Businesses all face different seasons. Sometimes there is an influx of customers and things may become overwhelming. Then there are times when businesses face dry spells which can dissuade entrepreneurs from continuing to pursue their goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day and running a business definitely has its ups and downs. When business is slow, focus on staying motivated.
1. Remember why you started
When thinking about giving up, remember why you started. Use your initial goal as motivation to keep going. A good way to do this is by rediscovering your passion.
Here are a few tips to rediscover your passion:
Take some time off. Remind yourself why you started your business. Was it to help others? What was your initial reason for wanting your business? Question yourself. Do you regret starting your business? Which aspects of your business makes you excited?
Think of all the things you’ve accomplished so far. Every triumph, whether it be small or big, matters.
Ignore other people’s opinions. People may try to invoke fear into your ambitions. Nevertheless, focus on what you want. It’s your dream, not theirs.
2. Keep yourself busy
According to Dr. Jane Prince, a psychologist at the University of South Wales “Being busy means that you don’t have time to sit and think about how unfair life is. Busyness directs your attention away from yourself, your aches and pains.”
Sitting idle makes you more prone to negative thoughts about your business. Instead of taking time to sulk and relish in self-doubt and negativity, try to devote more time into improving your product. Work on other projects and try to find new methods to grow your company.
3. Set new goals
Set new, small, realistic goals. Before setting these goals, ensure that they are attainable depending on your business’ current situation. Take some time to reflect on what objectives you’ve already accomplished since starting your company then decide what your new plan should entail.
Some examples of reasonable goals may include : how many new clients you intend to gain, new ways to get feedback from your clientele, improving particular features of your products, etc.
Be sure to set deadlines. It’s easy to set goals and forget about them. However, giving yourself a specific time frame to accomplish your objectives will motivate you to keep going.
4. Don’t compare your business to others
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
While this quote may apply to our personal lives it can also apply to a company. Each company grows at its own pace and some may take off before others. However, as the famous saying goes “every dog has its day” so clap for others until it’s your turn.
Comparing ourselves to others and what they have is undeniably the fastest way to stir a pot of anxiety, failure and feelings of inadequacy.
It is in human nature to learn from what we see. However, observing to learn and obsessing are two different things separated by a thin line. Constantly stalking how your businesses’ competitors are doing can do more harm than good as you only see what you lack. You start to think they have it all put together and soon enough you’re left feeling unmotivated to pursue YOUR business endeavours. Don’t let the competition distract you from what your goals are.
Instead of seeing a slow period as unlucky, see it as an opportunity to improve things within your company.When business is stagnant or not progressing as you would like remember these key points. Remind yourself why you started, keep yourself occupied, set new goals and stop comparing your company’s growth to others.
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