7 Ways On How To Remain Productive When You Feel Like Giving Up
Having your own business is one of the hardest things you can do, but it can bring tremendous rewards.
Sometimes, when things aren’t going your way, it’s tempting to throw your hands up in the air and wave the white flag.
You may pour your heart and soul into your business, but your desired results have yet to manifest. Or outside factors have reared their ugly heads and have taken over for the time being.
Don’t sweat it; it’s all about growing as an individual!
Here are eight ways you can battle that monster of quitting and be back on your feet.
Focus on the present moment
In a low moment, it’s natural to have the floodgates of self-doubt open and the tsunami of “what ifs” try to drown you. Or, arguably worse, an external event pops up and makes things difficult.
You’re human. Humans are moody creatures full of self-doubt, not to mention that events will always happen outside your control. All these little events add up to life.
However, your actions are entirely under your control. The present moment is the only moment where you are in the now.
Focusing on the present moment and letting go of what you can’t control can keep the “what ifs” at bay and put outside factors into perspective.
What Can You Create In Said Present Moment?
For instance, this week could have been a better week for me regarding business. I have done some things, but outside factors (sound familiar?) kept creeping in and demanding my attention.
Now is not a time for you to dwell on the past, it’s time to focus on what you can do instead of letting the aforementioned outside factors take over.
Even doing something simple as:
- Sending out one email.
- Writing 100 words for an article.
- Making one phone call.
Taking that step and doing just one thing will give you that dopamine rush of accomplishing something. That one something could lead to two or even three somethings.
Then, you can pat yourself on the back and say, “I did it!” Maybe you can even give yourself a little treat.
Being able to take control of your actions, look darkness straight in the eye and say, “Not today,” and slog through can return you to your entrepreneurial state of wanting to accomplish your goals and kick some butt!
Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
It’s human nature to look at what others are doing and marvel (or seethe) at their success.
Suppose you can look at others’ success and see that as inspiration. That is wonderful. But are you having setbacks, looking at others’ success, and freaking out? Take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Think of it this way: they are human beings just like you. They have stories, triumphs, and tragedies, and obstacles to achieving success.
If you had a chance to sit down and talk to them, you might be surprised at the obstacles they had to overcome to get to where they are, which may help you put your issues in perspective.
They are they, and you are you.
You are the only one walking in your shoes. Your life and experiences make up your story, your journey. You are the one who can make it what you want it to be.
Who knows? There may be people out there admiring you for your progress.
Speaking of progress…
Assess Your Progress
Take a step back and assess how far you’ve come from a month ago. What about a year? You have likely accomplished much more than you thought.
After you’ve assessed yourself, set new goals and create action plans to achieve them bit by bit.
With each milestone you’ve accomplished, give yourself a small reward, which will help you stay motivated and eager to keep going.
Surround yourself with positive support
Few things kill your spirit more quickly when you have people who don’t believe in your business and will even criticize it.
People may have scoffed at you for wanting to break out of the 9-5 routine and start your own business (the good old “crabs in a barrel” syndrome).
You will need to find people who can support and believe in you. Join a social media group of fellow entrepreneurs, or even go to a local meetup.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will help you maintain your mindset and get to where you want to be faster.
Do You Procrastinate? Find Ways to Fight It
Do you deal with procrastination?
Procrastination is a demon that can rob you of your productivity. We all succumb to it occasionally, but if you struggle with procrastination, you must find a way to combat it.
One way is to ask yourself: Why am I procrastinating?
Is it because you don’t know where to start? Do your tasks bore you or overwhelm you?
Here is where some planning comes in.
- Break your big task into sub-tasks.
Do you have a huge, complicated task weighing you down like a boulder? Break these tasks into smaller sub-tasks.
- Focus on one sub-task at a time.
Focusing on one sub-task at a time goes back to the earlier section focusing on what you can do now. Focus on what you can do and do it.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Is there any part of the task or sub-task that someone else can do? Delegate or outsource your tasks.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique
This popular time-management technique can help you if you can’t seem to get yourself together and work on tasks.
Here is the Pomodoro Technique:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on your tasks.
- Once the 25 minutes is up, take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat this three times, and after the 4th 25-minute stretch, take a 20 to 30-minute break.
- Eliminate distractions
Turn off your phone, close the unnecessary tabs in your browser, and shut the door to your office.
If you don’t have an office, find a quiet place where you know you won’t be disturbed.
Ask for Help When You Need It
There may be times that it’s all too much, and that’s okay. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Outsourcing tasks you find unpleasant and delegating them to assistants or even a partner can help you free your time to focus on the things that will help you accomplish your goals.
Take Care of Yourself
Adequately taking care of yourself is more important than you realize. Eat healthy, get a good night’s sleep, and set aside some time for yourself regularly. Doing these things will help you stay focused.
A daily schedule can also help you to stay motivated. Having a plan can also reduce stress and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
Staying productive is not easy, but you can do it.
By believing in yourself, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, breaking down big tasks into smaller sub-tasks, delegating and outsourcing jobs, and taking care of yourself, you can stay productive and reach your goals.
Bio:
Dani Lehmer is the Founder and Head of the website Dani Digs In.
She is a Quality Assurance Analyst and blogger whose natural curiosity allows her to dig in (pun intended) to help people build their businesses and satiate curiosity in regard to business, blogging, data science, analysis, and crypto.
