Curtin alumna Iris Smit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launching a business comes with many challenges, however what I wasn\u2019t prepared for was the toll a rapidly growing business would take on my mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After my appearance on Shark Tank, The Quick Flick<\/a> grew at a rate that I didn\u2019t predict. With this quick growth came unsustainable working hours, isolating myself from my support networks and a lack of internal trust, given that each challenge was new, and I didn\u2019t have the confidence to back myself and my ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More success is not what will make you happy if you haven\u2019t done the internal work.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the pressure in the business grew, I found it hard to celebrate the wins and truly experience the positives of a growing business, because I wasn\u2019t feeling happy as a human being in general. At this time, I felt numb and emotionless and with that came an internal frustration at myself for not being able to let myself enjoy the high points and success of all my hard work. To combat this, I forced myself to work harder, thinking that the harder I worked, the more I would feel, however this only ever leads to burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a real stigma around mental health and it is incredibly important that we eliminate the shame that often acts as a barrier for people seeking professional help. The way I think about it is, people go to a personal trainer to get their body in good shape, so why wouldn\u2019t we do the same for our mental health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n People go to a personal trainer to get their body in good shape, so why wouldn\u2019t we do the same for our mental health?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seeking professional help gave me tools to implement in my everyday life, that I still use to this day to maintain my mental health. For me, establishing a routine that includes journaling, affirmations and reading self-help content helped me get into a positive and strong headspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From this more confident and self-assured headspace it has been easier for me to handle things that I previously found challenging, such as dealing with negative feedback and trolling. Although I don\u2019t recommend people read or engage with negative commentary about themselves, when I do come across it, I can step back and see that it\u2019s not something I need to carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clarity comes from having done, and continuing to do, the internal work.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These days, I am a more resilient, confident person who no longer looks to third parties for approval as I have done the inner work and can seek validation from myself. This has allowed me to be a better business owner, have more confidence in my decisions and know my personal and professional boundaries. This prevents me from burning out and creating a burnout culture in my business. As a result, I am much happier and passionate about what I do, as I do it within the boundaries of what is healthy for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important for people to speak up about their experiences.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I think it\u2019s important for people to speak up about their experiences so they can help others who may be experiencing a similar situation. Having shared my story in the past, I have had people reach out to me to share their stories \u2013 being a safe space for people to talk to and being an example for others will always be important to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or someone you know needs help, call <\/em>Lifeline<\/em><\/a> on 13 11 14 or <\/em>Beyond Blue<\/em><\/a> on 1300 22 4636 for round-the-clock assistance and support.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n