Break Out Of Business Paralysis
By Jenn Givler
Business paralysis occurs when we know what we have to do in our business - we can see the results we want, but we just can’t bring ourselves to take the steps toward it. Either we make up excuses, or we just procrastinate. Sometimes, the reason for feeling paralyzed is clear, and other times, it’s a subtle subconscious block causing the problem.
Business paralysis can happen because you’re lacking the confidence to complete the task, you need more information to finish the task, or you’re comparing yourself to other businesses and feeling like you just don’t measure up. Another cause of business paralysis can be unwelcome negative comments from someone else. Sometimes we have a friend or family member who tells us the exact opposite of what we need to hear. Negativity from other people can undermine your confidence and your efforts, and can keep you stuck.
Here are four ways to banish business paralysis. Sometimes, you’ll be able to banish the paralysis with just one technique. Other times, you may need to employ more than one, or all of the techniques, depending on your reason for being stuck. It’s ok if you can’t break through it right away. Don’t feel pressured to get through it quickly - it can take time.
1. Journaling is a great way to help you look at yourself, the situation, and yourself in the situation. If you’re feeling stuck journal around these questions: what am I trying to accomplish? Why do I want so badly to accomplish this? Am I making excuses, and if so, what are my reasons for not moving forward? Is my confidence feeling low, and if so, what is at the root of that feeling? Can I pin-point how and when my paralysis started? By answering these questions and then taking some time to free-write, you can gain new perspective on your situation.
2. Talking about the situation with someone is another excellent way to break through business paralysis. When you approach someone about the issue, be clear about whether you just want to vent, or if you want their opinion on a solution. It can be frustrating when someone offers solutions or opinions when you don’t necessarily need them. Sometimes, talking about your situation out loud can give you a new perspective.
3. Walking away from the activity that you’re procrastinating can help you gain fresh perspective. Sometimes, taking a walk, going shopping, or just reading for pleasure are great ways to open your mind. When you step away from the task, be sure and stay focused on the present moment - take your mind completely off the situation. Giving your mind a break will help you open up to new ideas, or, it will help you see a new way of proceeding. Also, trying to stick with the situation when you’re feeling stressed or pressured may make the feeling of stress worse. The less pressure you feel, the quicker you’ll become unstuck.
4. If your stuck because your confidence is wavering, or because you’re comparing yourself to someone else, take some time to write down all of the wonderful things you’ve already created in your life. Or, take some time to think about the wonderful things that you’ve already accomplished. You can simply write a list of the great things in your life and your accomplishments, or pick 2 or 3 of them and take some time to relive the memories of those events. If someone close to you is talking to you in a negative way, it’s time to put a stop to it. Tell them that you will no longer engage in negative conversations with them. Remember, they are being negative because they feel they don’t measure up somehow - it actually has nothing to do with you.
Business paralysis happens to all of us from time to time, and it’s not always easy to work through. If you need extra help breaking through business paralysis, check out my Intuitive Business Readings.
Jenn Givler is the Catalyst for Thriving Businesses. She shows entrepreneurs the subconscious, invisible barriers that might be holding them back from success. She teaches them how to break through those barriers and step into success. Through group coaching, intuitive readings, and e-books, Jenn motivates, inspires and empowers entrepreneurs to listen to their inner voice, stand in their power and create a thriving business.
If you’ve ever been afraid to market your business, procrastinated taking a step in your business for a reason you just can’t put your finger on, have ever downplayed your abilities for fear of making someone else feel inferior, or have ever changed your work because of something your inner critic said, you may be standing behind an invisible barrier in your business. To find out, download Jenn’s f*ree report: The 5 Reasons Your Business Is Still Stuck - Even Though You’re Doing Everything Right by sending an e-mail here: 5-reasons@aweber.com
Increase Your Daily Productivity - 9 Simple Ways
One newsletter I read every single issue of (there are only a handful, though I’m subscribed to dozens) is Get Organized Now! Every issue has fantastic tips and ideas. This week I had to share it:
Increase Your Daily Productivity - 9 Simple Ways
Being productive each day does not come from working harder, but working smarter.
Here are 9 tips to help you make each day more productive.
1. Get ready the night before.
Whatever you can get done the night before, from laying out the outfit you plan to wear, to setting the breakfast table, to checking your To Do list, to filling your car’s gas tank, the more you’ll be able to get done the next day.
2. Use your To Do list.
Don’t go through your day in a random, haphazard fashion. Do one thing at a time as listed on your To Do list, and cross each task off your list as you complete it.
3. Set timers.
If you tend to start projects, but get distracted and get off track, timers can be a huge help. When you begin a project, set a timer for 15 minutes. If the timer goes off and you’re still working on your project, great! If it sounds and you’re doing something else, immediately drop what you’re doing and go back to your original project. Keep setting the timer every 15 minutes until you’re done.
4. Stop trying to be a super hero.
If you can delegate some tasks to your spouse, your kids, your associates, your co-workers, an outside source, etc., then do it. Once you take the ‘I have to do it all myself’ responsibility off your shoulders, you’ll be able to get more done and feel less exhausted at the end of the day.
5. Cut the clutter.
Clutter is one of the main barriers of productivity. If you can’t find what you need, you don’t have enough clear space to work, or you are stressed by the mess, it’s going to be very difficult to get anything done in a timely manner. Make a promise to yourself to begin getting rid of the clutter and keep that promise. It’s an important one.
6. Use your computer.
Sound like a silly tip? I know there are thousands (millions) of people who still are not making use of the technology available to them. For example, I personally know two accountants who still use pen, paper and calculator to calculate financials. Ugh! Take the time to learn how to use computer tools, such as spreadsheets, word processing documents and databases. You cannot calculate, look up, spell check, etc. anywhere close to the seconds it would take a computer program to do so for you.
7. Know yourself.
Work on your most important projects and tasks during the time of day when you feel most energetic and awake. Determine if you’re an early bird or a night owl, and schedule your projects accordingly.
8. Reduce interruptions.
When working on something, do whatever you can to eliminate unnecessary interruptions. Put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door. Allow your voicemail to field your calls. Turn off the radio and the television. Tell visitors you’ll stop by later in the day when you’re done with your project.
9. Get something done, even if it’s small.
Try to start and finish your first task of the day. Completing a project early on is great motivation for you to continue being productive. I always start my day with a task or project that I can complete in 15 minutes or less. Once I’m done with it, I feel energized and move on to the next task or project of the day with ease.
By Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!™ Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com
Need Some Inspirational Reading?
Jenn Givler (of J. Givler Coaching) shared this link with me this morning and I wanted to share it with you.
Famous Women Entrepreneurs
Historically, entrepreneurship has been a male-dominated pursuit, but many of today’s most memorable and inspirational entrepreneurs are women. Come learn about some of the most influential entrepreneurial women past and present.
Click here to continue reading.
Cool Website Alert! For Windows Users
A great listing of open source windows software.
Some of my favorites for my PC made the list:
- Firefox for web surfing
- Open Office for word processing and spreadsheets
- Audacity for Sound
- Filezilla for FTP
- Eraser for File Deletion Security
You can find all sorts of goodies there. 
In Memory…
Sometimes there just aren’t words…
My prayers and thoughts continue to be with those whose lives
were changed forever on 9/11. Those who lost family, friends…
And my thanks goes both to those heroes who responded that day
not just to the call of duty but to the call of humanity…
And to the heroes who continue to defend our liberty
and freedom around the world. Thank you.
http://legacy.com/Sept11/Home.aspx
Nice Photoshop Tutorials
Found a site with really nice photoshop tutorials. You can learn to do some fun things here!
http://www.pegaweb.com/tutorials/atlantis/atlantis.htm
Have you discovered Fly Lady?
Have you discovered Fly Lady yet?
I admit it. I am not a naturally organized person. My husband would vouch for this. ;-) But about four years ago now I discovered Fly Lady and the answer to my disorganization.
Now my house stays pretty clean and I don’t panic if someone shows up unexpectedly (okay, maybe I do, but it’s not because the house is a mess).
I firmly believe organization and schedules and lists are the ONLY way for someone like me to stay on top of a home based business, homeschoolers, kid care, and all the household duties.
So, if you struggle with it, give Fly Lady a shot! It’s completely overwhelming at first, while you’re in declutter mode, but it gets easier and when you’re through it everything feels SO much better. And your sink will be shiny, too!
And an organized home means more time for your business (less time searching for lost things!) and a more peaceful feeling space to work in.
Days Like Today Make Me Thankful For…
Connections! Business connections, to be exact.
I’ve had sick little ones on and off for a few days now and last night the germs finally got me. I had to give up and get to bed and feel only slightly better this morning.
But between last night and this morning I had multiple logo design queries, a store that needs some double-checking on stocking, and other projects that need completed. I’ll admit it. When I don’t feel well, juggling the kids, the schooling, and my business gets tough. I can keep up with email and support tickets but beyond that I’m useless.
So I sure was thankful this morning to know that I could reach out to a few other WAHMs and either pass along the projects or collaborate. I don’t have to leave clients or potential clients without any suggestions if I’m not available.
Actually I’ve got a list of a dozen or more mom designers I am totally comfortable referring clients to — because I’ve spent several years building connections *and* relationships with designers.
Those who know me realize I’m not one of those competitive, cut-throat kind of business owners. There’s enough business for us all. :-) And we can all succeed, especially if we work together.
So my challenge to you today — seek out and strengthen your connections. Work with your competitors and you might be surprised what great things can happen! For me, it means I can breathe a little easier when I’m not feeling well or when I just need a break. It’s a nice feeling!
What gets you motivated?
Over at the Hyena Cart Forums (http://hyenacart.com/phpbb) the work at home moms in WAHM Chat were discussing what gets them motivated to work in their businesses.
I posted my favorite “motivational tool” — Pandora radio. :-) www.pandora.com It’s a free internet radio station. You tell it one or more songs or artists you like and it creates a station personalized to your taste. As it chooses songs you can give them a thumbs up or thumbs down and it learns more about what you like.
My stations include a “Girl Rock” (with Avril Lavigne, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Ashlee Simpson, etc) that I play when I truly need to get some “get moving” vibes, and then a few more relaxed stations that play Christian Worship and Country for when I just want a little background music while I work.
Music truly does inspire and help with moods, so if you’re having a hard time getting yourself focused, head on over and start up your own personal station.
Getting Started Online: Choosing Your Domain Name and Website Host
Getting your business up and running online can be confusing. Download a free copy of this 10 page eBook to help you choose the perfect domain name and a reliable website host for your business website.
7 things to consider when choosing your domain name
10 things to consider when choosing your web host
Free Download: http://elementalmuse.com/freebies/GettingStartedOnline.pdf