I find myself looking out the window a lot on those days, daydreaming, and have to make a conscious effort to pull my mind, body, and spirit back to the task at hand.
Am I the only one? Have you been there, too?
I know that my ‘slump’ is related to bringing something new into existence. It is much harder to get something started than to keep it going once it has gained some momentum. I have heard it said that a plane uses up 60% of its fuel just getting off the ground.
Maybe that’s why it feels like this… So, what to do?
Here are some of techniques I use to get myself back to feeling (and being) productive:
- Take a short break. Use the break to review the overall strategy and plan. What’s the bigger picture? Sometimes just getting a different perspective is all that you need to refill your energy stores.
- Do something else for a while. Set an alarm and tackle a bunch of other tasks on your schedule for a little while. You can often break the mental pattern by motoring through a bunch of small, very achievable tasks. Take on something you KNOW you can get done in the next 30 minutes or so. You will get a burst of energy when it is done.
- Brainstorm with a buddy or mentor. Talking it through with another person is often a great idea! Especially when your mind is going in circles.
I promise you, your energy will return, your enthusiasm for what you are working on will come back, and you will move forward.
As long as you keep going, you will get there!
The only way to lose ultimately, is to quit. And you aren’t a quitter.
Now, go outside and take a little walk. Enjoy the day. Remind yourself that life is really bigger than this little hiccup.
Because, really, It is about having a life, after all!
(c) 2012, Terry Monaghan
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Consultant, coach, speaker, trainer and entrepreneur, Terry Monaghan, publishes Now What, an ezine for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to double their productivity, improve their performance, and have a life! If you’re ready to jump start your performance and your results, then get your free tips now at www.TimeTriage.com.
Terry,
This is a great post, you know we all get affected by this now and then. Your tips are spot on.
Sue
Terry,
I think ALL entrepreneurs can relate to this. Thanks for the time-saving, productivity increasing tips. 🙂
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
Yes yes yes – for me the best thing is talking to a buddy or mentor – by the end of the skype call I am back on track
Heidi Alexandra
Heidi Alexandria!
Yes! The only way to get back on track is to take some kind of break. Doesn’t seem to make sense, but always works.
Thanks for these helpful suggestions. Being the owner of a home based business I often experience this kind of slump when school holidays finish.
I think it has something to do with the fact that my To Do list seems 5 times as long compared to the start of holidays!
Melanie – Yes, not only is the to-do list longer, but the rhythm of the day changes. That requires a shift.
Terry,
I kept reading your blog all week and I just couldn’t respond, now I know why.
Just kidding!
Yes, I am certain every entrepreneur faces up to this issue more than once in their daily, weekly, monthly work lives.
Great suggestions to refocus.
Mitch