If you have been in business for a while you are likely to run into periods of burnout. You will recognize it when you see it because it is where creativity takes a nose dive and your get up and go seems to leave without letting you know. I have worked with lots of women business owners and there is a common thread that weaves many of them together. Here are a few quick observations on how people with the business blahs have managed to get the wind back in their sail.
Re-evaluate
One of the things that I notice among those going through periods of burn out is a lack of clear focus in not knowing which way to go. If you ever find yourself feeling that way take some time to re-evaluate and ask yourself what it is about your company that you most enjoy right now. Many times when you’re stuck it’s that roadblock that has your feet feeling like led and unable to move. Brainstorm with others about the direction of your company. You may simply need someone to help break that cement up with you so that you can get moving again.
Another thing that you can do if you are thinking, “Hey, this is my business. I want it to succeed but I don’t have the motivation." is to ask yourself “What are the obstacles that you are facing in your business today that keeps you from seeing the forest from the trees?”
Re-connect
Next, reconnect with exactly why you are in business in the first place. Be honest with yourself. If it’s something that you are really passionate about then connect with that passion again. Maybe it’s not passion at all but the use of a skill that is helping you to temporarily make ends meet. Be honest about that, too, because when you can do that then you can move on to creating a game plan and designing a company that is successful. After all, the goal is to own a company that you can wake up to and say that I am proud to own this business.
Re-structure
Perhaps there is something in the business that you do not want to do. Think of how you can change that. Maybe it is certain aspects of the business that you don’t like to handle. How can you eventually get away from those tasks and create a pre-exit plan where you are doing what you love versus working in your business? Begin mapping it out today so that in the end when you set sail again you will do so knowing that you did it your way!
And if part of the fatigue in running your business comes from overwhelm in financial management and poor cash flows then I invite you to sign up for my newsletter at www.tbsusa.com where you will receive tips and access to resources that will help guide you in a more profitable direction.
