The Secret to Thriving as an Entrepreneur (and a Leader): Prioritizing Mental Health

Let’s be real here: being an entrepreneur or a leader can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also stressful. You’re constantly juggling decisions, managing teams, and working long hours to keep everything moving. And in the age of "perfect" social media posts— We’ve all seen those slick videos of successful entrepreneurs showing off their “perfect” routines—smooth coffee in hand, yogi pose at sunrise, a spotless apartment, and a flawless day unfolding before them. If you’ve ever felt like your own routine doesn’t measure up, it’s because these videos are fiction. Behind the polished exterior, even the most successful entrepreneurs struggle with mental health just like the rest of us. The truth is, no one can keep up that level of perfection without hitting a wall eventually.

The best leaders know that taking care of their mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a must for long-term success. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re more likely to lead with clarity, make better decisions, and build a culture that doesn’t burn people out.

Let’s explore why mental health matters for entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives—and why you should make it a priority.

1. Self-Awareness: Knowing When to Hit Pause

One of the foundational qualities of an effective leader is self-awareness. The best leaders understand their strengths, limitations, and how their actions impact those around them. Mental health is a critical aspect of self-awareness—leaders who are in tune with their emotional and psychological state are better equipped to manage stress, make decisions, and lead with empathy. The most effective leaders know when to take a break. They know when it’s time to step back before they end up yelling, “What part of urgent don’t you understand?!” to their staff.

The best leaders know that self-awareness isn’t a woo-woo concept but about recognizing when your mind needs a timeout. They recognize the signs of stress and proactively step back to recharge.

When you model this behavior, your team will feel comfortable doing the same.

2. Emotional Resilience: Mastering the Art of Staying Calm Under Pressure

In times of crisis, effective leaders stay calm. They don’t crack under pressure—they adapt and guide their teams through challenges. Prioritizing mental health helps you stay emotionally strong, enabling confident decisions even when the stakes are high.

Remember the episode when Michael Scott (the world’s most lovable but chaotic manager) loses it because he’s not invited to a dinner party ("Dinner Party" - Season 4)? His frustration explodes into petty antics, awkward confrontations, and an epic meltdown that leaves the entire office either cringing or scrambling to keep him happy.

Now imagine if Michael had been a leader prioritizing his mental health. Instead of stewing in resentment and escalating the drama, he could have acknowledged his feelings privately, maybe talked it out with a trusted confidant like Jim or Pam, and refocused on team morale. Leaders who handle rough patches well own their emotions without making them everyone else’s problem—and ultimately, the team respects them more for it.

It’s a perfect lesson: leaders who manage their mental health set the tone for the workplace. Don't be a Michael Scott in meltdown mode; be a Jim Halpert with a well-timed smirk and a calm demeanor!

3. Better Decisions: Mental Clarity Beats Gut Instincts

Entrepreneurs and leaders make decisions daily. Mental exhaustion clouds judgment, making it harder to think clearly. Leaders who prioritize their mental health can evaluate options more effectively, leading to smarter decisions, fewer mistakes, and more successful strategies.

4. Leading by Example: Building a Healthy Work Culture

Great leaders set the tone for their organizations. When they prioritize mental health, they create a culture that values self-care, where everyone feels empowered to take care of themselves. Leaders who set boundaries, practice mindfulness, and promote well-being inspire their teams to do the same, leading to a more engaged, healthier and ultimately productive workforce.

In The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Miranda Priestly serves as a counterexample of toxic leadership, contrasting sharply with the transformation of her assistant, Andy Sachs. Toward the film's end, Andy chooses to prioritize her mental health and life balance, leaving Miranda’s high-pressure environment. This highlights the importance of leaders setting a positive example—when they don’t, individuals must often take it upon themselves to protect their well-being.

5. Burnout Prevention: Pacing Yourself for Sustainable Success

Leaders who take care of their mental health prevent burnout before it starts. They balance hard work with recovery, ensuring they have adequate energy to perform over the long term.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s relentless ambition and refusal to rest exemplify how burnout can topple even the greatest leaders. His constant military campaigns, overextension during the disastrous Russian invasion, and inability to pause or delegate led to physical decline, poor judgment, and alienation from his allies. By the time of Waterloo, his brilliance was dulled by exhaustion, ultimately causing his downfall.

6. Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Leadership Success

Leaders with high emotional intelligence (EI) can manage their own emotions while understanding and navigating the emotions of others. This ability is crucial for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and inspiring teams. When you prioritize mental health, you cultivate EI, which helps you make empathetic decisions and create trust within your team.

A former client of mine (CEO) once shared with me how his ability to stay calm during tough conversations changed everything for his business. When an employee was struggling, instead of getting frustrated or defensive, he listened actively and showed empathy. That conversation not only resolved the issue but strengthened the employee’s trust in his leadership. High EI is crucial, and mental health is the foundation for developing it.

Conclusion: Lead Like a Visionary: The Power of Prioritizing Your Mental Health

Effective leadership isn’t about simply putting in more and more effort; it’s about, prioritizing mental health, practicing self-care, and leading with clarity. By prioritizing mental health, you’ll be a better decision-maker, a more resilient leader, and someone who inspires their team to do the same. So… take that mental health day, set boundaries, and learn mood regulation techniques. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re in the best position to take care of your business and your team.