Do you not usually one to focus your time and energy on things that arenāt working because you’re acutely aware that āWhat we focus on grows and expandsā and all of that.
And yet, we also think thereās enormous value in sharing our vulnerability and real-life struggles so that we know weāre not alone and so that we can help each other through them. And sometimes we have days where it all just feels really hard.
Running your own business can feel like a lot of hustle for little return at times. Some days itās not fun at all. Click To TweetItās OK to feel that way every now and then. Itās part of the natural cycle of things. But itās important that we find ways to lift ourselves up out of them as quickly as possible.
So, maybe today you had one of those days when you sat down at your desk and you couldnāt find your mojo. You had a couple of deflating incidents that took the wind out of your sails. Your head was full of thoughts like āWhoās going to care if I donāt coach or offer anything today. Maybe I should just go back to my old corporate job.ā ā¦ and a tirade of other unpleasant thoughts.
It can be hard to pull yourself out of those moments at times.
We all have days when everything feels too hard.
We know we do, and they were especially frequent in in the beginning. Quitting your previous corporate career after several years. You had finally chosen to follow your heartās desire to become an entrepreneur because itās in your blood. You adore freedom, flexibility, adventure, creativity, action, fast-pace living, and creating things that werenāt there before. And you felt that starting your own business was the natural solution to your professional woes.
āThe struggle you feel today will offer you the strength youāll need tomorrow.ā
Ross Simmonds
But maybe you had completely underestimated how hard it would be going back to ground zero. You had to start all over again in a new field in which you knew very little, had few connections, and required new skills and competencies that were outside of what you always known.
“Starting your own business is like riding a roller coaster, with big highs and big lows. Be strong, hold your stomach tight, and enjoy the ride.”
Unknown
One of Sydneyās rising start-up entrepreneurs Jon Westenberg said recently:
āIf you donāt have a plan to make money, all you have is an expensive hobby.ā
Jon Westenberg
Building your business can feel like a expensive hobby at times ā until you find the right mentors.
There is no quick fix, no overnight solution to building your business. Click To TweetIt takes a lot of consistent, hard work before you begin to see the fruits of your hard labour. And you absolutely must surround yourself with experienced mentors who have walked the path before you.
There are days when itās hard to get motivated. It can be hard going it alone. Itās hard being the sole person responsible for generating income from your business. If you donāt work, no money comes in. Iāve read all the promises of the 4-hour work week and āpassive incomeā and while they sound great, itās much harder to implement in reality.
If you ever get into one of those downward spirals of despair and negativity, here are some strategies to pull yourself back up and out of it and inspired yourself to keep working towards your dreams ā because you WILL get there, and you must! The world needs your precious and unique gifts.
1. Force yourself to step away from the desk and take a short break.
If youāre feeling negative, force yourself to step away from the desk. Any action you take while in that negative frame of mind is not going to be productive or inspired. Itās important to get yourself back into a good frame of mind before attempting to do anything at all. Do whatever it takes to re-center and re-align yourself.
2. Get yourself out into nature and do something nourishing for your body, mind or soul.
Get outside into the garden, or go for a walk, or do something uplifting, comforting and nourishing for yourself.
3. Focus on what you love about working for yourself.
Take some time to remember the reasons you decided to work for yourself. Write them down. For example, I remember how much I love the complete freedom and flexibility of my schedule and my pure freedom of creative self-expression. I love the ability I have to work from home, to be there for my kids, and to focus my time on what I want, when I want. What is it that you love about working for yourself?
4. Remember WHY youāre doing it. And get inspired again by your goals.
When youāre in this state of mind, itās important to reconnect with your VISION and your PURPOSE ā your ābig whyā. I remind myself how much pain I felt when I couldnāt find my professional purpose and joy for the longest time. And I think of all the people who have told me how desperately they want to find their joyful business path and to live a life more aligned with their heart and soul and how I must help them. I take the time to go back and read my business inspiration and vision. And then I go back to the exciting goals and vision that I set for my year ahead.
“Donāt judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
5. Re-read some of the positive feedback from your clients and appreciate the areas where you have traction in your business.
Go back and read or simply remember some of the positive things people have said about your work and the impact youāve made on them. And spend some time appreciating those areas of your business where you ARE experiencing flow, traction and momentum. Find a way to remember that your work matters and that people need and appreciate what you have to offer.
6. Remember that youāre making progress, even when you canāt yet see the fruits of your labour.
Building a business requires us to continuously plant seeds and they donāt always germinate when weād like them to, or sometimes they donāt germinate at all. Some days can feel disheartening but then you’ll experience an unexpected surprise or breakthrough and will be reminded that progress is always being made, even when it doesnāt feel like it.
“Most people give up just before theyāre about to achieve success. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown.”
Ross Perot
7. Donāt give up. You just may be on the verge of making a breakthrough! Reach out and get support.
No matter how bad your day is feeling, donāt give up. You might be just about to make a breakthrough. Keep your thoughts and energy focused on the vision you hold and how good it feels to be living your dream, on your own terms. Reach out, get support from the trusted mentors in your circle. Itās OK to ask for help ā in fact, you must.
And if all else fails, take a day off, go and do something you love and tomorrow is another day. But most importantly, hang in there. Your people need you and your unique skills.
And if you need support, please reach out to us in the Fempire Academy for moral encouragement and advice on how to move forward. Weāre here for you.
This was written by one of our talented team members. Head to our About Fempire page to learn more about what Fempire does and how you can join the sisterhood. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, or Pinterest by clicking the buttons below.
Just what i needed t read today. persistence is paramount even when the strength to carry on isn’t.
I’m so glad my article helped you Maria! Some days it’s not easy… keep going š Big hugs, Kate x
You can do it Maria! We all believe in you here at Fempire! Can you hear the whistles and cheers from there? It’s loud! Keep going you’ve got this. Marnie x
I resonated with alot of the things written here. Iām so happy to see that Iām instinctively doing some things right according to the experts, and also happy to know that I am not alone in the struggles. Iām sooo looking forward to the journey of entrepreneurship, I get shivers thinking about the potential!! Looking forward to reading and learning more from Marnie and the Fempire crew!!
Hi Francie,
You’re definitely not alone in your struggles! And yes while it’s super challenging at times, the journey of entrepreneurship is pretty awesome, I look forward to sharing the journey with you! Kate x
I was/am like that Francie, I’ll get all excited and lose sleep when planning my next business step! It’s so much fun being a fempreneur. I love this article by Fempire Coach, Kate De Jong, so much inspired, real, practical advice! Marnie x
Great article, thank you. Forcing yourself to step away from your desk can be easier said than done when you’re in that busy mindset, but it aligns nicely with looking after yourself. Cup full first.
Hi Jamina!
Yep I can absolutely relate to the struggle of stepping away from the desk… but sometimes it’s the most productive thing we can do, especially when we’re in a ‘funk’ of some kind.. yep cup full first š Big hugs, Kate x
Stepping away from the desk? What’s that?? Just jesting, it’s really important to me. I usually take time to go make myself a cuppa and if I’m working from home I’ll step outside in nature for a while and it feels oh so good and fresh when I return. Marnie x
Thank you for this inspiring article.
It definitely sets the right mindset and perspective for embarking on my side hustle.
Hi Olivia!
You’re so welcome, and yes mindset is everything in entrepreneurship! I look forward to hearing about your side hustle. Big hugs, Kate x
Love a good side hustle Olivia! Marnie x
WOW was this written for me!!!! Really enjoyed reading this Marnie and so relatable. x
Kate De Jong penned these words of wisdom Natasha…they’re inspiring right??!! Marnie x
Great post Kate! I loved your tips to helping you get through the hump. I am really looking forward to meeting you.
Thanks so much Karis, I’m so glad the article was helpful – I’m really looking forward to meeting you too!
Karis, you’ll love her!! Marnie x
WOnderfully inspiring read! Makes me want to get out there and follow my passion. Thank you š
Yes! Go do Ashley. When is NOW the right time!! š Marnie x
I’m so glad this helped you feel inspired Ashley! Go get ’em girl š
Kate x
Excellent post! There are days my focus seems to go down the drain, specially when you are trying so hard and at times feel that those two steps forwards were negated by three backwards. Trying to persevere as one’s mojos have a tendency of going up and down like a yoyo
I hear you Tia! I experience the same thing sometimes. Just know we all believe in you here. You have a sisterhood in Fempire. Marnie x
Hi Tia,
So lovely to hear from you! Yes it can be so hard at times, but don’t give up, you might be on the verge of a breakthrough! We’re all rooting for you here at Fempire and LOVE the work you do. Hang in there, lots of love, Kate x
Great advice Kate, thank you. At present I’m struggling to get going.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that Jenny. I hope some of these strategies help you to find your mojo again. We’re all right behind you here at Fempire, hang in there – the world needs your beautiful work, Kate x
Thank you for taking the time to write 7 fabulous steps to remind us of how to keep it all together.
Iām not one for giving up on my dreams but I find having someone to reach out to when the road gets tough, is so necessary. Everybody needs a go-to-buddy when dreams seem to far away. Xoxo
Hi Katrina,
So true, thank you so much for your comments. Yes, we all need a go-to-buddy, I couldn’t agree more! Good on you for never giving up on your dreams, Kate x