10 Ways To Get “Unstuck”
Ups and downs are a part of life. One day, you’re on top of your game, feeling like the world is yours to take. The next, you’re struggling to make it happen…you put off phone calls, delay the start of your work day, and before you know it, you’re in Slumpsville, U.S.A. When we get “stuck”, it can be easy to criticize yourself. In my own slumps, I’ve declared to myself that I’m not cut out for the job, even though it’s something I love and something I’m great at. The good news is, this kind of slump is totally normal. But, the better news is, you can get UNSTUCK with a few of these tips.
#1 – Own It
The first step to solving your problem is admitting you’ve got one, right? Say it out loud, acknowledge that this is happening. If you try to push through your slump without identifying the issue, you’ll get nowhere fast.
#2 – Identify
In your downturn, it’s not going to be easy to pinpoint exactly one problem. But, if you’re feeling a lack of energy in your work, it’s important to know if you’ve lost passion in your career, or if there are smaller issues causing you to want to give up, whether it’s for a day or for longer. For myself, when I feel a disconnect with a client, I hit a major slump. Communication is important to me, and if a client and I are at odds on a project, it’s a very quick journey to work depression. Figure out where your dark cloud is coming from and you’ll be a step closer to being “back in business.”
#3 – Brain Dump
As entrepreneurs, we tend to focus on the “public” side of the business and let the “behind the scenes” work suffer. Chances are, there are things you want to accomplish in your business, but you lack the time to do them because the daily business itself gets in your way. Take some time to write down or type out every single idea that comes to mind – don’t focus on whether it’s a good idea or a bad idea, just write it down. As you write, you’ll feel inspiration starting to bubble up and you’ll realize where your heart is calling you.
#4 – Find A Mentor
If you don’t already have someone in your life who inspires and convicts you, it’s time to find one. This doesn’t necessarily need to be someone in your same industry, but someone that you admire professionally and personally, and someone you can call or meet with on a regular basis. If it’s hard to think of a mentor, find one online – even long distance! Search for other entrepreneurs whose businesses you admire. If you haven’t met personally, send a short email telling them about yourself and asking about mentorship. The worst that can happen is you get a “no” and you move on to the next.
#5 – Educate Yourself
When you feel knowledgable, you’ll feel better about yourself and your work. There are a myriad of options available for affordable online courses and free webinars in every topic under the sun. Sites like BizLaunch and Score.org have lots of great webinar choices for small business owners. Though not free, I have personally enjoyed classes through Shaw Academy. Whether it’s a free webinar, or a class I’ve made a small investment in, I always walk away with a renewed spirit for business.
#6 – Enjoy Your “Down” Time
If you know you’re going to be slacking off a little during your slump, why not use your downtime better? Instead of sitting in front of your computer for 30 minutes, trying to convince yourself to work, take a 30 minute walk around your neighborhood. Or, take your “work” to the beach or the mountains, and give yourself a mini-vacation to inspire your mind.
#8 – Be Quiet
In a world that moves as quickly as ours does, setting aside time to meditate, reflect, and pray is absolutely crucial. Whether you believe that God speaks to our quiet hearts or that your instincts will point you in the right direction, your mind, heart, and spirit need the time to settle into the right place to hear it. I like to take walks on the nature trails near my home – without headphones, or spend a little time at the end of each evening in prayer, reflecting on my day. I find both of these things go a long way in preparing my mind for a solid day of work.
#9 – Set Reasonable Goals
A mile-long to-do list can be just enough to keep you in your slump. Don’t try or expect to conquer it all at once. Set goals you know you can accomplish. Like: Between 9am and 10am, I’ll make three phone calls. Or: By lunchtime, I will have accomplished these two tasks. Break your work into small pieces and handle only the next thing.
#10 – Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Finally, there’s a lot to be said for dressing and acting the part. Though you don’t want to ignore your slowdown, push through as you process your next step. Amy Cuddy’s Power Poses send signals of confidence and ownership to our minds. Let the outer trappings of yourself – your body language, dress, and behavior – trick your mind into thinking it’s just business as usual.
Remember, setbacks are normal. It’s a part of the game. Acknowledge that there are things you can learn from this. Recognize that you will eventually emerge, ready to take on your work with a new and inspired vision for your business.