How To Get Back To Business

Ever have one of those days where it seems like everything goes wrong from the moment you tumble out of bed?

I'm asking this question because I know many of you have felt the same way at least once during your business journey. If you haven't, please email me IMMEDIATELY and tell me your secret for staying calm 24/7!

I played this “I QUIT” fantasy out in my head for a few minutes before snapping back to reality. First of all, quitting everything and just doing nothing isn't practical. I'm part of the bulk of the human race that has to work to survive. Second, I really love what I do. So, whenever I'm having a rough morning, I allow myself 10 solid minutes of freaking out and “poor me” time and then I spring into action.

Below are the steps I've taken when I need to turn my day around. If you slacked off during the summer, had a bad day, hate Mondays or just need to step up your game, take note and get busy:

Focus on what you love about your business.

There will undoubtedly be tasks you hate or something that isn’t working perfectly.  But what do you LOVE about your business? For me, it is working with incredible people who not only want to improve their businesses – but they want to help other people succeed and make the world better. I love being part of that puzzle. And I LOVE meeting amazing people!

What keeps you going? What makes you choose the daily grind of entrepreneurship over working for someone else? Or, what is it that is pushing you to grow your “side hustle” into a business so that you can quit your 9-to-5? Focus on that and how you can bring more of that into your day – every day.

Not every business fix takes tons of money and months to accomplish. Sometimes it really can be as simple as having a goal in mind and picking up the phone. I stopped entertaining thoughts of how badly I screwed up the day and how much I wanted to throw everything I’ve worked so hard on out the window. I stopped FREAKING OUT. I stopped looking behind me – I can’t get the time back or undo what happened but I CAN move forward. I picked up my calendar and literally looked forward.

Clean up your calendar.

Take a look at the next few days (I usually do this 14 days at a time) and see what lies ahead. Ask yourself these questions: How can I prepare in advance for this appointment so I’m not rushed? Does this meeting/event help me get closer to achieving my goals? What do I want to create for myself or my business?

Depending on your answer to this last question, you might need to pick up the phone and schedule a few meetings. Maybe you need to take a class to improve your skills. Maybe you need a day off and need to spend some time rescheduling appointments. Work on your calendar until it reflects the life you want to live. Do what it takes. I picked up the phone today and called a trusted colleague to catch up on projects we’re collaborating on – but also to let her know what I’m looking for. I said straight out “I’m looking for some new projects” gave her the specs and asked her to keep an eye out. She already knows of two potential projects I might be a fit for. I emailed another colleague who asked ME what kind of projects I’m currently taking on. We discovered some ways we might be able to work together to get business for each other and immediately scheduled a meeting.

Even on the toughest and most frustrating days you can get things done and make great progress. To sum it up:

1)      Allow yourself some time to be frustrated (set a timer) and then move on.

2)      Focus your energy on what you love about your business and work on creating more of that on a daily basis

3)      Create a calendar that reflects the life you want to live. Check out this video for tips on setting up a rock solid calendar system:

4)      Talk to people. We don’t succeed alone. Phone a friend. Take class. Network. Email someone you want to rekindle a connection with.

Do you have a special strategy for turning a downer of a day into something great? I’d love to hear your tips!