Business Consultant – When times get tough, what do you do?

We all know that when things are going well and we’re at the top of our ‘game’, we can make great strides in everything that we choose to do. But when things get tough, the opposite is true. I’ve had many a fair share of knocks and bruises over the years in business, and at times it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, pick yourself back up, and dust yourself off so as to keep going at it.

So what can you do to pick yourself back up when times get tough? As a business consultant here’s a few ideas you can choose from, and have in your war chest if the situation ever arises for you.

1. Reconnect with why you are doing the business. What is the difference you want to make, what do you want to create, what do you want to change. Whether being a leader or a business owner, when you started, there is something you wanted to change. If you got into business solely to make money, then when times get tough, that’s an insufficient motivator to keep you going. Fundamentally you need to connect with the WHY you do what you do. Answer this and you won’t stop at anything to get it.
2. Have a rescue CD or DVD. Like an emergency first aid kit, why not have a CD filled with the songs that always put you in a good mood, or have a DVD of your favourite comedy show. It’s good to laugh!
3. Remember there is always a breakdown before a breakthrough. If it was easy then it wouldn’t be worth attaining. During the period of the breakdown, there is always a lesson to be learnt or a part of you that needs to be stretched so as to prepare you for the next stage. Determine what you are resisting, and BE in the experience so that you obtain the most learning from it. Then move on from it.
4. Remember the last 1%, 1 mile, 1 degree is all that is needed to reach the turning point and break through. Don’t waste it all by giving up at the last hurdle.
5. Do the recreational activity that gives you energy and ensures your mind is switched off. For me it’s horse riding. You have to be fully engaged when horse riding. It’s great exercise and there’s nothing better than jumping fences. Find the activity for you that gives you the same benefits, and just do it.
6. Watch inspirational videos. Here’s one that will always ensure you pick yourself up. Or if you want to be inspired why not watch some of the talks on TED.
7. Change your environment. When times are tough it’s easy to stay in the office and keep our mind mulling over all the negatives. Instead have a list of a few people you can turn to for support when you need to get a different perspective on things. You don’t necessarily have to discuss things with them, but make sure they are people that you always have a good laugh with, you always feel in better form by meeting them, and your energy goes up as opposed to going down as a result. Get out of the office and meet up with them.
8. Determine who or what you are comparing your situation to. It’s easy to compare ourselves to the people on the ‘rich list’. But nothing grounds us more than being involved in a charity organisation, or seeing other people that have lost through bereavement, earthquake, flood or any other high impact situation.
9. Review what you’re doing. With everything that is going on around us at the moment, it is easy for our energy and motivation to be zapped from us. Make sure you are around people that don’t drain your energy. Do the things you love to do, and that use your natural strengths and talents. As much as possible delegate or outsource everything else.

Like when we’re on a diet, we know we shouldn’t be eating particular food, but it’s easier to ‘give in’. It’s at these times we need a strategy for getting us out of the negative self-talk we might find ourselves in. Remember this is a phase. It will pass. It has done so before and it will do so again. As in nature, everything follows a natural rhythm. So when things are going south, you can change the course at any time you want. You have control and it’s your choice.