How to get your spark back in business
As far as excitement goes, starting your own business is up there with the first bank holiday of the year and realising that McDonalds Monopoly starts next week. The idea comes to you when you least expect it, usually – inconveniently – in the shower, and becomes all-consuming until you’ve made it happen. With a little elbow grease and a lot of hard work, business is booming and you’re wondering why you haven’t worked for yourself since the day dot. And then, nothing. The days start to drag and you’re wondering why you ever went solo in the first place. Procrastination is at an all time high, productivity at an all time low, and every project and meeting feels a lot like a chore. It’s official; you have lost your business mojo.
Being an entrepreneur is amazing. Most of the time. We aren’t ashamed to say that business boredom hits us all every now and then, but we’ve got some top tips to rekindle that spark and fall back in love with your business.
RUN AWAY
We business owners have a habit of thinking the world would stop spinning if we were to put work on the backburner for a week or two and jet off somewhere far far away. What if there’s no Wi-Fi and I can’t check my emails, we hear you cry! Well, even better. Just as the make or break holiday has saved countless couples from the scrap heap, it also has the potential to make you fall back in love with your business too. We’re talking about a proper holiday though, no waking up an hour early to check your emails or make some quick calls. Just sun, sea, sand and an ice cold Corona or two.
REMIND YOURSELF WHY YOU WENT SOLO
You know that thing where something terrible happens in the world and we all proclaim we’ll be living our lives to the full from hereon in, only to slip into the same routines within a week or two? The same can be said for going self-employed too. When you first start out, it’s all rainbows and butterflies. There are the 11am coffees with a friend just because you can and the relief of being able to pick the kids up from school without the subtle digs of a boss who believes in bums on seats. These things can fall by the wayside when business is booming, so take the time to put them back at the top of your agenda. It’ll work wonders for your work/life balance.
SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE
Burning the candle at both ends is a fast-track way to complete business burnout and that is something that no amount of brews can solve. Even with the good biscuits for back up.
If you’ve been working too hard but the old bank account is looking more Cleethorpes than Costa Rica, take heed of the old saying ‘a change is as good as a rest’ and shake up your routine instead. Finding time for an hour in the gym before work could be all it takes to feel like you are bossing life again. If you work from home, consider shaking things up workspace wise and giving co-working a go, even if it’s just an odd day or two each week. You’ll be amazed how those new surroundings leave you feeling all inspired and ready to take on the world again.
