“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.” Peter Drucker.

Humans crave inspiration, enlightenment, and achievement, for ourselves and to empower us to help others. The individual may need intentional, disciplined, continual action to move to their desired state of being (Drucker, 2008). Workplace leaders are taught how to guide their direct reports to achieve the company’s vision, mission, values, and goals. There are well-intentioned and defined job descriptions and standard operating procedures. The workplace employee knows what they need to do and how to achieve their tasks. Their coworkers and leaders serve as a team to both support and hold each other accountable. However, what happens when an employee leaves an established company to run their own business?

Peter Drucker, the “Father of Modern Management,” said, “Success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves-their strengths, their values, and how they best perform.” This emphasizes the importance of self-leadership. Most established corporate entities have structures and checkpoints set up for employee success. Plus, there are articles and resources to support companies and employees navigating through reaching peak performance. Many focus on the study of leadership as the key to success. Theorists have identified leadership styles and created varying leadership models to guide those in the workplace (Maciariello & Linkletter, 2011).

However, unlike the established corporate environment where the vision, strategy, and action plan are given to the employee, the brand-new entrepreneur is responsible for setting it up themselves. There is not as much targeted research to guide them. Without self-leadership skills, it is like traveling to a dreamed-of faraway destination at night, alone, without a compass, map, GPS, or phone. The first step is understanding ourselves (Drucker, 1999), recognizing how we perform at our best. Drucker (2005) stated that focusing on personal performance measures may be even more important than understanding our personal strengths. If we know what we do well and how to best do it, then we have the data to adjust our actions to attain success. Therefore, self-leadership is necessary to have an effective roadmap to get us to our desired destination with as few stumbles as possible.

It is human nature to resist change and practice behaviors we are used to, even if change is evidently needed (Galli, 2018). For transformation to happen, applicable thought and energy need to be focused in the desired direction for sustained periods. We need to endure trials and tribulations. This means first we need to build momentum and energy (motivation that produces sustained, forward-movement), then we need self-awareness and skills to endure unforeseen circumstances (Magill, 2022).

How might one feel motivated, but go nowhere? Deckers (2018) shares that some theories state we are more motivated to avoid pain than to pursue pleasure. Despite knowing that transformation will help them reach their goals and achieve happiness, the individual subconsciously avoids the pain they would go through to get there. This can breed procrastination. Worse yet… one may change their business plan and/or focus before testing it. The results? Frustration, wheel-spinning, overwhelm, and burnout (Magill, 2017).

Fortunately, it is not uncommon to hear of team-building exercises and/or retreats to build momentum in attaining corporate goals. Strategies are created with leadership overseeing progress and coordinating management personnel (David & David, 2016). Consistent positive, productive support can help negate the effects of discouragement, stress, and workplace pressures, helping each individual and team stay accountable and on course. However, what about companies that do not see the value in investing in their employees’ development? Or those at the top? Who helps them stay accountable, positive, and productive?

What about the entrepreneur who has no formal support and/or accountability systems? The results can be catastrophic in lost time and revenues, and at worst, failed business ventures. These ups and downs can derail the corporate or self-leader if skills are not learned to manage the process.

Therefore, it is vital for self-leading entrepreneurs to know which skills to update. This requires continual personal re-evaluation and implementation (Drucker, 2008), including understanding personal emotional “triggers” to predict when ups and downs may occur (Goleman, 1998) and finding ways to stay motivated and resilient in all areas of business, from idea-creation, to teaching and learning, to application, to empowering our target audience. Business professionals need to apply the formula M+E = E… Momentum + Energy = Endurance (Magill, 2022). This is especially true of teaching and learning moments. Drucker (2008) shared that when we identify our personal values and understand our greatest strengths, we can move mountains!

Most management literature focuses on individual self-management within a job held for a corporate entity. More research is needed that focuses on the entrepreneurial leader, especially when combining self-reflection, self-development, and individual peak performance to create a healthy life and business. This article will discuss the issues we face in empowering entrepreneurs who are learning new skills or strengthening existing ones. In other words, we will discuss how momentum and energy can be attained and maintained for enduring results.

In this article, the word entrepreneur represents many types of businesses, from solopreneurs to small business owners. The principles shared are also useful for mid- and large-sized businesses and leaders within those businesses.

Background of the Literature

Stress and overwhelm can muddle one’s big-picture vision, skewing connected short-term goals, which can become demotivating and drain one’s energy, especially when one experiences workplace stress or consistent occupational stress (Quick & Henderson, 2016). Research supports the benefits of work-life balance for reducing stress and increasing employee efficiency (Ridic et al., 2016). Another factor is the lack of movement common for many who hold desk jobs. This can lead to pain, fatigue, and other stress-related concerns such as absenteeism (Odu et al., 2023). Stress reduction has become even more important after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused chronic stress and increased mental health concerns. Although being isolated seemed to increase symptoms, consistent exercise seemed to help relieve symptoms (Qi et al., 2021). High stress has been shown to reduce not only mental and physical health, but productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction (Rahmey et al., 2022). High-stress environments can lead to quiet quitting, meaning the employee is present but doing the bare minimum (Clifton, 2023). Occupational stress can cost the employee their motivation to perform optimally and affect their health and wellbeing (Quick & Henderson, 2016). Causal factors of occupational stress can cause frustration and exhaustion, leading to burnout, leading to poor performance, possibly leading to high absenteeism and employee turnover (Mehra, 2023). Prasad (2021) analyzed the effectiveness of current performance management practices: “…employees across the world, irrespective of the sector/area, experienced high-level of occupational stress, displaced work-life balance, workplace isolation, employee disengagement, lower job satisfaction, and some negative effects on their psychological wellbeing, with decreased motivation and morale” (p.557). Prasad (2021) recommended a new framework to address these concerns. A more recent study demonstrated increased stress related to working remotely. Causal factors included lack of social interaction with peers, fun breaks, and healthy competition. The authors suggested an emphasis on strategies to cope with stress when looking to manage performance (Prasad et al., 2023).

According to the SHRM HR Glossary, “Performance management is the process of maintaining or improving employee job performance through the use of performance assessment tools, coaching and counseling as well as providing continuous feedback.” In the corporate arena, managers monitor and evaluate employees.

Fortunately, there are resources to guide corporate leadership on navigating challenges and improving employee satisfaction and performance. McCann et al. (2012) stated that resiliency and agility within the organization are vital to endure turbulent change and become sustainable. Patterson et al. (2009) emphasized the importance of developing key skills resilient leaders were shown to utilize in keeping up with turbulent times. Focus and personal responsibility were also found to be key elements to being a resilient leader (Patterson et al., 2009).

Understanding how to inspire employees is a vital component of business success. Burt et al. (2022) identified how a team’s cohesion and productivity can be linked to how leadership builds and sustains a “…culture of community (the facilitation of shared values, goals, and an environment where individuals feel valued and want to engage in a team’s work)…” (p.855).

However, what about the entrepreneur who may not have these cohesive elements or a leader to keep them accountable and productive? A self-led individual needs to hold themselves accountable and utilize self-leadership skills to stay on track (Drucker, 2008). The solopreneur working from home may have to manage distractions. Self-discipline and self-control are essential (Baumann et al., 2023). Therefore, developing the skills to stay accountable, motivated, energized/passionate, and disciplined is vital to achieve sustainable success.

Statement of the Problem

It is vital to optimize our individual potential and performance. To attain business success, it is beneficial to consider non-traditional methods of skill-building and engagement.

Kinesthetic Learning

Although sitting still and listening to lectures has its benefits, when considering new ways to engage the learner, movement-oriented education and experiential methods (kinesthetic learning) show great potential.

Dictionary.com defines Kinesthetic as, “Having to do with movement or sensation, especially within the body; needing to move.” The VARK Modalities, a popular method of evaluating learning preferences, define Kinesthetic Learners as preferring to focus on real and imagined experiences (“Teaching and Learning Styles and Why They Matter,” 2021). “It includes demonstrations, simulations, videos and movies of ‘real’ things, as well as case studies, practice and applications… If it can be grasped, held, tasted, or felt it will probably be included” (Fleming, 2017, para. 7). Kinesthetic teaching and learning principles for movement-oriented entrepreneurs may be the missing link between information that gathers dust in our brains, and education that we process and implement energetically to garner enduring results!

Teaching and Learning Preferences

Understanding learning preferences can aid personal growth (Drucker, 2008), and adjusting for these preferences can help learning come alive, increasing its effectiveness (“Teaching and Learning Styles and Why They Matter,” 2021). Padmalatha et al. (2022) found evidence to suggest a correlation between “learning style and academic performance” utilizing “five groups of learners: visual, auditory, read/write, kinesthetic, and multimodal…” (para. 1), strengthening the importance of considering learning styles in designing learning opportunities.

Learning has at times become “rote” and does not always engage the individual. Many are bored with traditional methods and attention spans have diminished with added stressors and time constraints. Schiller (2022) noted the average adult attention span as 8.25 seconds, stating that between 2000 – 2015, there was a 25% decline. More than likely, this percentage is not improving. With so much on our minds, we “tune out” and avoid paperwork. If we are movement-oriented and love being in nature (but are stuck in an office), we may become discouraged and disengaged. Finding what inspires us and how we can stay motivated and energized becomes vital to enduring setbacks. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is essential for lasting success (Drucker, 2008).

Unique Learning and Engagement Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Teaching and learning structures often support the premise that adulting should be “bland.” Although we are starting to see more out-of-the-box teaching and learning designs, most are for children or sponsored by corporations for in-house employees, not for entrepreneurs. We sit too much and are expected to be still, otherwise we are perceived as disengaged, disruptive, or disinterested. A study conducted by Weston and Weston (2021), found that science students who were disengaged in school or had challenges with traditional learning modalities found greater success learning outdoors.

Outdoor Learning

For adults in workplace and academic environments, the COVID-19 pandemic brought this disconnect with traditional methods into the spotlight when many were forced to learn and work fully online. This prompted the need for more studies to analyze the effectiveness of outdoor training/education. Pérez-Brunicardi et al. (2022) indicate that outdoor learning, if taken seriously by the educator, can be very successful.

However, being “outdoors” may not be enough. Sitting in a parking lot next to a busy street may not yield the same results as sitting in nature with pleasant sounds, smells, and scenery. References to the “outdoors” in this article are connected to being in nature, with greenery and natural settings.

One may not have to go out into nature. Rahmey et al. (2022) found that incorporating natural settings with one’s work environment helped decrease stress and increase productivity. They emphasized the need for more research on nature’s positive effects. “However, psychological research illuminates a largely untapped method of decreasing stress: nature. Many benefits to physical and mental well-being are linked to spending time in the natural world,” (Rahmey et al., 2022, p. 23).

Most humans are drawn to the beauty of nature, but stuck indoors most of the day. Research demonstrates that being in nature is therapeutic and a healing factor for a variety of issues (Sifferlin, 2016). Why not get out in nature more, especially while learning?

Individual Differences

Individuals who are not movement-oriented may judge someone taking notes as “not paying attention.” However, note-taking helps that person focus. Without personal focus methods, their mind may wander, especially when working faster with connections and idea-creation than the speaker is talking. They are rephrasing ideas, connecting the dots, or even doodling (Magill, 2017). A speaker may tell their audience to stop taking notes and focus on the presentation, promising to send out their PowerPoint. This shows a disconnect with understanding the main purpose of notetaking for many movement-oriented individuals.

It is common to hear someone with ADHD share that they cannot sit still for too long, or they prefer movement while learning. Some like to get up and walk around (Magill, 2017). I’ve had clients in a training session state that it helped them focus. They demonstrated engagement. I myself remembered more when I studied on a treadmill, exercise bike, or listening to a podcast during a run, walk, or hike. Others have reported the same. These people may have been pegged or diagnosed as ADHD, when they may simply be kinesthetic learners. They need to move. They do best with “hands-on” learning opportunities.

Brain Health

Movement is important for our blood flow. Blood flow helps with brain health and focus. Tufts University interviewed Dr. Elkind in their article, For brain health, protect your heart (2022), where Elkind reinforced the importance of exercise in building and maintaining brain health and cognitive functioning. He also reinforced that vascular health, attained through movement and exercise, is vital in decreasing risk of brain aging.

Immersing ourselves in nature and training while moving and interacting may not be optimal for everyone, but may drastically propel the experience of a subset of entrepreneurs in a life-changing way! Individuals who understand their preferred styles of learning, interacting, and working are better equipped for resiliency in life and business.

As Drucker (2008) stated, understanding our values, strengths, and challenges can help us identify areas we need to devote more educational resources and time to. Learning valuable skills in a timely manner is especially important as today’s entrepreneur has a lot on their plate. Start-up solopreneurs need to be everything to everyone connected to their business, and they are responsible for all deliverables. They are the idea generator, planner, and executer, and may only be accountable to themselves.

From Overwhelm and Burnout to Momentum and Energy

Many entrepreneurs are not sure how to stay motivated once work starts. They educate to avoid working, versus educating to move forward. They may feel that as long as they are working on their business (training, strategizing, planning, organizing), they are productive (Magill, 2017). There’s nothing wrong with these activities; however, intentional, directed, consistent action needs to follow. To quote Peter Drucker, “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.”

Not all have mastered the skill of endurance through difficult times. They second-guess themselves early and change course before giving the first path a chance to produce positive results. Or the demands and distractions of life are overwhelming, so they let go of their entrepreneurial goals, believing, “as long as everyone else is taken care of, I can wait.” They may hit roadblocks, receive “no’s,” feel uncertain, or experience loss, and they can feel discouraged (Magill, 2017). Therefore, entrepreneurial leaders need to build and sustain momentum and endure discouraging events. Without these skills, entrepreneurs risk burning out. If an individual entrepreneur thrives with movement or feels inspired in nature, being starved of these opportunities can increase the risk of failure and lead to burnout faster.

The Importance of Endurance

Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich (2007) shared an account about quitting just “…three feet from gold” (p.7). During the gold rush, a man named Darby staked a claim in hopes of discovering gold. The gold vein Darby and his investors had found ended shortly after its discovery. They searched unsuccessfully and gave up. Darby sold everything to a “junk” man for around $300.00. This new owner hired a geologist, who realized fault lines could have shifted things. He suggested they restart their digging about three feet from where the original vein ended, which they did with great success! The new owner became rich by staying diligent and hiring an expert (Hill, 2007).

This wasn’t the end for Darby, who decided to never give up again. Using his newfound insight and determination, Darby became a successful life insurance salesman, making millions! (Hill, 2007).

The point is two-fold: 1. Acquire the skill/tools and/or find an expert to help when you hit roadblocks. 2. Identify methods to endure when difficulties arise to avoid giving up “three feet from gold” (Hill, 2007, p. 7).

Once we are on course toward our goals, we must maintain momentum and stay passionate. Just as we need to reenergize our vehicles by recharging the battery or filling them with gas, we need to fuel our motivation by sparking our soul, staying excited, engaged, and energized! If we are running our own company, we not only have to stay motivated, but need to motivate others toward our cause as well. We need to stay the course.

Reflections: Optimal Energetic Rhythms

To view failed endeavors as learning experiences we use to make better choices, true, lasting learning needs to occur… otherwise, they will only live in our memories as bad experiences that may prevent us from dreaming. We cannot ignore self-leadership skills. Only while truly engaged can one create and maintain a clear vision that will guide their actions in the right direction.

Once a clear vision is established, the entrepreneur’s training and application is most efficient and effective if they can sustain intentional, focused energy. This is how we move from one state of being to another in a meaningful way. Mezirow (1997) described it: “The process involves transforming frames of reference through critical reflection of assumptions, validating contested beliefs through discourse, taking action on one’s reflective insight, and critically assessing it” (p.11). Once this type of learning happens in an energizing way, the entrepreneur can reach their goals and live their dream!

In the educational field, the WIFM Factor, “What’s in it for me?” (WIFM, n.d.) refers to how we help the individual see how the information taught is important for their goals. We connect the learner’s interest to the subject so they attach energy to their focus, reinforcing learning and memory. Deep processing and an intention to learn can aid in transitioning new information into long-term memory (Craik, 2023). However, with the complex world today, how about a new factor… the WCTM Factor, “What’s Connected to Me?” How might we connect the information to the individual in a way and an environment that they naturally learn in for sustained focus?

Even though the topic might be something the learner is interested in and needs, if it is not delivered in a way that connects to their natural style of learning and keeps their attention, new information risks not being transferred to their long-term memory (Terry, 2017). Or their focus may stray, not even allowing the information to enter their short-term memory.

We are bombarded with information, responsibilities, deadlines, and unforeseen complications. In order to provide for our families and ourselves, many sit in traffic, work for others, and constantly feel the pressures of society. They are overwhelmed, burned out, frustrated, and at times… depressed, leaving them exhausted, apathetic, and disengaged. This could affect memory, organizational methods, and productivity (“Building Workplace Resiliency: How to Feel Better at Work,” 2022). We’ve heard this described as “the grind.” Many live for the weekend. Others must work multiple jobs around the clock to survive. This makes creating a new life and/or learning anything new close to impossible. Once stress is prominent in one’s brain and body, creativity cannot flourish without the individual making extra effort to allow it a fertile ground to grow.

This is one reason many have decided to work for themselves. They are tired of answering to others and/or not being in control of their time and career progression. They desire to be free from feeling “bogged down” and overwhelmed by someone else’s agenda. They may feel drained and demotivated due to being unappreciated or unrecognized. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help. These negative feelings have increased in both severity and numbers affected as those trying times came with unique stressors (“Building Workplace Resiliency: How to Feel Better at Work,” 2022). These experiences have motivated some to become the employer or a solopreneur.

How do these entrepreneurial business owners learn to manage themselves? If they worked for someone else previously, they were given a job description, a vision, and clear expectations. They knew the big-picture strategy and support systems available. They were held accountable and had support from teammates and leaders. They were trained and monitored. Others have never worked, or have had only simple, part-time jobs, and are now looking to build a life by design versus default.

Either way, is having a goal and a vision enough? What learning and application factors make the difference between success and failure?

When you think about a business training or networking event you attended, what kept your attention? Was there movement? Were there group activities? Peer discussions? What made you feel “antsy?” Was it hard to stay seated? Did you stand in back or walk around during the presentation? Did you struggle to focus, checking your phone? If so, you might be a kinesthetic learner, focusing better by incorporating movement and classroom participation.

Although basic business trainings may work wonders with traditional modalities, especially as great networking opportunities exist at these events, other types of learning and/or inspiration gathering may be best conducted utilizing different methods. Understanding your own needs and rhythms will help you determine which method will work best for you in a particular learning, training, coaching, or inspirational endeavor.

To provide a personal example, a couple years ago I decided to rebrand my business and adjust my focus. I was going through a stressful time. My father had just passed away and my mother required more personal medical care. I decided to make more time to commit to my health and wellness. I made it a point to go hiking, walking, or running in the mountains and at the beach to manage stress. When I implemented what worked for me, I had an energetic surge, mentally and physically. Ideas for my business would flow as I was moving and I began to record my thoughts to process into a plan later. When I got back to my office, I was recharged, inspired, and excited! I became productive and grateful for the opportunity to create my “life by design versus default” (one of my favorite sayings).

I realized I could share what worked for me with others. I incorporated movement and nature in my “Nature and Nurture Tip-Talks,” where tips on creating a healthy life and business are shared in literal nature while nurturing oneself through self-care and self-development. I created a business model where I would provide coaching utilizing kinesthetic learning techniques in nature. Not only is this the best way for me to manifest my dreams, but it is a great way to help others find their ideal vision and strategy. This is how I found my personal Optimal Energetic Rhythm!

Let’s discuss how you can identify yours. Everything alive and/or moving requires energy. Energy moves in waves, just like sound, light, and water. There are upward surges and downward flows, but it is ever-present. Albert Einstein stated this perfectly:

Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but to get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.

Understanding our own energetic patterns and needs is “data” we can use to improve how we interact and manage our emotions (Goleman, 1998).

Rhythm follows a beat. It is catchy, easy to follow and remember. Optimal Energetic Rhythms (OER) are variables producing sustained, positive, productive energy that consistently moves you forward.

How individuals harness their energetic rhythms will differ. Outside situations such as prolonged stress and burnout can squelch motivation (Rahmey et al., 2022). However, excitement can create a positive charge. A multitude of variables can affect one’s energy, such as physical fitness, mental and physical challenges and/or hereditary factors, and lifestyle choices. Other factors can include quality of sleep, dietary choices and level of exercise (Wickham et al., 2020). Developing a deeper understanding of the self will allow one to identify triggers that might drain their energy as well as events that can supercharge their motivation (Bradberry et al., 2009; Goleman, 1998).

Understanding tendencies toward introversion or extroversion can help. The terms refer to where one draws energy from (Martin, 2001). An introvert may be a skilled and effective public speaker, engaging and motivating the audience with energy and excitement, but when they are finished, they may feel “drained” and driven to find quiet alone time to recharge (even though they love what they are doing). If this speaker is an extrovert, they may come home energized or coordinate an after-party to celebrate! It’s important to know what drains us and what energizes us.

Researchers have analyzed our natural circadian rhythms to identify how and when our energy peaks and wanes. They identified morning people (larks), and those who prefer the night (owls). Suggesting that our energy moves in cycles that ebb or flow depending on our inner “clock,” creating times of focused energy and times we feel drained and tired (Barnes, 2015). By allowing employees to work according to their natural energy preferences, managers have been able to support higher-producing individuals and teams (Barnes, 2015).

In our busy society, we’ve learned to put ourselves last. We may feel guilty for doing something for “us.” This is especially apparent with female entrepreneurs who are still looked at as the family’s main caregiver in many societies. To stay motivated and productive, understanding one’s OER and making time to keep this alive and strong is vital in knowing where to adjust the “what’s and how’s” of learning, living, and being. This is what produces true endurance.

Conclusion

We are all unique individuals possessing gifts. However, that does not equate to job and life satisfaction. Our modern world is riddled with challenges and constant change. We need to continually update our skills and stay current. We need to strategically plan for productive learning. Otherwise, distractions and challenges will continue to derail us, leading to wasted time, energy, money, and resources. The individual entrepreneur risks business failure… and worse, they risk being demotivated, overwhelmed, and burned out in life.

Understanding ourselves will help us identify triggers and events that will either drain us or help us create momentum and energy. It will also help us identify when and how to train to progress and engage ourselves and others in our business. If we prefer movement, connectivity, and nature, it may be vital for us to incorporate these elements into our routine.

The entrepreneurial world could benefit by more formal research into the positive effects of movement-oriented and experiential learning for the kinesthetic learner, as well as the benefits of nature to self-development and performance. Additionally, more research on improving self-leadership skills would be helpful for sustained business results. When the entrepreneurial leader is empowered to identify their individual OERs, they are more likely to endure and succeed.

With this in mind, OERs may be used to describe how we - especially kinesthetic business-builders - can identify when, where, and how to harness and sustain our energy. The goal? To fuel us toward intentional, upward movement; achieving our desired goals in less time, avoiding overwhelm and burnout while creating momentum, energy, and endurance in life and business.