There’s no question about it - the first few years of running a business is tough. Admittedly, last year was the most progress I’ve made in my business. But some days are tough, and a negative mindset starts to kick in. Some days will be good, but when you’re not having a good day, the temptation to go back into safe, full time employment can seem really appealing. You may even go months thinking ‘this isn’t working’, ‘I’m not making ends meet’, ‘If I was employed by someone else, I’d be making triple the amount I’m making now.’ Which may all be true, but when you’re in a negative mindset you’re not thinking about all the good, positive things running your own business comes with. So here’s what to do when you feel like quitting.
1. Don’t make life-changing decisions on a bad day
Today, or this week, or even this month may feel bad. However, you shouldn’t make life changing decisions like quitting on a bad day. Negative mindsets and bad moods can really affect your business. So instead of making a life changing decision….
2. Work out what the issue is, and make a plan to solve it and move forward
What’s the problem here? If you’re not making enough money, work out how to make more. Go after new business, put flyers through people’s doors, work out a plan for how much you need to be making per month to keep your head above the water and work towards it.
Not money, but stress? Yes, running a business comes with stress. However, there are ways to reduce this. Maybe you need a break. Or if there’s a particular cause of stress, then work out a solution. If it’s a certain person, talk to them - needless to say there is always an answer!
3. Don’t let it bring you down
It’s easy to let stress from work blend into the other areas of your life. Try to learn to separate work and down time, because quite often, when you’re enjoying yourself you’ll think of a solution to whatever is making you want to quit!
4. Talk to someone
Don’t keep it in. You probably haven’t considered this - but your point of view isn’t the only one. Your friends and family are there to support you and they will always have words of support, wisdom and even ideas! Remember that you’re not the only one going through this - other people may have been through something similar and will be able to offer you a solution or a way out.
5. Celebrate how far you’ve come
When you’re feeling negative, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come! Why not try to keep a journal to record all of the amazing wins you’ve had along your journey. It’s also good to write down struggles and how you overcame them so that when you feel like quitting you can look back and remind yourself.
Needless to say I’ve been there many times, but you’ve just got to pick yourself back up. I’m always positive that something big is just around the corner.
What do you do when you feel like quitting? Please get in touch @lucyhitchcock_ @sassydigital I would love to hear from you!