I was just interviewed by BusinessWeek to provide some business coaching advice to their small business readers on how to identify and overcome some of the emotional challenges brought on by the recent recession and its lingering effects. Bottom line, the reporter wanted to know how entrepreneurs could protect their passion, vision, and confidence during challenging times. What a great topic! I was more than happy to share my coaching experiences on this critically important topic and anticipate the article to run in late December.
However, the interview got me thinking. As I explained to the reporter, entrepreneurs even get the "business owner blues" in good times, not just bad times. The blues are just are a bit more prounounced in the bad times. In fact, let me ask you, how often do you get the "Business Owner Blues"? You know, those generalized feelings of anxiety, mental fatigue, stress, helplessness, and burnout. The feeling of being trapped in and by the business. Feeling overworked and overwhelmed. You know, those occasional days when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Yes, those blues! Odds are, you've had the business owner blues throughout your business ownership journey and in all types of economies. You are NOT alone!
Having been a business coach for over seventeen years, I have seen this condition pop up thousands of times in the lives of very successful entrepreneurs...in good times and bad. Sadly, it's very common and I too am not immune. While being a business owner is an incredible journey and wonderful blessing, it does come with its share of emotional challenges. The business owner blues is one of them. The good news is they can be beat!
At The Growth Coach, based on our marketing systems, it's typically trusted business advisers (CPAs, bankers, attorneys, financial planners, etc.) who recognize their small business clients struggling with the blues, in a rut, off track, not making progress, and needing coaching help...they then steer them to The Growth Coach. We proactively educate these advisers on our coaching process, the benefits of the process, and how to recognize which of their clients could dramatically improve from coaching. After all, these advisers know it's not a question of IF their clients will get the business owner blues, but WHEN and for HOW LONG.
As an owner, the critical issue is how you respond to the blues when you get them. Let me ask you some business coaching questions. How do you typically confront your occasional business owner blues? Do you tolerate them or try to get rid of them? Do you try and tough it out alone (super hero syndrome) or are you open to help? Do you take care of yourself in the first place to prevent the blues? Would your family agree with your answer? Do you take time to re-charge your spiritual and emotional batteries? Do you make the the time to exercise? Do you occasionally shut down your business mind and do relaxing activities? Do you plan a few fun activities a week to escape? Do you purposefully slow down, reflect and count your blessings? Do you periodically take time away from your business to clear your mind? Do you get enough sleep?
If you answered "no" to most of these questions, why? As your virtual business coach, I strongly encourage you to make time for yourself and take care of yourself. No, that's not frivolous or selfish. It's imperative! It's critically important to the health of you and your business. You can not be at your best if you don't keep yourself emotionally and physically in shape and well rested. You can not beat the business owner blues by simply working harder and longer. That just prolongs and intensifies the blues.
As an owner, you must fight like mad to protect and maintain your vision, confidence, and passion as well as keep a clear and positive mind for the sake of your company, customers, employees, family, and most of all, YOU. Without you at your rested and refreshed best, you will generate stale ideas and inferior results.
Through The Growth Coach business coaching process, we ensure that thousands of business owners each and every year see the big picture and take proper care of themselves...body, mind and spirit. We not only help them drive greater success but also balance in their lives. We help them avoid burnout and minimize the business owner blues. Business coaching, while not therapy, does have therapeutic results. We help restore an owner's confidence, vision and passion. Like GPS for their business, coaching helps them define a clear destination, create a road map to get there, and provides on-going accountability to keep them on course. That gives them tremendous confidence and control.
As a coach and owner myself, I know you worry about the welfare of your employees and the health of your business. But you also need to care about your own welfare and health. Again, what are you doing to clear your head and eliminate some stress? To beat the business owner blues? Commit to exercise at least three times a week, get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night, and also consider contacting The Growth Coach to get some helpful coaching and a better perspective.
Note: If you have more than the occasional business owner blues, something closer to a long-lasting and dark depression, you will want to consult a mental health specialist as soon as possible.
Daniel M. Murphy
President, Founder & Business Coach
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System
Certified Business Coaches throughout North America