Men's Counseling Florida Blog

Maximize Your Potential: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Greatness

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:18:20 GMT

Leadership expert Dr. Peter Rios shares his inspiring journey of personal growth and success

Dr. Peter Rios, a renowned speaker, coach and consultant is passionate about maximizing potential. Dr. Rios's inspiring story of resilience and personal transformation will leave you motivated and ready to embrace life's challenges.

Throughout the interview, we explore the importance of mentors, the power of belief in oneself, and the significance of exposure to higher levels of achievement. Let's look at some of the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.

Watch the Interview

Embracing Challenges and Unlocking Potential

Dr. Peter Rios grew up in public housing and faced feelings of abandonment and neglect. Despite these challenges, he made a decision to take control of his life. As he shares his personal journey, we learn that everyone has the capability to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential. Dr. Rios emphasizes that there is always something more, something greater, and something better that we can achieve.

The Profound Impact of Mentors

Throughout his transformative journey, Dr. Rios stresses the importance of seeking help and having mentors. He credits the support and guidance of mentors who believed in him even during his most challenging times. One particular mentor, Dr. Denoya, played a pivotal role in Dr. Rios's life, and advocated for him when he was struggling in high school.

For more on mentors, check out this post about inspirational quotes from mentors.

Believe in Yourself and the Power of Perseverance

Belief in oneself acts as a driving force in achieving success and personal growth. The key takeaway here is to keep pushing forward and knocking on those doors, as eventually someone will believe in you. Believing in yourself attracts the right people into your life, propelling you towards your goals and dreams. It's important to remember that you are not just anybody; you possess the potential to do something amazing on Earth.

Dying Empty: Sharing Your Unique Gifts with the World

The concept of "dying empty" resonates deeply throughout the interview. It encapsulates the idea of living a life where one has fully utilized their potential. Dr. Rios emphasizes the significance of finding a mission and sharing one's unique gifts and talents with the world. He encourages listeners not to settle for less and to push through challenges, ensuring that they leave a lasting legacy.

Expanding Your Mindset through Exposure

Through his own experiences of being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking, Dr. Rios realized that there was more to life than his current surroundings. This concept of "exposure" encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Dr. Rios says that connecting with different people, cultures, and ideologies enables us to “learn, unlearn, and relearn,” which fosters personal development.

"Maximize" Your Full Potential

Dr. Rios’s book Maximize delves into 12 keys to unlocking one's greatest potential. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals for realizing one's full potential. Maximize serves as a valuable resource for those seeking further guidance on their personal growth journey.

Take Action and Make a Difference

At the end of the interview, the speakers remind us that no one achieves success alone. They encourage listeners to take control of their lives, seek help and guidance, and strive for greatness. By maximizing our own lives, we can collectively make the world a better place.

In conclusion, Dr. Peter Rios's personal story and insights serve as a powerful reminder that with belief, perseverance, and the support of mentors, we can overcome any challenge and unlock our full potential.

For more on Dr. Rios, check out his website Peter Rios Consulting .

Harnessing the Power of Self-Talk

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 19:45:23 GMT

Language is powerful. What you say to yourself matters. Choose positive self-talk and retrain your mind toward empowered action.

Self-talk - we engage in it every day , either consciously or unconsciously. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact it has on your life?

In this post, we'll look at the power of self-talk and how it can shape your mindset and actions.

Watch the Video: Change Your Self-Talk | How to Write Your Own Mental Script

Understanding the Influence of Self-Talk

Imagine you're about to enjoy your morning cup of coffee when you accidently spill it, sending hot liquid all over your kitchen table. You curse out loud, grab a towel and start to clean it up. You might grumble for while, then move on with your day.

But if you're like a lot of people, you might engage in negative self-talk. You might say something like, "I'm so stupid! I can't believe I did that." While seemingly normal and innocuos, negative self-talk, when repeated daily, can start to affect your outlook on life.

Instead of spending time and energy criticizing yourself, try some neutral or even positive self-talk. After spilling the coffee, you might say, "Oh well, it's not the end of the world; it's just coffee." This is neutral self-talk. It's neither positive nor negative, it simply describes what happened.

You could also try some positive self-talk such as, "This is a great opportunity to slow down. I don't need to be in such a hurry." This might seem like a stretch, but spilling coffee could actually change your day for the better!

What we say to ourselves can either uplift us or bring us down. By becoming more conscious of the narratives playing in our minds, we can take control of our thoughts and steer our lives in a positive direction.

Embrace the Power of Mindset

Your mindset is like a lens through which you experience the world. By embracing positive and neutral self-talk, you can cultivate a growth-oriented mindset. This mindset fuels your motivation, resilience, and belief in your own capabilities. With the right mindset, you can become unstoppable in the pursuit of your goals and dreams.

Want to shift away from negative self-talk? The first step is awareness. Read more at Medium.com and check out my post Take Control Negative Thinking.

Keeping a Self-Talk Journal: A Path to Self-Awareness

One effective technique to cultivate positive self-talk is keeping a self-talk journal. This simple but powerful tool allows you to observe your thoughts without judgment.

By jotting down your self-talk throughout the day, you can identify recurring themes and gain deeper insights into your habitual thinking. This heightened self-awareness can pave the way for personal growth.

Take Action: Practice Positive Self-Talk Daily

In conclusion, the concept of self-talk holds immense potential to shape your life. It's time to harness this power and take control of your thoughts.

By being mindful of your self-talk, you can unlock your full potential and live a life filled with positivity. Oh yeah, and be careful with that cup of coffee!

Like this post? Share it with a friend who needs more positive self-talk in their life. If you're looking to talk to someone about changing your negative self-talk, check out my services page Therapy for Anxiety.

Want to cultivate a more positive mindset? It starts with habits. Check out my post How to Reprogram Your Brain for Better Habits.

How to Reprogram Your Brain for Better Habits

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 21:47:48 GMT

Want better habits? It's less about willpower and more about patience and persistence.

Have you been trying add things to your life that you know are good for you, but find yourself defaulting to old habits, and falling right back into the same old groove?

You’re not alone. Change is difficult. In this post, you’ll learn why it’s hard to create new habits. I’ll also give you some strategies on how to create new habits and how to make them stick. Sound good? Read on…

Watch the Video

How Your Brain Automates Habits

Let’s start with some basics on how your brain works. Essentially, your brain is a supercomputer. It likes to automate things and be as efficient as possible.

Think about this: the last time you were driving, do you remember every detail on the road, every cross street, everything that happened on that drive? Probably not. Why is that? Because your brain has automated the process of driving.

When you first learned to drive, were you hyper aware of where the brakes were, where the steering was, and what was going on around you? Of course you were. That was your conscious mind training the rest of the brain, the deeper unconscious brain, how to run a program.

So the brain's goal is to make things as efficient as possible and create a program that runs in the background so you don't have to keep learning how to drive every time you step into a car.

Okay, so this is the phenomenon. You have a lifetime of habits and programming that are running in the background on autopilot. If you want to create a new habit, you'll have to override the old programming.

How to Start a New Habit

Because your habits are on autopilot, please understand that you can't just will new habits into existence in a few days.

For example, you might want to start a new habit of waking up early and exercising. And let’s say you're about a week in, and you skip a couple of days. You might say, “I just can't do this. It’s is too tough.”

Well, here's the thing: It's not “you” that is trying to make the change, it’s your brain. And your brain has not yet created the automatic program of “morning exercise.” One week is not enough to install a new habit.

In fact, there's a study from University College of London that suggests you need at least two months to make a habit automatic.

Okay, so if it takes two months to automate a habit, that means you need to practice your new habit as much as possible for two months. Even if you skip a few days of morning exercise, you just need to keep at it for two months.

And then what happens is your brain automates morning exercise as a habit. Your brain says to itself, “Oh, I guess this is what we do now” and suddenly it’s easier to exercise than to not.

Add Habits Gradually

So if you want to exercise more, get better sleep, or start any kind of healthy new habit, you need to add them slowly. While you may want to “revolutionize” your life, understand that your brain may try to derail your best intentions. Why?

Well, when you add a whole bunch of new great stuff into your life at once, your old programming may rebel against your new habits.

I know this sounds crazy, but it's true. Remember, your brain's job is to be as efficient as possible and automate things. So, if things in your life are basically “good enough,” your brain says, “Dude, why are you giving me all these changes? I already automated your life.”

Understand that when you add new habits to your life you need to do it slowly so you don't overwhelm your brain.

I encourage you to make a list of healthy new habits, and then gradually introduce them into your routine one by one, spaced out over time, with the understanding that each habit takes about two months to become automatic.

Subtract Bad Habits From Your Life

Besides adding new healthy habits to your life, you can also start subtracting the bad habits. The two-month rule applies here as well.

Say you want to quit smoking, reduce drinking, stop doom-scrolling, etc. Understand that it will take about two months for your cravings to go away.

So think of two months like the sound barrier. Things are shaky and wobbly as you approach the barrier. You’ll have setbacks, feel demoralized, but then your reprogramming efforts will pay off.

One of the best habits to drop is watching the news. Check out my video here on how to stop watching the news.

Be Patient and Persistent

In summary, you can make positive changes in your life. Do it gradually and allow time for your new habits to literally get wired into your brain.

So, it’s less about pure willpower and more about persistence. Be patient with yourself. Tell your brain that you're going to keep showing up and your new habits will become automatic.

Need help creating new habits? Learn more about my counseling services by scheduling a free phone consultation .

7 Tips for Making Psychotherapy Work for You

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:52:47 GMT

A Miami therapist outlines the most important things to consider for a successful counseling experience.

Okay, so you've decided to try therapy. First of all, congratulations, it takes a lot of courage to ask for help. In working with clients in my counseling practice over the years, I have come up with seven tips to help make therapy a successful endeavor, right from the start.

1. Do Your Research on Therapists

While you might want relief ASAP, take your time to find the right therapist.

Make sure the therapist offers a free phone consultation . That way you can get a feel for their personality, ask questions, and see if they're a good match.

Some people ask their friends, "hey, can you recommend a good therapist?" This can be a good place to start, but remember, what worked for your friend may not necessary work for you.

Spend time looking at various therapists' websites and get a feel for their style. Read their blog posts, Google their name and see what shows up, read about their clinical modality, be it Cognitive Behavioral , Psychodynamic , or any other type of psychotherapy.

Remember, the most important factor for a positive outcome in therapy is the therapist-client alliance . While titles, reviews and accolades are good, ultimately you should feel comfortable with your therapist.

2. Choose Value Over Price

Therapy is one of the most important investments you will make. Just like choosing an accountant, plumber, or a lawyer, you want someone who will deliver results.

While price is always a consideration, searching for a bargain should not be your primary goal. Instead, focus on results. Can the therapist get me the results I want? This is the question.

For example, a therapist who charges $250 per hour and specializes in your exact issue may actually be a better bargain than a generalist who charges $150. If the specialist helps you reach your goals in 10 sessions, and the lower-fee therapist takes 20 sessions, which is the better deal?

For more pointers on what to consider when searching for a therapist, check out my video, 5 Ways to Make the Most of Counseling.

3. Define Your Therapy Goals

One of the most common mistakes I see clients make is not having goals when they start therapy.

Try to define your goals even before contacting potential therapists. It's hard for a therapist to know if they can help you when you're not sure what you want.

Another mistake I see is clients who seek out therapy because of someone else's goal. This typically occurs when one member of a couple blames the other for the relationship problems: " You need therapy, not me!" So before deciding on your own individual therapy, ask yourself whether couples therapy or family therapy is more appropriate.

While you may change your goals during therapy, it's important to an initial idea of what you want to accomplish.

4. Manage Expectations About Therapy

If you want to achieve your goals in therapy, it's important to manage your expectations.

Therapy is not a quick fix, nor should you plan to spend years talking aimlessly on your analyst's couch. This is why, as I mentioned, it's important to set some measurable goals upfront.

If your goals are vague, like simply wanting to feel better, it's hard to define expectations. The more you can define what your ideal outcome is, the better you and your therapist can set proper expectations for how long therapy might take.

Also keep in mind that therapy is a collaboration. Your therapist is not a magician, meaning you will need to do a lot of work. That said, you should feel that your therapist is competent in their clinical abilities and able to provide sufficient guidance.

Finally, don't hesitate to give your therapist feedback. If things aren't going the way you want, speak up. After all, you're the customer. If a therapist is worth their salt, they will welcome your opinion.

5. Trust Your Instincts

When you first meet with your therapist, the best approach is to be yourself. Don't worry about talking too much or talking too little. Your therapist is trained to listen, decipher, and synthesize what you are saying.

In short, don't cut your therapist any slack. If they appear uncomfortable or don't know what to say, that's not your fault. That might mean that this particular therapist is not a good match.

By the end of the first session, you should have a good feeling about the therapist. Did you feel listened to? Were your questions answered? Did the therapist seem confident? The answers to these questions should be yes.

Remember that there's a difference between feeling cautious to commit to a good therapist and feeling hesitant to return to a not-so-good therapist. Your conscience, your gut, knows the difference. Listen to that.

6. Take Therapy Sessions Seriously

Once you've found the right therapist, take your sessions seriously. That means showing up.

There's something interesting that happens when people commit to making a change: it's called resistance . You may unconsciously do things to sabotage therapy (because change can be scary). Things like canceling last minute, "forgetting" about a session, or rescheduling because something "more important" came up. Drop excuses and show up anyway.

Also, make sure to arrive on time to your sessions, allowing for traffic, parking, etc. Or if you're doing online therapy, be in a private area with no distractions.

Think about therapy like going to school. Show up to learn, take notes after session, and follow through on any homework your therapist gives you.

Ultimately, therapy is an investment in yourself. Take it seriously and go all-in. You're worth it.

7. Commit to the Journey

Psychotherapy is a journey. And just like a sailboat on uncharted waters, you will encounter unforeseen challenges.

One of the most common challenges is the temptation to end therapy too soon. Studies have shown that the dropout rate can be as high as 50% before the third therapy session. This is often because clients feel better after the first couple of sessions due to feeling relief from venting their problems.

However, don't equate feeling good in the short term to solving your problems long-term. Keep attending therapy until you see sustained behavioral change in your everyday life.

When it's time to end therapy, you'll know. Again, be transparent and tell your therapist if you feel you're ready to stop sessions.

Many clients opt for the taper-off approach, where you see your therapist biweekly or monthly until you feel confident to sail your proverbial ship on your own.

Conclusion

In summary, if you've never tried counseling before (or even if you have), it can be a daunting experience. But if you follow the seven tips I've given you, your chances of reaching your goals in therapy will be greatly increased.

As a therapist who's benefited from therapy himself, I wish you a successful journey of personal growth if you choose to work with a counseling professional. The rewards are worth it.

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of counseling, feel free to reach out and schedule a free phone consultation with me.

Tame Your Inner Control Freak: Release Your Grip and Learn to Trust

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:30:09 GMT

Move from control to trust and get just as much done, while also strengthening your relationships.

Are you someone who struggles with wanting to be in control? Have you been called (or admit to being) a control freak? If so, you're not alone.

Being a control freak can be exhausting and overwhelming, and many of us can relate to the desire to be in charge.

The good news is that it is possible to break free from the need to control and start to practice the art of trust. In this post, you’ll learn how to let go of your inner control freak and release your grip on the things in life that are out of your hands.

Watch the Video: How to Stop Being a Control Freak

Understanding the Need for Control

Control freaks are individuals who have a strong desire to be in control of nearly every aspect of their lives. They may feel a sense of anxiety when they are not able to dictate the outcome of a situation.

Trust may be a major issue for control freaks, as they may struggle to believe that others can handle things as well as they can. This need for control can manifest in various ways, from micromanaging others to being overly critical of any deviation from their expectations.

It is important to understand that control freaks often have good intentions, but operate from a place of fear. They may believe that by being in control, they can prevent negative outcomes or protect themselves from disappointment.

However, this need for control can be detrimental to their well-being and relationships, as it can create unnecessary stress and strain on themselves and others.

Signs You Might Be a Control Freak

Do you often find yourself feeling anxious when things don't go according to your plan? Are you constantly double-checking, micromanaging, and trying to control every little detail in your life? If so, you might be a control freak. But don't worry, wanting to be in control means you care about the outcome, and that's good! You just need to loosen your grip a bit.

Signs that you may be a control freak include feeling the need to be in charge, struggling to trust others, and having difficulty delegating tasks. You may find it hard to let go and allow others to take control, fearing that they won't do things as well as you would.

This constant need for control can create unnecessary stress and strain on both yourself and your relationships.

Reasons to Let Go of Control

Living with the need to control every aspect of your life can be exhausting. Here are some reasons why letting go of control can be beneficial for you.

First, it's important to acknowledge that you can't control everything. Life is unpredictable, and trying to micromanage every little detail is an exercise in futility. By accepting this, you can free yourself from the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable and instead focus your energy on the things you can influence.

Another reason to let go of control is that it allows for personal growth and development. When you release your grip, you create space for new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities to enter your life. Embracing uncertainty can lead to exciting experiences and personal breakthroughs that you may have never imagined.

Moreover, relinquishing control can lead to stronger and healthier relationships. Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and by letting go of control, you demonstrate your trust in others' abilities and judgment. This, in turn, fosters stronger connections and allows you to let others make their own mistakes.

Lastly, releasing control allows you to experience a greater sense of freedom and inner peace. Instead of constantly worrying and obsessing over every detail, you can learn to trust and go with the flow. By doing so, you give yourself permission to enjoy the present moment and find peace in the uncertainty of life.

Identify the Source of Your Need for Control

Identifying the source of your need for control is a crucial step in breaking free from your inner control freak.

Take a moment to reflect on the underlying reasons why you feel the need to be in control. Is it rooted in a fear of failure? Are you worried about being taken advantage of?

Understanding the source of your need for control can provide valuable insights into your mindset and allow you to address these underlying issues.

Consider examining past experiences that may have contributed to your desire for control. Perhaps a childhood event made you feel vulnerable and you learned to rely on control as a coping mechanism.

Or maybe a previous relationship left you feeling betrayed and now you struggle to trust others. By digging deep and uncovering these underlying triggers, you can begin to challenge and reframe your beliefs.

Self-reflection and introspection are key in this process. Journaling, therapy, or talking to a trusted friend can help you gain clarity on your motivations.

Remember, the goal is not to shame or judge yourself for wanting control, but rather to understand the root causes so that you can make conscious choices moving forward.

Learn to Trust Others

One of the key steps in breaking free from your inner control freak is learning to trust others. It can be challenging, especially if you've spent most of your life feeling the need to be in control.

But trusting others is essential for building healthy relationships and allowing yourself to let go of the burden of always needing to be in charge.

Start by recognizing that not everything has to be done your way or perfectly. Accept that others may have different approaches or perspectives that can be just as valid as yours. Give them the space and opportunity to take the lead, and resist the urge to intervene or correct them.

Remember, trust is a two-way street. Just as you want others to trust you, you need to trust them as well. Be open to the possibility that others can handle things just as well (or almost as well!) as you can.

By letting go of control and trusting others, you'll not only strengthen your relationships but also create a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.

Start small by delegating tasks or asking for help when you need it. This will help you gradually build trust in others' abilities and realize that you don't have to do everything on your own.

Over time, you'll develop a greater sense of trust and ease, knowing that you can rely on others to share the load and contribute to positive outcomes.

Embrace Imperfection

Life is sometimes unpredictable. Embracing imperfection is about accepting this reality and letting go of the illusion that everything has to be perfect. This may be one of the hardest things for you to do, but it's also one of the most liberating.

Perfectionism can be suffocating. It sets unrealistic expectations and puts unnecessary pressure on yourself and those around you.

Embracing imperfection means giving yourself permission to make mistakes, to learn and grow from them. It means recognizing that flaws and failures are part of the human experience.

Embracing imperfection also means accepting yourself as you are. You are not defined by your achievements or your ability to control every outcome. You are worthy and deserving of love and acceptance, flaws and all.

So, take a deep breath and let go of the need for perfection. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and find peace in the wonderfully unpredictable journey of life.

Learn how to reduce perfection in my post, Progress, Not Perfection

Practice Letting Go of Control in Small Ways

Learning to release your grip on control is a gradual process, and it’s best to start small. Here are some ways to practice letting go of control in your everyday life:

1. Delegate tasks. Start by handing over some minor responsibilities to others. Whether it's at work or at home, learn to trust and rely on the abilities of those around you. This will not only give you a break, but it will also build your confidence in others.

2. Embrace uncertainty. Try doing something spontaneous without planning every detail. Trust yourself and allow room for surprises and unpredictability. You'll soon realize that not everything needs to be meticulously controlled.

3. Let others take the lead. Step back and allow others to have a say. Instead of always being the one in charge, listen to others' ideas and opinions. Embrace collaboration and trust that different perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. If others make mistakes, let them figure it out and don’t feel the need to jump in and rescue them.

4. Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential for letting go of control. Allow yourself to relax, indulge in activities that bring you joy, and prioritize your well-being. This will help you realize that you can't control everything and that it's okay to let go.

Remember, letting go of control is a journey, and it takes time and practice. Start small, be patient with yourself.

Learn Mindfulness and Acceptance

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. By cultivating mindfulness, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and observe your controlling tendencies without judgment.

Begin by incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. Set aside a few minutes each day for meditation or mindfulness exercises. Focus on your breath, allowing yourself to become fully present in the moment. As you practice mindfulness, you'll start to notice when your controlling thoughts and behaviors arise, and you can choose to let them go instead of giving in to them.

Acceptance is another crucial aspect of releasing your grip on control. It means acknowledging that not everything will go according to plan and that uncertainty is a natural part of life. Acceptance allows you to make peace with the things you can’t control and find contentment in the present moment.

Learn more about mindfulness and acceptance in my post, The Observer Mind.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

While the tips and strategies provided in this blog post can be helpful, it's important to recognize that breaking free from a controlling mindset may require additional support.

Therapy can provide a space to explore the root causes of your need for control. A licensed therapist can help you uncover deeper insights into your behavioral patterns and can provide tools to help you manage anxiety, build trust, and navigate the challenges that arise as you loosen your grip on control.

Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards personal growth and well-being.

If you're a self-professed control freak, or a recovering one (like yours truly), feel free to contact me to learn more about how therapy can help.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Can Benefit From Therapy

mceely@gmail.com (Michael Ceely) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:52:47 GMT

Anxiety, burnout and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship don't have to be such a struggle. Therapy can help.

Are you a busy entrepreneur who doesn’t have time to talk to a therapist?

Like many entrepreneurs, you might be struggling with managing stress, or worse, you’re dealing with burnout and questioning whether you should quit your business venture and work for someone else.

If you're an entrepreneur who is struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone. A therapist can help. There are better ways to handle stress, and better ways to respond to the inevitable challenges of business.

In this article, you'll learn the three main reasons why entrepreneurs can benefit from therapy. First and foremost, therapy can help prevent burnout. Secondly, therapy can teach entrepreneurs mental and emotional skills to better handle stress. Finally, therapy can help entrepreneurs find a better work-life balance.

Watch the Video: 3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from Therapy

1. Preventing Burnout

The first reason why entrepreneurs can benefit from therapy is to prevent burnout.

The work ethic of entrepreneur superheroes like Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos is legendary. Elon Musk brags about how he sleeps in his office at Tesla. We think business titans like this are immune to burn out, and therefore we should be too.

But burnout comes in different forms and in different ways for different people. And different people have different breaking points.

A survey from Harvard Business Review found that 25% of entrepreneurs felt moderately burned out. I don't know about you, but if one in four entrepreneurs are feeling even moderately burned out, that's a huge problem.

Another thing to consider is that burnout affects not just your business but your relationships and your physical health.

Talking to a therapist before you get burned out is key. Even if you've hit the burn out wall, therapy can still help. A recent study shows the effectiveness of web-based psychotherapy to treat and prevent burnout.

Feeling burned out at your job? Try these 5 actions. Check out my post on Medium.com

2. Learning Mental and Emotional Skills

They say you don't know what you don't know. Entrepreneurs are smart – they have to be – but they can also benefit from learning some advanced mental and emotional skills.

I'm not talking about the standard therapy clichés here like vulnerability and empathy. Nothing wrong with these, but entrepreneurs require high-level mental and emotional skills to handle the roller coaster of emotions that come with building a business.

For example, one of the biggest skills that entrepreneurs lack is flexibility. As your business grows, so does your need to innovate. The do-it-yourself attitude you once relied on may now be a hindrance to your business's growth.

You're not going to learn these higher-level skills in isolation, you need outside help. A therapist can show you how to test out and apply new skills in a way that you don't feel overwhelmed.

Want to learn some quick skills on how to take control of negative thinking? Read my post Take Control of Negative Thinking.

3. Finding Work-Life Balance (yes, even for entrepreneurs!)

There are a lot of videos and memes out there about how entrepreneurs should just forget about work-life balance. It’s unrealistic, just shut up and grind, they say.

While grinding and perseverance are important for entrepreneurs, recharging and actually enjoying the life you're building is essential.

You see, having some sort of work-life balance provides perspective. It's so easy to get in your own myopic world and just grind away in your business. But oftentimes our best ideas come when we unplug from the pressure-cooker of entrepreneurship.

If you need some justification for taking time away from your business, know that having a work-life balance will keep you energized and keep burnout at bay. And that's good for business!

A therapist can help entrepreneurs craft their own version of work-life balance. In the process of therapy, the counselor helps the client finds the right formula for sustained success in business, and in life.

Conclusion: Yes, Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from Therapy

Many entrepreneurs and high-performers have relied on mental health professionals. Olympian Michael Phelps is open about how therapy helped him, actor Brad Pitt brags about the benefits of therapy, and Marc Benioff of Salesforce credits personal development guru Tony Robbins for much of his success.

So, if you're an entrepreneur, hopefully this article has helped you think about therapy as a tool you can use to not only improve your business, but also improve your life.

If you're an entrepreneur looking to tap into the benefits of therapy, feel free to get in touch and see if I can help.

Do these five things to set yourself up for a successful counseling journey. Read my post on Medium.com