Small Business Revitalization Blog

This morning I woke up with a severe case of Mondayitis… and I can’t even blame the boss – I am the boss!!  Now this isn’t happening because I don’t have enough to do… or because I’m too tired… or because I’m bored… or because I haven’t had a break from work lately (my weekend was really fun and no I did not think about working for a minute!)

It’s just one of those moments when I’d just like to do nothing, because that’s what I feel like… Now doing nothing could be a perfect choice here… if I hadn’t felt like this on Friday too…and Thursday… and…! The problem now is that this little ‘slowdown’ is starting to look like a habit!  

I figure I’m not Robinson Crusoe in feeling like this, so here’s three ways I move myself out of the ‘I don’t feel like working’ zone:

1.    Start an interesting juicy project 
Motivation is always higher when you are working on something that feels rewarding.  I keep a list of projects that require creativity and focus and when I’m ‘stuck’ I start one of these projects.  The enthusiasm behind the initial idea often kickstarts me and then I’m off and running.  Once I’m into a productive mode I can easily give my attention to the work that needs doing that isn’t so interesting!

2.    Stimulate your senses
Stimulating your senses can provide much needed impetus. Sometimes I use upbeat music, sometimes I meditate and sometimes I listen to spoken CD’s such as ‘Joy of Business’ or ‘Ask and it is Given’ which remind me of my targets and help me cut through the clutter of too much thinking!  Getting outside and breathing deeply or exercising lightly is always good too.  It’s amazing how easily a good blast of oxygen will get me moving again!

3.    Procrastinate productively
Ok, I’ll admit it, even though I didn’t feel tired, what I really, really wanted to do was have a catnap in the sun…  so after wasting a few hours denying myself the pleasure, eventually I let myself go and snooze for a couple of hours… and guess what?  I really feel like working again now!  Sometimes what looks like procrastination or avoidance is the outlet for what our heart is really desiring… if you listen to you, you’ll find the solution that will allow you to get back into the productive zone!!

Make yourself a list of ways to get 'unstuck' - when the moment hits, you'll be glad you know what to do!  Would you like to share your getting unstuck ideas?  Comments welcome here...