Feeling like you don't want to go to work and you own the business? It happens to all of us; there are times when we'd rather not have to make decisions, pay the bills, handle a difficult customer, or deal with a problem employee. Even when everything is going well, there are some days you'd just rather stay in bed or go to the beach.
You are the spark plug for your business. When the sparks don't seem to ignite, you've got to do something about it.
If you're an employee of a big company, you may be able to go through the motions of looking busy for some time without it mattering much. But if you run your own business or manage a team, you can't afford to stay unmotivated long.
If you have employees, they look to you as a source of energy and inspiration. When you are positive and engaged, they're more likely to be positive and engaged. Even when you work alone, if you're unmotivated, your work suffers, your clients feel neglected, and your income can plummet.
No, you've got to find a way to be the spark plug to reignite your energy and optimism — even when you feel like pulling the covers over your head.
Part of the solution lies in understanding the problem — and it's not always the same problem. We lose momentum for different reasons at different times. If you're dispirited after losing a big sale or having a project fail, you might be able to cast off your dejection by going to a seminar and getting exposed to new ideas. But if you're unmotivated because you're incredibly overworked, the last thing you need is a day away from the office.
So the first step in recharging your batteries is to ask yourself why you're not motivated at this particular time. Are you:
•overworked? Day after day, do you plow through a pile of work only to face an equally big pile the next day? It's demoralizing when you feel like you never make any headway.
•underworked? On the other hand, if you don't have enough customers or projects, it's sometimes difficult to feel enthusiastic about those few tasks you have.
•disappointed? After working hard and long, did you lose a big sale or have a major project fail? Do you feel like your efforts are a waste of time?
•let down? Did you actually succeed in landing the client or finishing the project, only to feel an emptiness once you reached your goal?
•scared? Fear sometimes gets us moving and sometimes glues us in one spot. Are you afraid of some challenge you have to face?
•doing uncreative stuff? Are you doing the same thing over and over or just dealing with tedious details? When was the last time you did something that engaged and excited you?
•facing non-work problems? Are you fighting with your spouse or children? Facing a serious problem in your personal life? Work can seem unimportant in light of other serious issues.
•just plain exhausted? When was the last time you took a break, vacation, or had a good night's sleep?
How do you get your sparks reignited?
1. Sit down and analyze the source of your weariness. You have to identify the problem before you can begin to solve it.
2. Consider solutions appropriate for the source of your own lack of motivation. Consistently overworked? Consider hiring more help. Bored? Plan new directions for your business or attend an industry seminar.
3. Get outside input. We often just stew in our own juices. Consider hiring a consultant or getting a business coach — someone to help you get perspectives and ideas.
4. Take action. Moving forward by taking action, sometimes almost any action, helps re-motivate you.
5. Remind yourself of your long-term goals. Why do you want to own your own business? Financial security? Time flexibility? Ability to use your skills? Recommit to those goals, then, consider one step you can take TODAY to get you closer to your goals.
But sometimes getting away from your business, if just for a day, helps. You may not be able to hop on a plane to Hawaii, but allow yourself a long weekend or a day off. Hey, sometimes even the boss can play hooky.
