Let’s Talk About Health in Entrepreneurship

Recently, I had an unexpected “vacation” in the hospital. (Zero stars, would not recommend. The food alone… woof.) While I was lying there, hooked up to a bunch of IVs instead of my laptop, I realized: we really don’t talk enough about health in entrepreneurship.

The business world sells us a steady diet of rise and grind. Early mornings, late nights, long weekends—the whole “sleep when you’re dead” mentality—as if exhaustion is a badge of honor. (Spoiler alert: there’s no Girl Scout badge for being tired all the time.) But for so many of us—entrepreneurs, artists, parents, and people living with chronic illness—health isn’t an afterthought. It can easily become the main event. It can mean lost income, missed deadlines, and generally feeling like you’re falling behind. Trying to build a business while ignoring that reality is like signing up to run a marathon: you can do it, but why would you? (Can you tell I hate running?)

Here’s the thing: I coach brilliant, creative people who are constantly telling me, “I just need to push through ___________.” Push through the migraine. Push through this seven-day work week. Push through the toddler climbing on their head during a Zoom call. We’ve been conditioned to believe that success comes from pretending we’re robots who never get sick or need a break.

But our bodies aren’t a pile of metal parts and 1s and 0s. They’re our business partners, and we need to listen to them. Health challenges—whether it’s a random hospitalization or a chronic condition—shape how we work, earn, and sustain ourselves. Pretending otherwise just piles shame on top of fatigue, and last time I checked, shame is not a productivity hack. (Just checked again. Yep, still not.)

So let’s talk about it. Out loud. What does it look like to build a business around real human bodies? How do we design systems that leave space for naps, flare-ups, caregiving, and, yes, actual joy? How do we normalize asking for help—not just from doctors, but from our communities, collaborators, and friends?

Because here’s the rub: making room for health in our businesses doesn’t slow us down. It actually makes us better. More creative, more sustainable, and way less likely to Google “Can you die from stress?” at 2 a.m.

How do I know this? A. It’s science. And B. I just experienced it. After getting home from the hospital, I finally allowed myself to listen to my body and rest as much as I needed to. Once I did, my body let me know I was ready to go back to work—and I’ve felt more driven, excited, and fulfilled than I have in years. Did I know I was tired? Yes. Did I know how tired? Ummm, no.

If you’re reading this while you’re ill, recovering, caregiving, or just plain wiped out—I want you to know that I see you. You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re human. And honestly, isn’t that the whole point of this whole “working for yourself” thing anyway? To treat yourself well?

There are so many other things that are difficult when it comes to running your own business. Make sure you’re saying yes to you when it comes to your health. What’s one thing you can do for you and your body this week?