How To Overcome The Entrepreneur’s Rut
by Leeia Ladipoh on March 18th, 2008
You may have heard of writer’s block, when writers are stuck as they try to pen new words. Writers are not the only ones who have this type of experience. For those who run their own business, there is entrepreneur’s rut as well.
Entrepreneur’s rut is what happens when you have been running your business and become a part of the engine instead of the spark that is running it. You are in a routine. You are accustomed to the daily grind and just float along, keeping things at the status quo.
While this approach may keep things chugging along for some time, eventually you will want to make your business better. So how are you going to do this?
The same routine day in and day out is not the only thing that leads to being in a rut. It can also be spurred on by family obligations, stress, and even old-fashioned procrastination, where you put something off so long that you can’t figure out how to do it when you decide it’s finally time to act.
Getting out of the "Entrepreneur’s Rut"
First, figure out what is causing it. Whether it is stress from the rest of the world or just being stuck in a predictable routine, you need to know the cause before you can fix it.
Next, you need to change your routine. Without making significant changes, you will just trap yourself in the same conditions that are causing your rut. A great way to do this is to take a little bit better care of yourself. For stress, yoga, exercise, a massage and even remembering to take your vitamins can make a difference in how you feel.
While exercise may not be your first choice of a way to get out of a rut, you may be surprised at the surge of energy you’ll get from exercise. Additionally, focusing on exercise is a way to clear your mind and open it to new thoughts and plans.
Rut-Busting
If part of your problem is stress from feeling overwhelmed by things to do, you should try to make your tasks more manageable. One of the best ways to do this is to create a task list.
You may not initially want to see everything you need to accomplish in writing, but it will be worth it. After you have made the list, prioritize it. Then you will be able to start checking things off as you get them done and feel a sense of accomplishment.
If you are in a job that requires creativity and you are having a block, take yourself on a date. Go out and do something fun, interesting, and just for you. This will get your creative juices going again and have your brain popping with new ideas.
No matter how exciting and intriguing your job may seem when you first start your own business, over time it can become just like anything else - the "same old thing". Sometimes it’s necessary to step away, sort it out and switch up your schedule to get over the hump.