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! 

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.
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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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You are the most important asset in your business and it's important to look after yourself. Being self employed brings its own reward but it can also be difficult to make time for yourself. You are wearing many hats, some at the same time, all of which can at times lead to a bit of burn out and affect your mental, emotional and physical well being, which in turn affects relationships with family, friends and interactions with clients.

Sick days are a problem when it is just you. And many self employed have a habit of working through off days, which short term might be fine, but could exacerbate a bigger problem. What would happen if you found yourself unable to work? Self care is important for everyone but particularly important when you are self employed.

“You can't pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first.”

What is self care? It's the simple practice of taking care of yourself by doing activities that promote and strengthen your mental, emotional and physical well being. And should be a priority for the self employed in order not to venture near a breaking point.

What is important for you to do regularly that puts a smile on your face? It could mean a bit of time out mid week, taking a long weekend off. Making time for quality time with family and friends. Or a bit of personal pampering – massage to relieve an aching body. What you need will be individual to you.

Practice self care regularly. Make it an integral part of your working day. That could mean doing something for you for 20-30 minutes a day.

Make sure you get the rest that you need. Sleep is important, we are recharging out batteries and giving our minds and bodies that much needed rest.

Switching off from work. Don't let work consume your head space all day everyday. Do something relaxing every day that allows you to switch off completely. Work will still be there tomorrow.
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It can take real, conscious, intentional effort to create a balance that contributes to your overall long term well being. Once you are able to get a balance that works for you, it eliminates the need to react to the daily stresses of being self employed. 

What are you doing to create self care balance in your working week, working month, working year?