Running and managing a business is challenging at the best of times. And the last 12 months or so, have added to those challenges. Lock-downs, working from home, working with the public under strict guidelines, restricted social interactions have become monotonous and draining, especially when you take away cultural and leisurely activity from our day to day living.
We are now in a place where the easing of confinement has opened up across France. Some business owners have had to wait a lot longer than others to re-open, while other industry sectors have not impacted so severely. And yet here we are, halfway through the year, and it’s feeling like an uphill struggle and tiring with motivation totally out of the window. Having our lives upturned both personally and professionally can zap our joy, but we know we have to carry on, which can be emotionally draining. Having chatted with clients, partners and other small business owners recently, there seems to be a 'malaise' among my peers, myself included. Hardly surprising!
We are now in a place where the easing of confinement has opened up across France. Some business owners have had to wait a lot longer than others to re-open, while other industry sectors have not impacted so severely. And yet here we are, halfway through the year, and it’s feeling like an uphill struggle and tiring with motivation totally out of the window. Having our lives upturned both personally and professionally can zap our joy, but we know we have to carry on, which can be emotionally draining. Having chatted with clients, partners and other small business owners recently, there seems to be a 'malaise' among my peers, myself included. Hardly surprising!
If you feel robbed of motivation, perhaps now is an excellent time to take stock; look within to see how you can rejuvenate your motivation to carry you through the second half of the year.
* Remember why you are doing this. You started your business for a reason. Remind yourself of your why and how you got yourself going. Be inspired by your past successes.
* Re-evaluate your goals. What were your intentions at the start of the year? Are they relevant now?
* Shake things up if you have to or want to. Having a routine keeps us on track, but sometimes the same pattern can be as dull as hell. What could you do differently? Can your daily routine be revamped?
* The mental and emotional well being of a small business owner is paramount. Running a business can, at times, be quite consuming, and every business owner must switch off. Just spending 15 minutes on the simplest of things that bring you joy, and have nothing to do with your work, can enhance motivation levels.
* Keep focused. It’s easy to get distracted from what is essential. Know what your distractions are and seek to eliminate them or reduce them.
* Connect with other business owners. At some point on the self-employed journey, we are going to lose our motivation. And there are times when you cannot fire yourself up. Get support from others. Just by sharing your thoughts/concerns can feel like a weight has been lifted. Hearing ‘we’ve all been there’ means you are not alone, especially in these current times.
Finally, resist the urge to just carry on. Give you and your business what it needs to rejuvenate motivation. You will thank yourself at the end of the year.
Yours socially
Micala
* Remember why you are doing this. You started your business for a reason. Remind yourself of your why and how you got yourself going. Be inspired by your past successes.
* Re-evaluate your goals. What were your intentions at the start of the year? Are they relevant now?
* Shake things up if you have to or want to. Having a routine keeps us on track, but sometimes the same pattern can be as dull as hell. What could you do differently? Can your daily routine be revamped?
* The mental and emotional well being of a small business owner is paramount. Running a business can, at times, be quite consuming, and every business owner must switch off. Just spending 15 minutes on the simplest of things that bring you joy, and have nothing to do with your work, can enhance motivation levels.
* Keep focused. It’s easy to get distracted from what is essential. Know what your distractions are and seek to eliminate them or reduce them.
* Connect with other business owners. At some point on the self-employed journey, we are going to lose our motivation. And there are times when you cannot fire yourself up. Get support from others. Just by sharing your thoughts/concerns can feel like a weight has been lifted. Hearing ‘we’ve all been there’ means you are not alone, especially in these current times.
Finally, resist the urge to just carry on. Give you and your business what it needs to rejuvenate motivation. You will thank yourself at the end of the year.
Yours socially
Micala
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