You might recognize this situation... I used to wake up multiple times each night, struggling to fall back asleep. Every time, it was something new — an issue, idea, or situation that hijacked my brain. Having a small child didn’t help, but the real problem was how fast my mind was racing. It started to affect my performance and my overall happiness.
That’s when I discovered journaling. The benefits were real. Over time, I opened myself up to more techniques to stay calm. In this Founder Note, I’ll share a few that have worked for me.
Seeing the bigger picture
When you're deep in the weeds, it’s hard to see clearly. It’s like trying to navigate on a foggy day. You’re searching for answers that just won’t show up.
I remember sitting at my desk, staring blankly at the screen. Nothing useful came to mind. Then I went for a hike. That’s when things started to make sense. The movement, the fresh air, the shift in scenery helped everything click into place.
So my co-founder and I made a decision. We’d each take two fixed days a month away from the office to clear our heads. For me, those hikes became a goldmine for ideas. Some of my best thinking still comes while I’m walking.
Mindfulness at the office
For a long time, my default mode was go go go. I wasn’t enjoying the ride. I was just grinding through it, getting more and more exhausted.
I’m a curious person by nature, so I started exploring something completely outside my comfort zone: mindfulness. And to my surprise, a few of the techniques really helped me find balance as a founder.
One practice stands out. I would stop work for a moment, look around the office, and really notice what was happening. The faces of people I admire. The subtle sounds of a team in motion. The laughter of colleagues enjoying their day. Just taking a few seconds to appreciate what I had built gave me a huge mental reset.
Whiteboards and notepads everywhere
There’s something powerful about physical writing. Whether it’s paper or a whiteboard, writing by hand activates a different part of your brain. It’s not the same as typing, which is what I do most of the day.
So whenever I get stuck in my head, I reach for a pen. I sketch the situation. I make lists. I draw out whatever’s on my mind. This kind of thinking has become essential for me, and now I always keep a notebook or whiteboard within arm’s reach.
Talking with experienced entrepreneurs
One of the most grounding things I’ve done is talk with other founders. People who’ve lived the same chaos, made the same tough calls, and felt the same stress.
Sometimes I ask for advice. Sometimes I just need to say things out loud. Either way, it helps. A lot. Just hearing that others have faced the same stuff makes the journey feel less lonely.
If you haven’t already, I really encourage you to find a founder buddy. Someone to check in with regularly. Talk about the messy parts. Ask real questions. Learn from each other.
Founder @ Guram
