Starting a business is one of the most exhilarating, exciting experiences (if it’s not, maybe don’t read on any further, as not sure this one’s for you). If you’re lucky, you get to turn your passion into a profitable venture, set your own rules, be your boss and feel a sense of personal achievement (at least, that’s how I feel anyway).
But, running a business is not always vision boarding and extended holidays. There are moments when everything feels like it's falling apart and you don't know how you will keep going. It's important to remember that tough times are part of the journey and it's how you navigate them that sets you apart from others.
I’m all about helping my clients use strategies that help keep them motivated when things get tough. Here are some of my tried and tested strategies:
1. Stay Focused on Your Vision: Every business starts with a vision. It's the reason you took the risk of starting the venture in the first place. During tough times, it's easy to lose sight of that vision and get bogged down by day-to-day challenges. Remind yourself of why you started the business and how far you've come. This will help you stay focused on the bigger picture and keep you motivated to keep going.
2. Work on Your Mindset: Your mindset is a powerful tool that can either work for or against you. During tough times, it's essential to cultivate a positive mindset that will help you see the silver lining in every situation. Start by acknowledging that challenges are a natural part of running a business and that you have what it takes to overcome them. Focus on what you can control and don't let setbacks discourage you. Remind yourself everything passes and tomorrow is another day. Try not to let yesterday’s setbacks leak into tomorrow.
3. Surround Yourself with a Support System: Running a business can be lonely and it's essential to have a support system to lean on during tough times. This could be a group of trusted friends, mentors, or a business coach. Surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people will provide you with a safe space to share your challenges and get feedback. They can also offer new perspectives and help you stay motivated.
4. Take a Break: It's easy to get burnt out when you're running a business. Long hours, constant pressure and a never-ending to-do list can leave you feeling drained. Taking a break is essential to recharge your batteries and come back refreshed. This could be anything from taking a walk at lunchtime to get some headspace, or taking a longer break to relax and unwind. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that helps you disconnect from work and recharge your mind and body.
5. Keep Learning: The business world is constantly evolving - it's crucial to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve and for your own personal development. I find learning helps me feel empowered and armed with useful, relevant knowledge. It’s very easy for those of us working from home to ignore the world outside our office walls, so by keeping connected with the wider business world, we can grow our knowledge and our business. I recommend attending conferences, workshops, taking courses, or reading books on topics that interest you. Keeping your mind engaged will help you stay motivated, as well as help you identify new opportunities.
Running a business is an exciting journey, but it's not without its challenges. During tough times, it's crucial to stay focused on your vision, cultivate a positive mindset, surround yourself with a support system, take a break, and keep learning. Remember, every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and how you navigate them will determine your success.