ends up frightened, wandering in the wilderness alone. He pulls himself up by his bootstraps, gets some education, becomes an eloquent and well-mannered individual, then turns on humans and declares them his enemy.
I mean, if that doesn’t sound like an entrepreneur on a bad day I don’t know what does.
When an entrepreneur has been run ragged by all the positions they must fill - leadership, accounting, operations, sales, account management, customer service, marketing - they start to feel, and maybe even look, a little like Frankenstein’s monster. Falling apart and pieced together like a science experiment, overwhelmed by their very existence.
This is when the hats have been thrown out the window and we have to accept that we’ve moved into Franken-preneurship. A dangerous and terrifying reality when we try to piece everything together into one giant monster. I’m not sure if you’ve read Frankenstein but honestly, it doesn’t turn out great for anyone. Not for Dr. Frankenstein, not for his friends and family, and not for Frankenstein’s monster. Those who are suffering under the pressure of Franken-preneurship will also endure a tragic fate.
How do we turn the tides?
1. Outsource.
The minute, and we mean the minute, you can safely afford it, unload something. Accounting, admin - hand it over to an expert and focus on growing your business. Hire someone, find a contractor, but get the busy work off your plate and channel your energy into what increases top-line revenue.
2. Take time for yourself.
Entrepreneurs burn out because they don’t make time to relax. Sometimes it’s difficult for driven people to sit and do “nothing,” so if you can’t sit by a pool or lay on the beach, find something that brings you calm and clarity. Garden, workout, read fiction, walk your dog - do something, anything, that isn’t work. Don’t base your worth on the business - have a life outside of it.
3. Get a business buddy.
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. When you’re trying to do a million things and be a million people, you’ll have days when you just want to talk to someone about it. Just to say it out loud. Have a go-to support person you know you can depend on to be a listening ear (and be that for them in return.)
4. Fuel your engine.
Keep your mind right and take care of your body. Get enough sleep. Cool it on the energy drinks. Eat vegetables. Go for a walk. Wash your face. Do your laundry. Get a massage. Make time to laugh. Stop staring at screens and talk to another human. We’re not 100% on exactly what Frankenstein’s monster ate or if he worked out but we’ll go out on a limb and say a healthy diet and moderate exercise couldn’t have hurt.
Don’t let yourself create a monster that will come back to kill you. Entrepreneurship should be exciting, challenging, rewarding, and inspiring. Before it gets out of control and drags you down, keep things in perspective and take care of yourself.
Blog image of Frankenstein costume from Tell Love and Party
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