How mental health affects entrepreneurs

Mental health plays a vital role in everyone’s life, influencing the decisions we make each d

It is more crucial for entrepreneurs to keep their mental health in check during difficult times because life does not always go as planned.

The panel discussion at the Metropolitan Collective Shapers in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), on Thursday focused on how mental health can ensure a business’s success.

The Metropolitan Collective Shapers was established to help entrepreneurs in different sectors thrive through challenges. This year, ten agricultural entrepreneurs based in KZN participated in the eight-month programme. The entrepreneurs were awarded an R20,000 cash prize and mentorship.  

How overthinking can hinder success

Dr Tshepiso Matentjie, a psychologist, told The Citizen that overthinking can indeed hinder young entrepreneurs from succeeding because they spend too much time dwelling on what went wrong and what they could have done better.

She advises entrepreneurs to be mindful of overthinking because sometimes, many are unaware that they are even overthinking and blowing something out of proportion. Overthinking can also result in overcomplicating the next stage.

“Sometimes people do not even realise they have anxiety, or they are overthinking. In some cases, it is our own minds that lead us to make mistakes. If you start to have sleepless nights over something you cannot control or change, it means you are overthinking, and it will stop you from making the next step.”

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How to have meta-awareness

She said overthinking can lead most entrepreneurs to lack meta-awareness. Meta-awareness is the ability to be consciously aware of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and consciousness processes, including perception, comprehension, and projection.

Matentjie added that when overthinking starts to take control, it is important to journal your thoughts and have a core group of people with whom you can check in. She explained this group as people who can support, inspire, and advise.

“To break free of the overthinking, entrepreneurs must ask themselves, ‘While I am waiting for this deal or this breakthrough to happen, what is it that I need to do to ensure I am ready for it?’”

Because just sitting and waiting for feedback can paralyse people into not doing anything.

Setting boundaries

Matentjie said young entrepreneurs must set a boundary on the amount of time they spend on social media. They usually consume content that affects their mental health, and being on social media for too long is time-consuming.

“If one is always on social media, they must be intentional about the content they consume.”

Another boundary is the conversations entrepreneurs have with and about themselves. She said it is important to be your own cheerleader because if you are not your number one supporter, who will be?

“Be intentional about being grateful, about recognising the hard work you have put in, and about how well you are going to do in life.”

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Challenges faced by start-up businesses

Dr Sifiso Ntombela, economist and former special advisor to the minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, told The Citizen that the significant challenge that most start-up businesses in Agriculture face is access to networks and information.

“How do I create my product? Where do I make it so I can provide the best quality? Which audience is best for this product? How do I price it? Where do I get funding? These are the most important questions entrepreneurs ask when entering the sector, especially because agriculture is just not about farming.”

He added that he is impressed to see young entrepreneurs from the programme sharing experiences and networking to overcome some of the challenges they have experienced.

Branding for businesses

Phumla Mavundla, a brand specialist, highlighted how important it is for businesses to focus on branding.

“For a brand to be seen, heard, and loved, it must have a face. Therefore, entrepreneurs need to take advantage of the necessary tools to make their businesses known all over the country.”

She said mentorship is very important in the entrepreneur space, especially a mentor in the same sector as you because they have gone through what you have gone through.

“A mentor isn’t someone who can just give you advice, and check up on you, this is someone who can help you connect with the people who have once helped them establish a business.”

The ten graduates

The ten graduates who took part in the programme are Sindiswa Ndlovu, Thabiso Sithole, Yolanda Maphalala, Siphindile Hlengwa, Sphanaso Ngubane, Noluthando Khumalo, Ntethelelo Mdletshe, Nduduzo Mtshali, Linda Mthalane and Bhekumndeni Khumalo.

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