Reignite Entrepreneurial Passion in a Recession and Slow Times

Are you so busy grinding that you no longer enjoy the hustle? Does your business feel like a job? Are you considering throwing in the towel altogether?

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. If it was easy, then of course everybody would be doing it. Your proof is in the numbers. Over 80% of most businesses fail. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but these are the facts. As a result, there are going to be times as an entrepreneur where you lose your mojo. There will be times when you are no longer passionate about the thing you used to love. Unfortunately, there will also be times when you feel like you can't give anymore of yourself. You'll be emotionally, physically, and maybe even mentally depleted. These times will feel especially dark because your business is your livelihood. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Passion is the gasoline needed in order for you to take inspired action. Here are 10 ways that you can reclaim that twinkle in your eye.

Remember Your Why
There's a reason why you decided to get out of the Rat Race and enter the unpredictable world of Entrepreneurship. It's time for you to tap into it again because it has gotten lost in the day to day grind. Your why is more than your mission statement, you need to really feel into why you started your business. It may be helpful to take a stroll down memory lane. Look at old testimonials from previous clients and customers, popular blog post that you wrote, and your most successful products. It's also a good idea to sit down and write a list of accomplishments. Jot down as many things that you can where you helped someone else - even if you didn't get paid for it. While reviewing all of these things notice the feelings that come up and allow them to engulf your entire being.

Focus On the Things You Like to Do
You've already discovered that entrepreneurship is not all rainbows and butterflies. Most of your days and weeks are often spent doing tasks that you don't enjoy. Heck, that pretty much sums up adulthood. So, it's important to take time to do the things that you like to do. Again, when you're doing these things focus on how you feel. While you can't neglect the mundane tasks, try to do the things you enjoy first or at least a little bit every day. All work and no play is a recipe for unhappiness.

Stop Multi-tasking
Like most entrepreneurs you probably think you're an expert multi-tasker. I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you're not. The human brain can truly only focus on one task at a time. You've been conditioned to think that the more you do, then the more you'll get done. This is another untruth. You actually get more done if you simply focus on one task at a time. Switching from one task to another limits your productivity because your brain has to shift gears.

Gratitude
As an entrepreneur it's so easy to get focused on the next thing. You're always looking forward to the next customer, sale, product idea, fiscal quarter. This is important, but it robs you of living in the present moment. You're constantly in a state of wanting. This signals to your subconscious that you are lacking something. If you are focused on what you don't have, then you'll be consumed with those emotions of never having enough. You get what you focus on. You can solve this disconnect by focusing on gratitude. No matter the situation you're in, there's always something to be grateful for. Start and end your day by identifying three things that you are thankful for in your business.

Heal Your Relationship With Money
Money makes the entrepreneurial world go 'round. Your relationship with money will determine your success. If you're in a rut, then it's especially important to have a positive relationship with money. Everything is energy. Money is actually a neutral energy. It absorbs whatever energy you give it. If you're constantly saying that you are broke, then that's a reflection of a negative relationship with money. If you believe that there's more than enough money for everyone, then that's an example of a positive relationship with money. A healthy relationship with money involves you believing that money is here to support you and that it wants to help you. Your existing beliefs were not created overnight and they will not be changed overnight. Take time over the next 30 days and really examine your beliefs and feelings about money. It's a good idea to combine this with the gratitude step above.

Try Something New
Routines and habits are extremely important when you're the boss and set your own hours. However, after awhile you can get stagnant. Doing the same thing day in and day out can literally drain you of your passion. Switch up your routine a little bit or add some spice to your day. Get some work done in the park, take a Friday afternoon off, or trade in your sweatpants for dress pants while you work in your home office. It doesn't matter what it is, just try something new.

Tap Into Your Creativity
Everyone is creative no matter what you think. Now, your skill-set may differ from someone else's - and that's okay. There are plenty of apps and online programs that can help you design something aesthetically pleasing. There is a feeling of excitement that occurs when you're creating something. Tap into that feeling by making it a priority. Try to create something everyday. You can do this by doodling, writing a blog post, designing a social media graphic, or playing with your children.

Create a Routine
If you lack structure in your day, then you can benefit from creating a routine. You don't have to schedule every moment of your day. Try time blocking your day so that you're only working on specific tasks during a set time period. Schedule your most difficult tasks when you feel most energetic. You may also want to consider using a habit tracker to increase your productivity. I recommend that you focus on no more than three habits that you'd like to create. Be sure to review your performance weekly and reward yourself when you accomplish your goal.

Connect With Others
It can feel lonely sometimes when you're a solo-preneur. Being in isolation can cause you to wallow in negativity and beat yourself up for not doing enough. Find time to connect with other like-hearted entrepreneurs. In doing so you will quickly discover that you are not alone. Your entrepreneurial frustrations, disappointments, and fears are more common than you realize. Thanks to technology you can connect virtually with multiple people at the click of a button. That's not to say that you don't still need in-person, face-to-face contact. Make time to meet a friend for coffee or check out some of your local networking mixers.

Take Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul
You are your business. You are your brand. Heaven forbid your health takes a turn for the worse, you won't be able to help anyone or take care of the people that depend on you. You cannot serve anyone from an empty pitcher. Self care is how you fill your cup emotionally, mentally, and physically. It's fundamental for your well-being. Make sure that you schedule time for self-care and stick to it. Remember, self care is truly a form of self-love.

If you've lost your entrepreneurial passion, you are not alone. Be gentle with yourself during this time. Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey more than anything. Like most things in life it is also cyclical. There will be high highs, low lows, and everything in between. This season shall pass and you'll come out a much stronger person. Give yourself permission to be in the moment. Allow your feelings to be okay. Most importantly, trust that you are safe and protected through every phase of your entrepreneurial journey .

What suggestions do you have? Comment below and let me know your tips for reigniting entrepreneurial passion.