113: How to Get Out of a Funk, Rut or Creative Standstill

Courage & Clarity

Feast or famine. The classic entrepreneurial problem. As a business owner you’ll no doubt have times when your energy (physical and creative) is low – and you start questioning it all. You’ll be scared that if you grant yourself a day in your pj’s watching This is Us on Netflix surrounded by crumpled up tissues – that somehow your business won’t survive.You built a business to have more time and freedom, but now taking a break is scary and it feels like you’ll never regain your momentum. How do I know all of this? Because I’ve been there. Not just last week – but this exact same time last year as well! October is a tricky month for me. After an interesting bout of déjà vu of a low energy, creativity lacking week, I’m sharing how to lean into a funk. Because as much as we always want to get “out” of it as quickly as possible, the only way out is through.The good news is if you take a step back and acknowledge your patterns, you can handle a much-needed break or a surprise funk with skill and ease instead of thinking your world and business is crashing and burning to an end. My greatest idea from last year, the 15 Minute Planner – even came from the tail end of a “funk”! The Clarity half of this episode includes four tips to navigate a break or funk:1. Strategic PauseHow to plan out a break on your calendar that makes sure you gain confidence in stepping away from your business knowing it will be there when you come back.2. OwnershipA necessary break in the flow of your business isn’t an excuse for a “woe is me” crisis. You’ve got to trust that you’ve got the creativity and skills to figure it out!3. TrustTrust that “future you” can handle it and course correct. In order to give yourself and your business the space you need, you’ve got to believe this!4. Cramming vs RestingDoubling your work so you can take a bit of time off isn’t a rest. It’s cramming. Instead, change the questions to – how do I work less? What can I Say no to? What ball can I drop?