Overcome Isolation As A Female Solopreneur Despite Fear Of Rejection
META: Overcome isolation despite social anxiety & embrace friendship as a female solopreneur with a fear of rejection. This will improve your brain health & business.
Isolation and solopreneurship go hand-in-hand. Especially, when you realize that the more you isolate, the more you overthink social interactions.
Soon, you’re afraid to reach out to your best friends because you’re convinced that they’re mad at you for some reason or they don’t want to hear from you or because they were busy last time…
I’ve travelled that fear of rejection rabbit hole more times than I can count. I thought it was bad in High School but I had no idea that getting sober in my 30’s would bring about a whole other round of social anxiety that was far more powerful than my teen years.
I don’t know about you but the longer I am a solopreneur the more intense the urge to isolate constantly becomes. In fact, this was part of the reason we have moved into a travel trailer to live in campgrounds immersed with people all the time.
I need the exposure.
And I don’t know about you but I have heard one too many Mel Robbins episodes reviewing the brain science about the negative impacts of isolation on everything from our lifespan to our quality of life. Obviously, it also impacts our performance in our businesses as well.
So today, I wanted to open up the conversation in a raw and real way about our struggles with isolation, fears of rejection, and our relationship with loneliness. I’ll also share the mini-strategies I’ve developed to make my friendships stronger than ever despite being separated.
PLUS: I brought along a free gift as a surprise today and all I ask in exchange is that you leave a comment below if you can relate to this at all and want to help other women feel a little less lonely.
WARNING – THIS POST CONTAINS EXPLIXIT CONTENT ABOUT SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH
The Science Behind The Good & Bad Of Isolation For Entrepreneurs
So firstly, I want to say that not all isolation is bad. In fact, there are a number of studies that uphold the idea that isolation is great for creativity and focus.
A study in Nature Communications found that loneliness can increase the activity of the brain’s default mode network, enhancing creativity by 22% compared to those who are less lonely (Byrdie).
Research from the Journal of Intelligence indicates that emotional intelligence can help channel loneliness into creative endeavors, with a 30% increase in creative output among those with high emotional intelligence compared to those with lower levels (MDPI).
And let’s be honest, we creatives love to use any excuse we can find to support our addiction to isolation.
Stephen King often comes to mind here.
But despite what the science says about the positive impact on our creativity, the stats on performance made me sit up and take note:
- The American Psychological Association reports that loneliness affects 61% of entrepreneurs, with women experiencing higher rates of loneliness compared to their male counterparts (Byrdie).
- According to a study published in Current Psychology, lonely employees can experience a 13% decrease in productivity. This effect can be mitigated by interventions like workplace mindfulness, which can help maintain productivity levels (SpringerLink).
- Data from a meta-analysis in the Journal of Psychological Studies suggests that loneliness contributes to a 25% increase in job burnout, which directly impacts productivity (SpringerLink).
So it’s clear that we can’t continue to nurture our addiction to isolation any further except for one time of year.
Wintering & Hibernation Are Still Essential
As a woman, our bodies experience the seasons and the changing light differently. In the Winter, we actually become more nocturnal and require more isolation and deep rest. This is the time when you can feel really good about indulging this side of yourself and I suggest you work it into your schedule as I do because it makes the rest of the year flow so much smoother.
My Real Fears About My Addiction To Isolation
I lost my big sister Stephanie to suicide nearly 15 years ago and loneliness played a rather large role in that.
I am aware that I often mirror many of her patterns and that often scares me to my core so my desire to address this head on is stronger than ever before. I recognize it as my responsibility to myself, my husband, my friends, and my business.
My Mini Strategies For Breaking Free From Isolation
I’m no expert in this which is why I want this post to serve as more of a conversational thread. That said here are a few mini strategies that are working for me:
- Create a regularly scheduled time to speak with friends and family to reduce the fear of rejection and the loop in your head where you procrastinate about reaching out then guilt and shame yourself for not being a better friend.
- Make notes in a journal about things you want to remember to tell your friends about and questions you want to ask about their life.
- Always try to start with them first.
- Schedule reaching out as a work task or daily non-negotiable
I’m hoping the more Ido this the easier it will get.
Introducing: The Reframing Loneliness Workbook
I’m thrilled to share with you a special gift I’ve created: the “Reframing Loneliness Workbook.” This isn’t just another set of worksheets; it’s a companion designed to help you navigate the murky waters of loneliness and find your way back to connection and community.
What’s Inside?
- Reflective Questions: Dive deep into your feelings and thoughts about loneliness. Understanding your emotions is the first step toward breaking the cycle of isolation.
- Practical Exercises: From making lists of activities you enjoy to writing down positive affirmations, these exercises are crafted to help you find joy and peace in solitude.
- Positive Affirmations: Boost your self-esteem and reshape your mindset with affirmations like, “I am worthy of love and connection,” and “I can find joy and peace in solitude.”
- Actionable Steps: Learn the difference between loneliness and solitude, and discover practical ways to make the most of your alone time.
Why This Matters
Loneliness isn’t just an emotional state; it’s a challenge that affects our creativity and productivity. Research shows that while loneliness can sometimes spark creative breakthroughs, it often hampers our overall well-being and productivity if left unchecked. By addressing these feelings head-on, we can transform loneliness into a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
My Own Journey
To be completely honest, I created this workbook because I needed it myself. I’ve spent countless hours battling the anxiety of reaching out to friends, fearing rejection, and feeling like I’m not enough. But through this process, I’ve learned that taking small, manageable steps can make a world of difference. Scheduling regular FaceTime calls with friends, setting realistic expectations, and practicing self-compassion have all been game-changers for me.
So, if you’re feeling the weight of isolation, know that you’re not alone. Let’s turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth together. Download the “Reframing Loneliness Workbook” today, and take the first step towards a more connected, creative, and fulfilled life.
Stay strong, stay connected, and remember—you’re not alone in this journey.
With love and understanding,
Sarah