For many years, the story about entrepreneurship has been about working hard and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals, but some business owners are now bucking that idea and creating a new trend called soft entrepreneurship or cozy entrepreneurship.
Deya Arriaga is a freelancer, digital business manager, YouTuber and has become one of the leading advocates of cozy entrepreneurship. In a recent video, she explains her stance: “Traditional hard entrepreneurship is: ‘Just go for it, just go harder no matter what, if you try harder you’ll be better, do more, get stronger, work harder, you’re a machine.’ It’s ruining my life and it’s not fun at all. So last year I switched from hard entrepreneurship to soft entrepreneurship, and it’s changed my life.”
Arriaga’s business journey began with a traditional hustle mentality. But it led to stress, self-doubt, and trouble with employees. Eventually, her mental health got so bad that she decided to change the way she ran her business. And thus, The Rules of Feel-Good Entrepreneurship were born.
Her rules are:
- Zero Shame Policy: She doesn’t shame herself or others for not meeting industry or societal expectations, such as getting up early or starting work at a certain time.
- Clarification on optimization: She thinks about what it is that you actually want to optimize, not just money, but freedom, time, etc.
- Constraints: Instead of constantly striving for more, she thinks about what is “enough” in terms of money, energy and goals to live a happy and peaceful life.
- Life > Work: She values ​​her life above her work and does not derive personal value from her work accomplishments.
Now, Arriaga runs her business according to these guidelines, prioritizes her happiness and mental health, and is able to run a business that brings in six figures while still enjoying the rest of her life.
Of course, entrepreneurial goals and lifestyles vary widely, so this formula may not work for everyone, but the idea of ​​feel-good entrepreneurship may appeal to those who feel they need a little more space in their work life to combat burnout and enjoy life and business again.
Image: Envato
