Do you feel that you no longer possess the “edge” required in order to succeed within the entrepreneurial world? Is it difficult to find the motivation to take on a new projects? Have you recently run out of novel ideas or have you been feeling that your “spark” has somehow vanished along the way? If so, you are not alone. Believe it or not, a recent survey illustrated that as many as 58 per cent of all participants surveyed stated that they felt exhausted or burned out. How can you reignite your entrepreneurial edge and get back on top?
Back to the Basics
Before we delve into any business-related tips, it is first critical to mention that you need to monitor your everyday health. Entrepreneurs often neglect this basic fact until the damage has already been done. Make sure that you are following a healthy diet and that you are getting plenty of sleep. Take into account your office space. Does it feel cramped and confined or can you breathe easy while at work? All of these variables will inevitably play an important role.
Know Your Goals
Many entrepreneurs start out in a specific industry simply looking to find “success”. However, this is a very broad term and it will naturally mean something different for everyone. Are you hoping to make a great deal of money, to promote a product, to help the public or to reinvent the wheel? If you have answered “yes” to all four of these questions, the chances are high that you are spreading yourself too thin. Try to narrow down your short- and long-term goals. In doing so, your unique path will become much clearer.
Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
Entrepreneurs often straddle a double-edged sword. While their relentless pursuit of perfection compels them to do great things, it can also be their worst enemy if they stumble along the way. Try not to be so critical of your shortcomings. You might otherwise sabotage what could have otherwise been a noble effort, before your dreams ever have a chance to take off.
Always Continue to Learn
There are some entrepreneurs who suddenly find that they are in a rut due to sheer boredom. Perhaps you have learned all that there is to know about a certain product or industry. The truth is that there is always useful information to encounter. Whether attending seminars, listening to podcasts or holding regular brainstorming sessions, knowledge is power. If you stop filling up your cup of knowledge, there will be nothing left to pour out to others who may be thirsty.
Change Your Environment
If you are working from home and lacking direction or motivation and you feel that business is stagnating, you may simply require a change of scenery.
Collaborative office space is work space with a difference and they seem to be popping up all over the world at an astounding rate! Shared space isn’t necessarily just for the budget poor as was once though, large corporate entities like KPMG are also jumping on the bandwagon.
Companies such as this can see the opportunities that may arise working in such close proximity to new tech start-ups. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation and enthusiasm and who knows when the next big “thing” or talent will be discovered.
There are many office providers, government bodies and education institutes that offer these types of shared facilities or incubation hubs which offer ample opportunities for idea sharing, mentorships, investment seeking and of course the entrepreneurial ambience is infectious!
Take a Break
Even Superman had the Fortress of Solitude to simply get away from it all. You are certainly no different. A 2016 study illustrated that stress was by far the top workplace hazard in the United Kingdom . Do not think that you are a machine in perpetual motion. One of the best ways to find motivation and to regain your entrepreneurial edge is to take a step back. This can be in the form of a holiday abroad or a week at home with the family. Either way, try to find activities that relax you. These provide you with the much-needed breathing room required to centre yourself and to catch your breath.
The truth of the matter is that even though your entrepreneurial flame may have died down, the pilot light is still lit. Please feel free to follow the suggestions mentioned above to reignite your inner passion.