The Entrepreneurial Slump

The road to building your empire is never going to be an easy one. Where most people walk paths that have already been walked — people who choose the life of an entrepreneur have to create their own path and wow, it’s flippin’ difficult.

Don’t be fooled by the images of people working from laptops from the poolside at their tenth luxury location that year — every single entrepreneur to get to that point has faced a lot of struggle and will continue to do so.

Struggle goes hand in hand with being an entrepreneur, it’s part and parcel of building the life you dreamed of. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

So, you know what it’s like — you’ve started a business and suddenly things are getting difficult. Nothing seems to be going right, money isn’t coming in as quickly as you’d hoped, your family are lacking in support and the only thing you have to push you through the slump is… youself.

When you’re in slump-mode, having the strength to keep pushing through and believing in yourself seems like the toughest task on your already out of control to-do list.

Well, next time you find yourself in your slump-mode, (because you will), I want you to try the following things.

1. Recognise you’re not alone. Everyone has a slump and you need to think of it more that the Universe is challenging you. Making you stronger and more resilient.
2. Step away from work. Unless you have clients actully waiting for you that second — as soon as you’re able to — close your laptop, shut up the shop and have some time away from your business. It’s surprising how stepping away from things can help you put things into perspective.
3. Get some fresh air. Take a walk, do some gardening, get your bike out of the shed, take your family to the beach… whatever you want to do is up to you — but go outside and breathe in that fresh air and connect with nature and the world around you.
4. Do some exercise. Take your frurstrations out in a class. Let the sweat clear your head and wash away all of your niggles. Exercise is one of the best ways to focus your mind and feel a whole lot better about yourself.
5. Talk to someone. Grab a coffee with a friend who understands what you’re going through. Don’t ask Negative Nancy out for coffee — choose someone who is positive in your life and talk through your worries. Talking through your business worries can really help you to gain some focus and much needed clarity.

Be proud of what you’ve achieved so far and keep pushing forwards — it’s the only way to go!