7 tips to boost your resilience

After speaking with over 200 founders, we learned that more than 70 percent feel they’re not doing enough to build and maintain their own resilience. 

I’ve been there myself.

Back in the high-pressure days at ParkBee, I’d beat traffic into Amsterdam, enjoy the early quiet, and get straight to work. I liked the hustle. I worked hard. But I rarely made space for myself or stepped back to reflect on what I needed to keep going. Looking back, I was surviving more than thriving.

Resilience is not about pushing through
It’s about looking after yourself. Making conscious decisions that keep you strong throughout your journey so you can lead with confidence and handle setbacks, whatever life throws at you.

From the founders who figured this out (many the hard way), we’ve gathered a practical set of lessons and techniques to help you shape a more sustainable path.

Start today.. here's 7 tips:

There are many conscious activities many more resilient founders implemented. Here’s 7 things you can start doing today

Set personal (growth) goals


Whilst most entrepeneurs are militant on setting clear goals and milestones for their company, not often they define personal growth goals for themselces.

Just like your company has a vision and milestones, you need them too.

Defining personal goals, whether it’s learning to delegate better, spending more quality time with family, or improving your sleep, gives direction and energy. It helps you shift from reactive to intentional and reminds you that your development fuels your company’s growth.

Routines are powerful, but only if they serve you.

Too many founders fall into habits that drain them rather than energize them. Start by observing your current rhythm.

What gives you energy? What depletes it? Then tweak your daily or weekly routines to make space for things that keep you sharp, whether that’s a morning walk, deep work time, or regular meals.

A short weekly check-in, just five to ten minutes, can go a long way. Ask yourself: How am I doing, really? What’s draining me? What gave me energy this week?

It sounds simple, but regular reflection helps you spot patterns before they become problems. It builds awareness, and awareness is where resilience starts.

Your strengths, energy drivers, and detractors matter more than you think. When things get hectic, it’s easy to say yes to everything and spread yourself too thin. But the most effective founders know how they bring the most value.

 

Get clear on what gives you energy, what drains you, and what only you can do. Then shape your role around that. It protects your energy and sharpens your impact.

Too often, founders see time spent on themselves as a luxury or even selfish. But taking care of yourself is a strategic choice. Whether it’s learning something new, taking a break, or just recharging over lunch away from your laptop, those moments are fuel. Give yourself permission to pause and invest in your own resilience. Your team will thank you for it.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Founders who build strong networks of mentors, peers, co-founders, or coaches bounce back faster and grow stronger. Make time to regularly connect with people who understand the journey. And be honest with them, not just about your wins, but also the hard stuff. You’ll be surprised what opens up when you do.

Many founder express a certain sense of loneliness that comes with being a founder.

Whilst speaking out, whether with a peer, friend, coach, or your team, helps clear your mind, brings new perspectives, and reminds you you’re not alone. It’s a small act, but a powerful one. Start today.