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Tales from the Online Marketing Crypt #14 How to Dig Yourself (and Your Business) Out of a Downward Spiral In my previous Tales from the Online Marketing Crypt, I wrote about it being the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 hitting our world. I shared some of my thoughts on how much of a strain it has caused for most of us. I also revealed how I was the victim of identity theft not that long ago, and how it devastated our lives, forever changing the trajectory of what was to come. In fact, if it wasn’t for that insidious crime, eVision Media would not have been formed. I would probably still be working in the corporate world. I may not have gone back to school to earn a business degree. Sometimes the world we live in can be quite fascinating. And it can also be overwhelming, frustrating and plain old hard, especially when it comes to our business. I’m not sure if it’s due to my drumming up painful memories of those crimes against us years ago, but truth be told, I have been struggling this week in the motivation department. Perhaps you can relate? One roadblock after another keeps appearing. I problem solve one obstacle and another issue needs to be dealt with. I have things I know I must do but procrastination has been rearing its ugly head, causing unwanted delays. I have lots of plans, ideas and needs, but my energy level to complete them is low. Do you ever feel that way too? Where you know you have lots you need to do but just can’t seem to get the motivation to do them? But one fire after another is draining at once makes you feel deflated. This can ultimately result in lost leads, conversions and sales. Truth be told, it’s a fact of life for every entrepreneur and business owner…we are going to get into these ruts every once in a while. We’re human after all! The good news is that this slump can be very temporary…if you choose it to be. Yes, it’s your choice. Because one thing I know for sure is there is nothing anyone can say or do that will suddenly get me springing back into action! The only person responsible for that is me. Luckily, this is not the first time I’ve encountered a wee bit of lack of motivation, and I know it won’t be the last. And knowing that helps greatly because it could be very easy to latch onto this funky mood and head straight into a nosedive filled with depression. So what do I do when this happens? The first thing is I acknowledge it’s happening and not beat myself up over it. Of course, I make sure everything that HAS to be done, gets done. If it means pushing myself a bit to get my urgent to-do list done, then that’s what I need to do to stay in integrity not only with myself, but with our clients and my team as well. And if that also means not getting the new initiatives I had planned done as quickly as I wanted, then so be it. But it also means taking a little time for self-care, self-reflection and even self-healing if that’s needed. What does that look like? I thought I’d share a list of things you can explore the next time you feel this lack of motivation sweep over you. Many of these are what I did this week and already feel much better! Acknowledge this feeling is normal and remind yourself this too shall pass. Open your gratitude journal and write down all of the things you’re grateful for in terms of your business. The more you focus on the positive, the easier it will be to shift your perspective out of the negative. Remember your WHY. Why did you start your business to begin with? What purpose are you serving? Revisit your business goals or get clear on them again. Goals are great motivators when aligned with your WHY. Surround yourself with people who will boost you up, provide encouragement and be your cheerleader. This is one of the roles I play with my consulting clients. Avoid watching the news and reading negativity on social media. It’s the worst for reminding you of all that ails the world. Do something that will uplift your spirits. Whether going for a walk, bringing out your favourite hobby, or playing with the kids/grandkids, whatever gives you joy will get you fired up again. Get away for a weekend if possible. I do this every few months when I can. I love checking into a local B&B and taking the time to recharge my batteries. I like to choose B&B’s and boutique inns as it feels good that I’m also supporting small businesses. Use the mornings to your advantage and take care of the critical things on your to-do list then, before the weight of the day starts to get you down. Mornings are when most people are most productive, so instead of scrolling through social media with your morning coffee, focus on the tasks at hand and skip the possible negative influence that could affect the rest of your day. Take care of yourself by eliminating sugar and high carbs from your diet. Get some exercise, practice Intermittent Fasting, and get a good night’s sleep. I know this is a loaded suggestion but very much worth the effort. For me, my brain fog is gone, and I feel better than I have ever in my life since I started eating low-carb and focusing more on my health. Check out some of the resources below to help. Give yourself a personal reward for doing one thing each day this week that will help your business. Maybe that’s following up with leads, posting some value-filled posts on social media with a strong call to action to contact you or sending out a newsletter. Whatever it is, set a goal that comes with a reward. Read an inspirational book. Who are the heroes in your life that have inspired you to get into business and fulfil your purpose? Reconnect with that inspiration by reading up on them. Read client reviews and reflect on what it was like working with that client. Remember how wonderful it felt knowing what an impact you’ve had on them. I hope this list has inspired you to find a way to get and stay motivated in your business. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has gone through the same thing as you. If you want your business to survive and thrive, it’s important to realize your level of motivation plays a key role in your success. Yes, you will have moments of doubt. We all do! But you have the choice to either focus on the doubt or push that distraction aside and keep going. You’ll be amazed what you can accomplish! To your business success, Susan Friesen P.S. If you liked what you read (and heard) here, you will want to sign up for our newsletter where you'll get notified every week of our blog posts, announcements and business-building strategies. Click here to also receive our free website guide: www.UltimateWebsiteGuide.ca RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Book: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek. This book shows that the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence think, act, and communicate the same way. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY. Book: Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team by Simon Sinek. This book picks up where Start With Why left off. It shows you how to apply Simon Sinek’s powerful insights so you can find more inspiration at work — and in turn inspire those around you. Book: Law of Attraction Gratitude Journal: Attract More of What YOU Want to Create a Happy by Dana J. Smithers. This 52 Week Law of Attraction Gratitude Journal is designed to help you bring the principles and tools of the law of attraction into your everyday life. You can start any week of the year – just pick it up and start writing. Book: The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight) by Dr. Jason Fung. The landmark book from New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Jason Fung, one of the world’s leading experts on intermittent fasting for weight-loss and longevity, whose 5-step plan has helped thousands of people lose weight and achieve lasting health. Book: The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended by Dr. Jason Fung. Thousands of books have been written about the latest and greatest diets that will help people lose weight and improve health. But a key element in any successful nutritional health program is a tried-and-true method that most people haven’t thought about—yet it could be revolutionary for taking health to the next level. This ancient secret is fasting. I’m joined by Gratitude Expert Dana Smithers to talk about how gratitude can make a huge difference to your personal and professional success: How Gratitude is Good for Business.
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