Even in prosperous times, business development requires tenacity and patience. And such internal qualities are even more difficult to muster in a bad economy. Talk to anyone who is trying to get more clients these days, and you're likely to hear discouragement in their voice and see fatigue in their eyes.
And in those moments, when our business development feels like a waste of time and our revenues are down and nothing we do seems to make much difference, it's easy to slip into a sense of hopelessness. Especially when our own inner-critic jumps in, yanks the megaphone from our grasp and overrides our thoughts with "You're a loser! You're incompetent! Your best days are already behind you! You'll never get anywhere!"
Personally, whenever I let the critic go unchecked, I can easily lose an hour to depression. Sometimes a whole day.
I have yet to figure out how we can eradicate these internal battles. (In the event that I do, you can be sure I'll write a blog about it.) But given that they seem to play a central part in making us tougher, wiser, and better, I suspect they are a necessary part of life.
But their longevity is another matter. The key is to interrupt the pattern. Here are just a few ways you can get back on track when the going gets rough.
1. Take a walk. I know, you're really, really busy. But a simple ten-minute break can make all the difference when you're in a rut. Get up from your desk, take a short walk around the block, and clear your head. You'll come back to your desk with renewed energy and hopefulness.
2. Just do it. Procrastination is draining more energy than you realize. Don't continue to be the person who can't get it done. Be the person who either took the next reasonable step, or who crossed it off the list. Your self-esteem will instantly improve.
3. Talk to a fan. Whenever you're feeling stuck, pick up the phone and call a friend or check in with a favorite client. Their high opinion of you will remind you that you aren't such a loser after all.
Tough times will inevitably yield tough moments. But they don't have to last all day. That choice is ours.
Authored By David Ackert