Entrepreneurs, Are You Built to Last or Burn Out?

by with No Comment CoachingTherapy

As an entrepreneur, you know the road ahead will not be smooth. You anticipate uncertainty, brace for challenges, and yet you go for it anyway. Sometimes you are prepared, sometimes you are winging it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it flops.

But through all of this, what happens to you? As you push forward, navigate obstacles, and pour yourself into something bigger than you are, are you paying attention to the foundation you are building on, the one within yourself?

There is no perfect plan, no magic formula. Even the most successful founder did not have a blueprint to build on. But you do need to start as you mean to go on by managing your own well-being because this will ultimately dictate the health of your business. Ignoring fear, worry, and stress, and overriding your physical health, is like building a skyscraper on a shaky foundation.

The Silent Cost of Hustle Culture

Too many founders wear exhaustion like a badge of honour. Hustle culture has glorified long hours, sleepless nights, and sacrificing everything in the name of success. However, the nervous system does not function on ambition alone. Chronic stress rewires the brain to be in a constant state of fight or flight, making clear thinking, creativity, and sound decision-making increasingly difficult.

As a therapist, a tech startup founder I worked with, pushed through endless sleepless nights, skipping meals and social interactions to scale his business. It worked for a while. Then came the panic attacks, the brain fog, and the crushing exhaustion. His company stalled, and he had to step back for months to recover. Another client of mine built her startup with a non-negotiable self-care routine. She scheduled bi-weekly therapy sessions, took regular breaks, and delegated effectively. Her business scaled steadily, and she remained present, engaged, and clear-headed.

Founders of successful enterprises are not the ones who have it all figured out, but they are the ones willing to listen, learn, and adapt. They take care of themselves and the people around them first, and then make their business moves.

Emotional Intelligence and the Founder’s Journey

When you are building a business from the ground up, it reflects you personally and will grow as much as you do. Self-care is not just about bubble baths and yoga. It is about developing emotional intelligence, sharpening instincts, and trusting your own judgment. Founders who take time to reflect, refine their decision-making process, and regulate their emotions make sharper, more confident choices.

Entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you are celebrating a huge win, and the next, you are dealing with an unexpected setback. How you navigate these fluctuations determines your resilience. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), also known as tapping, is a powerful tool for processing emotional stress. By addressing limiting beliefs, fear of failure, and past emotional wounds, EFT can help founders create a mental environment that supports sustainable success.

Similarly, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and Hypnotherapy allow founders to reframe their mindset, shifting from fear-based thinking to a solutions-focused perspective. When stress hits, instead of spiralling into self-doubt, these techniques can help you develop empowering beliefs and break free from negative thought loops.

The Warning Signs of Burnout

The warning signs of burnout are easy to ignore at first. You wake up already feeling exhausted. Every minor setback feels like a crisis. You are irritable or disconnected from your team. You cannot switch off even when you try. Your physical health declines – poor sleep, headaches, stress weight gain or loss.

If you are experiencing these, it is time to prioritise your well-being before your business suffers the consequences. Burnout is not a failure of discipline or a lack of passion. It is your nervous system screaming for regulation. Regular practices such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, guided meditation, and EFT, NLP and Hypnotherapy can help reduce cortisol levels and bring you back to a state of balance.

Building a Founder’s Self-Care Toolkit

Business growth is mostly about you and who you become along the way. The commitment it takes to create something bigger than yourself is proportionate to your own development. Building your own skyscraper of a business is about basing your strategy and decisions on the trust you have developed in yourself and your own innate knowing. From this kind of secure foundation, you can confront self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and build a big vision with confidence.

Most founders resist setting boundaries, convinced that every minute spent away from the business is a missed opportunity. But without clear work hours and time to reset, burnout is inevitable. Regulating your nervous system can prevent stress overload and help you think more clearly. Delegating and automating will allow you to focus on what truly moves the business forward rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day grind. Finding a support system, whether through founder communities, groups or professional coaching, can provide perspective, accountability, and much-needed encouragement.

Many founders wear every hat in their business. They end up doing everything except being present in their own lives. The biggest mistake is waiting too long to get help. Building a strong team is important, but so is having a personal support network that understands the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Letting go of the idea that you have to figure it all out yourself is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Alignment: The Ultimate Competitive Edge

One of the biggest growth areas for founders and corporate leaders today is incorporating energy psychology techniques (EFT / NLP / Hypnotherapy) that create real, practical shifts. Mental and emotional health is not a nice-to-have any more, it is essential. The right support is not just about productivity, it is about alignment. And when you are aligned, everything changes, from how you make decisions and how you lead, to how you live.

So, the real question is: are you building on shaky foundations? Or are you willing to invest in the inner work that makes success sustainable for both you and your business?

Claire Linley brings vital insights into the often-overlooked topic of mental health for entrepreneurs. As an accredited therapist with deep experience in the startup world, Claire advocates for a more holistic approach, urging accelerators and coaching programs to prioritize founders’ well-being alongside business growth. Her work serves as a timely reminder that the success of a startup is not just about financials or scaling but about ensuring the mental health of those leading the charge.

www.clairelinley.com

Counting Copper Coins – Making Friends with Money

by with No Comment Coaching

When I see numbers, I think of money and money, and I haven’t always been the best of friends.

We all have an area of our lives that feels the trickiest to navigate and where it’s more challenging to create positive change, and money is mine.

Like many of us, particularly those of immigrant parents, I come from generations of women who had very little power and influence when it came to money. They could never take their eye off money because there was always so little of it, so money was very much a focal point in their lives.

As these women were not the ones to earn it, money and how to get it, was a little mystical. In my family, the generations of women I observed all knew how to be highly creative with money – how to make it stretch and morph and keep it moving from one place to another.

I see the magic now of what they were able to do – keeping everyone afloat and comforted and households managed – while rarely revealing how they did it. The only giveaway, a kind of brittle determination that showed through their otherwise buoyant humour.

These women held the threads of very meagre purse strings. For them, success was measured in copper change; their triumphs, the wellbeing of others.

Whether they deserved more for themselves was not something to contemplate. They had an important job to do and they dedicated their lives to it.

Where I stand now, on the shoulders of these women, reflecting on my own relationship with money, I give enormous thanks to all of them for their teaching. I learned caution and patience, resilience and creativity. I learned how to be strategic and generous, and how to persist even when resources were scarce.

Now I see it as my job to create a broader foundation. To teach myself and others to have greater ease around money – to develop an expectation of receiving money that more closely matches our efforts and contributions.

I also share this with you who may have a similar history and now choose to venture beyond those generational limitations. May we do our best to pave the way for those who will stand on our shoulders, able to count more than a few copper coins.

The Professional Benefits of Radical Self Acceptance

by with No Comment Therapy

Radical Self Acceptance is not just a tool for personal transformation, it’s a game-changer in the professional world as well. I’ve seen firsthand how this powerful practice shifts our mindset, enhances our performance, and fosters success.

As a therapist and entrepreneur, I’ve observed that leaders who embrace self-acceptance are better decision-makers. Instead of being paralyzed by self-doubt or driven by fear of failure, they make confident, well-thought-out choices. They have the clarity to see opportunities and obstacles alike, and they aren’t afraid to take calculated risks.

Entrepreneurs, in particular, benefit from Radical Self Acceptance. It helps them break free from perfectionism, empowering them to take smarter risks and pursue their vision with confidence. They know that failure isn’t a reflection of their worth, it’s simply a learning experience. This mindset fosters resilience, enabling them to bounce back stronger from setbacks.

In the corporate world, the benefits of Radical Self Acceptance extend beyond individual success. Teams thrive in environments where authenticity replaces perfectionism. When employees are encouraged to bring their true selves to work, creativity flows, collaboration improves, and innovation soars. People are more willing to take risks, offer new ideas, and contribute to a culture of trust and support.

Self-acceptance also plays a crucial role in leadership development. Leaders who model authenticity and self-trust inspire their teams to do the same. They create a work environment where people feel safe to express their ideas and opinions, fostering a culture of transparency and open communication. This leads to better teamwork, more effective problem-solving, and greater collective success.

Promotions, negotiations, and career opportunities don’t just come to those who work the hardest—they come to those who show up with clarity, confidence, and self-trust. When we embrace ourselves fully, we bring our best selves to the table, attracting success and fulfillment in ways we never thought possible.

Radical Self Acceptance transforms not only our personal lives but our professional ones as well. It’s the key to unlocking greater success, creativity, and satisfaction in all that we do. By embracing who we are—flaws and all, we can step into our full potential and create lasting success in our careers.

Radical Self Acceptance: Seeing Yourself Through a Kinder Eye

by with No Comment Uncategorized

A Personal Perspective by Claire Linley Schillaci

In my mid-50s, I had an eye-opening realisation: I wasn’t happy with what I saw in the mirror. Menopause had landed me with hard-to-shift weight, brain fog, and a noticeable dip in libido. But that wasn’t the worst part. I found myself falling into the trap of “comparisonitis” – feeling like I wasn’t measuring up to others my age who seemed wealthier, more successful, more accomplished, more popular than me.

But it wasn’t just me, this sense of dissatisfaction and constant comparison is an epidemic that stretches across gender and age. From an early age, society encourages us to grow, improve, and fulfil our potential, setting us on a path where self-criticism is the norm. The more we strive for perfection, the further we feel from it, and we miss out on the chance to truly get to know the remarkable person we actually are.

This cycle breeds anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. It manifests in our relationships, careers, and even our health. As a therapist, I’ve seen how this lack of self-acceptance leads to a host of emotional and mental challenges. The constant need to improve and measure up takes a toll on our well-being, leaving us feeling like failures, no matter how many external accomplishments we rack up.

But then, something clicked. I realized that the change I needed was a profound internal shift, a shift to “Radical Self Acceptance”. It was time to embrace all the things I didn’t like about myself, to view myself through a Kinder Eye. And the results were transformative for myself and my clients. Radical Self-Acceptance became an antidote to the self-doubt and dysfunction that had been holding us back. It unlocked resilience, focus, and energy that I had been wasting on comparing and criticising myself.

Radical Self-Acceptance isn’t passive or complacent. It’s a powerful, active choice that shifts our mindset from scarcity and fear to confidence and purpose. It restores our mental and emotional health by allowing us to focus on what we are, without constantly chasing what we’re not.

By choosing to see ourselves through a Kinder Eye, we can finally begin to live authentically, free to be as we truly are, so that we can discover the true potential that lies within.

The Kinder Eye: Radical Self Acceptance for Business Leaders

by with No Comment Uncategorized

By Claire Linley Schillaci

The Leadership Trap: Over-Striving and Its Consequences

In business, we’re taught that success comes from relentless striving, pushing harder, achieving more, and constantly improving. But what if this mindset is holding us back? What if the key to greater impact, innovation, and fulfillment isn’t striving, but Radical Self Acceptance (RSA)?

As a therapist and business consultant, I’ve worked with leaders who suffer from chronic self-doubt, perfectionism, and burnout. They chase an impossible standard, always feeling behind, never quite good enough. This is the dark side of over-striving, it keeps us trapped in comparison, erodes resilience, and stifles creativity.

The Kinder Eye: A New Leadership Lens

RSA is not about settling, it’s about leading with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. It’s about adopting what I call ‘The Kinder Eye’: the ability to see yourself with compassion, acknowledge your strengths, and accept your imperfections without judgment.

When leaders view themselves through The Kinder Eye, everything shifts. Decision-making becomes sharper, communication more effective, and relationships stronger. They stop leading from fear and start leading with purpose.

The Hidden Costs of Over-Striving

Many high achievers believe that self-criticism is a driver of success, but in reality, it’s a roadblock. It drains energy, fosters imposter syndrome, and creates a culture of insecurity within teams.

In contrast, leaders who practice RSA foster psychological safety, encouraging innovation and collaboration. Instead of micromanaging or fearing failure, they empower their teams, creating a culture where people feel valued and motivated.

The Business Case for Self-Acceptance

When leaders embody self-acceptance, the ripple effects are profound:

  • Better Decision-Making – Clarity replaces hesitation, allowing for strategic, confident choices.
  • Stronger Teams – Authentic leadership cultivates trust and engagement.
  • Increased Innovation – When perfectionism is replaced with self-trust, creative risks become possible.
  • Sustainable Success – Burnout decreases, making way for long-term performance and well-being.

Applying The Kinder Eye in Leadership

So how do you shift from over-striving to leading with The Kinder Eye? Start with these steps:

  1. Recognise Your Inner Critic – Notice the self-judgments that hold you back.
  2. Reframe Failures as Learning – Embrace setbacks as growth opportunities.
  3. Trust Your Strengths – Acknowledge what you do well instead of focusing on what you lack.
  4. Model Self Acceptance – When leaders demonstrate self-trust, teams follow suit.
  5. Redefine Success – Move beyond external validation and define success on your terms.

The Takeaway

RSA isn’t just personal, it’s a leadership superpower. By adopting The Kinder Eye, business leaders can foster stronger teams, make better decisions, and create cultures where people thrive.

So, ask yourself: What would change if you saw yourself through a Kinder Eye?

Buckle up, it’s the holiday season!

by with No Comment Uncategorized

“How did we get here so fast?”, many of us find ourselves asking. “I’m not ready!”

And not everyone is ready for everything that comes with it. For some, it’s parties and fun and time with loved ones, but for others it’s a challenging time – financially, family-wise, or quite lonely.

This time of year, like no other, touches on some very personal pressure points and it’s so important to acknowledge and plan how you’re going to take care of yourself.

If you’re alone or a new arrival to the area, staying connected to others is very important. Find out what is going on in your community. Make sure you have something social to attend that you can look forward to.

For those navigating difficult family situations, remember you and your family come first, so consider how you’re going to share yourself around in a way that makes sense and allows you to spend some quality time with others and at home.

For busy people, it’s time to slow down, enjoy the moment and get some rest. If you’re someone who over-gives and tries to please everyone this means you! It’s a good time to practise a habit for the new year by blocking out time in the calendar that is just for you.

Whatever the season brings your way we wish you moments of joy, ease and celebration. 

Warmest wishes to everyone from the Algarve Therapy Centre.

Couples in Crisis

Couples in Crisis

by with No Comment Uncategorized
Couples in Crisis

The battle lines are drawn. The gloves are off. And the next round of fighting begins. As the harsh words fly you wonder how your once-loving partner became someone you struggle to connect with. The love and understanding that once defined your relationship seem distant, leaving you asking: How did we get here, and how can we fix it?

Whether you’ve been together 5 months, 5 years or 50, you know there are always changing dynamics in your relationship – each person experiences their own ups and downs, and there are external pressures, from work, financial stress and the demands of family and friends.

Having children, changing jobs, moving locations, and retiring are also major stressors on relationships. Why? Because our routines, our roles, our expectations of ourselves and the other person change.

Often before we know it, we are in crisis – wondering how we got here and questioning if we should stay.

So, how do we deal with a critical point in our relationship and, better still, how do we prevent one?

Be honest:  Admit to yourself and the other person that there is a problem – that is the first step. Then call an amnesty – to stop blaming each other and instead commit to search for solutions together.

Identify the stressors: what internal or external changes have occurred? These might be subtle personal shifts so exercise as much self-awareness and honesty as you can.

Create a safe environment: Set a strict time frame and a neutral place (away from children) to talk about things.

Clear communication: Discuss the ‘rules’ of how you will share (i.e., taking turns to speak / not interrupting). Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand. Reflecting back to each other what you hear.

Respect: Remember that you are partners and are together for a reason. Speak and act with care. Owning what you say, using ‘I’ statements, rather than ‘you’ statements immediately calms things down.

Express your own feelings: write them down, share them with a trusted friend or therapist. It’s important to release and process what you’re going through separately.

Some aspects of your partner may never change, which may mean being more accepting and lowering expectations. However, both people have the ability to learn new skills – for better listening, communicating and loving.  

Even in the darkest times, turning things around is often possible. With patience, honesty, and a commitment to each other, a couple in crisis can emerge stronger and more connected than ever before.

Claire is an internationally accredited therapist working with individuals and couples. Meet her at the BLiP Expo in Portimao, October 12 & 13

www.ClaireLinley.com

Living Beyond Limits

by with No Comment Uncategorized

“If you had the time, space, and energy to do and be anything you choose what would your life look like?”

Would it be very different from now? Or would your life look very much the same, just different in terms of how you feel living it?

As I ask this of you, I also ask it of myself. For a start how often do I pause to consider such a probing question? How often do I stop to take a breath, as in one I actually mean to take?

Life can feel pretty relentless, amongst the tumble and roll and endless motion of it all.  We struggle to be mindful. We’re busy ‘doing’, rather than being. So, to ask a question about what we WANT seems pretty far out there.

But what if, for just a moment, we recognised ourselves as the sentient beings we came here to be?  In that picture I see us bursting with pure radiant energy. I see us naturally expressing that energy in infinitely creative ways, making meaningful contributions to the world at large.

And it’s all so easy! Time isn’t an issue. We know our value. We feel a sense of belonging. We are fulfilled. Rewards are effortless.

Most days I admit this feels like I am describing a utopian state, rather than anything resembling the norm. Yet, we all have the ability to remember the larger truth about what we’re doing here.

It might feel like ‘work hard – eat – sleep – repeat’, but if we pause for just a moment it is possible to remember that there is more to us. To remember that version of us that knows how to live beyond limits.

Can we be brave enough to pause….. breathe…… and take a peak at life beyond whatever is currently limiting?  And before the voice in our head cuts in and damns our vision as ‘unrealistic’ , ‘ridiculous’, ‘a pipe-dream’, ‘impossible’, let’s stay with our vision just a moment longer and breathe it in…..

I choose to believe this is who we really are: limitless beings, living our lives from the inside where we are secure in the knowledge that we have much to contribute and the time, space and energy to do just that.

If you’re dealing with restrictions, or have reached a point where you know you want more out of life, tell me more. www.clairelinley.com

Claire is a Transformational Therapist with over 25 years experience helping people overcome obstacles and fulfil their potential.