Beating the Work Alone Blues
One of the
most difficult things for new entrepreneurs is the isolation that often
accompanies launching a business. If you plan to work alone, you can head
off the blues by incorporating these ideas into your schedule.
Know
your own rhythms. Plan your working time to take advantage of
your high-energy times and don't push yourself during your low-energy
periods. You'll not only accomplish more, you'll feel more harmonious
and that, in turn, will keep you in touch emotionally as well.
Break
up your day. Run errands, make phone calls, get away in the middle
of your working day. Some self-bossers think running your own errands
is a waste of valuable creative time. I disagree. A short change of scenery
coupled with a bit of physical activity is energizing. You'll return refreshed.
Create
a Master Mind Group. This idea was first popularized by Napoleon
Hill in his classic success handbook,
Think
and Grow Rich. Meeting regularly with a small group
of enterprising people provides creative stimulation — and keeps
you accountable.
Use
background music. London-based needlework/knitting designer Kaffe
Fassett spends long hours alone in his studio. He acknowledges the companionship
of the BBC's classical music station. I feel the same way about Minnesota
Public Radio. Classical or instrumental music makes the best soundtrack
for your work.
Leave
some time unstructured. Being spontaneous is as important as
being efficient. At least once a week, do something that's a pure diversion.
Julia Cameron, author of
The
Artist's Way, urges her readers to make an Artist's
Date once a week and use it to explore a place that stimulates creative
thought. Daydreaming in your back yard is also wonderfully therapeutic.
Plan
a collaboration. When she was in college, my daughter went to
Europe by herself. She became an enthusiastic proponent of solo travel,
although she frequently would spend a few days traveling with others she
met on the way. When they tired of each other or had different destinations
in mind, they parted ways. You can adopt this idea for your business.
While you may not want a long-term partnership, you might find working
on a project with another person rewarding and fun.
Attend
seminars. While all self-bossers are in charge of their own growth
and education, savvy ones know that there are fringe benefits in participating
in programs designed for enterprising folks. You never know who you'll
meet.
Have
a change of scenery. A temporary move can recharge your batteries.
If you live in the city, take a walk in the country — and vice versa.
Take your laptop to a coffee shop and work in a fresh place. If you feel
stuck or worn out, put on your walking shoes and go to the mall. Being
in the same place day in and day out can dull our creative spirit. Move
it around.
Reward
yourself. There's a good reason why big companies have contests
and prizes for achievement. When you're on your own it's equally important
to plan ways to pat yourself on the back. When you're in charge, the prize
can be absolutely perfect.
There's
more where this came from.
Order Winning Ways now!
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