Do you ever get the Business Owner Blues?  You know, those generalized feelings of anxiety, mental fatigue, stress, and being trapped in and by the business.  Those occasional days when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.  Yes, those blues!  Having been a business coach for over sixteen years, I have seen this condition pop up thousands of times in the lives of entrepreneurs.  Sadly, it's pretty 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 curses.  The business owner blues is one of them.  The good news is they can be beat!

Running a business is challenging enough even during ordinary times.  And as you well know, the last six months or so have been anything but ordinary ...more like crazy times.  Recently, I have seen an abundance of the blues appear on the faces of and in the words of business owners.  While entrepreneurs are a resilient bunch, we've had to endure a gyrating stock market, a credit crunch, a long drawn out presidential race, a $700 billion government bailout, endless negative news, and a tough economy.  It's no wonder we get bouts of the blues every now and then and more so during these uncertain times. 

It's not a question of IF you will get the business owner blues but WHEN and for HOW LONG.  The critical issue is your response to the blues.  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 take care of yourself in the first place?  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.  As an owner, you must fight to maintain your confidence and 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 a business owner sees the big picture and takes 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.  You will feel better going through the business coaching process, either with just your coach or in a supportive group environment.

Again, what fun activities or hobbies would re-charge your spirit?  What workout routine would melt away the blues?  What mindless work would help you get a fresh perspective? 

Case in point.  This past Sunday I had a bit of the blues myself.  Instead of watching pro football games, I decided to get moving instead of stewing.  As winter is fast approaching in Ohio, I decided to get my property ready for the change in seasons.  I put on the jeans and warm clothes and went outside to work.  I cut back all our ornamental grasses before they blew into my neighbors' yards, I emptied all the flower pots, cleaned out the gutters, raked leaves, chopped wood, and organized the firewood pile, to name a few.  While some of you may view this as a waste of time and painful, it was extremely peaceful and mindless work.  It gave me a wonderful escape from everything and gave me a good workout.  As a bonus, I got to see the beauty of nature, my house and property, and the work gave me time to reflect and count my many blessings... my family, friends, faith, business, home, and health. The business owner blues melted away.  The last bit of tension and stress evaporated.  I felt great, alive and re-energized.  I had a clear mind and fresh attitude and was ready to make things happen on Monday.  I beat back the blues!  So can you.

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
Founder, President & Business Coach
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System