What Works column: What to do when you just aren’t feeling it
Submitted by editor on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 12:19pm
Monday is not always about being full of motivation. Sometimes it’s about finding it. I have a standing call every Monday at 7 am with my team, as some of them are on the east coast. Although I made it through the call, this Monday was more challenging. Can you identify? Unfortunately, not doing business isn’t usually an option. Here’s how to get yourself going when the going is rough.
Check in with yourself: It all comes down to honesty. How are you feeling? I got some flowers for a performance over the weekend, two different bouquets. Although they are beautiful, I considered maybe part of my malaise was related to an allergy. Dry eyes, check. Slightly sore throat, check. I moved the flowers out of my bedroom to test the theory. Checking in with yourself is important. This is particularly true for attitude. If I know where I am mentally and physically, I can note it, honor it, and make a choice to move forward.
Just do something – anything: Move your feet. Shower if you didn’t do it the night before. Turn on some music. Go make some coffee. Walk around the house or the block. Play with your pets if you have them. Take one small action and let that lead you to other actions.
Feed yourself: Low morning blood sugar can cause a slump. Breakfast, no matter how small, will wake up your digestive system and enable better brain function.
Connect with another human: OWN IT is an app you can use to reach out to other entrepreneurs with questions about starting up, cash flow, getting customers, building your brand, and a variety of other business topics. Reaching out to a friend may also help. The idea here is to get your frustration out of your head and get the perspective of another person.
Pick one project and mindfully work on it: Breathe and settle in to work. Rather that addressing email or letting others needs dictate the start of your day, choose one project you want to work on. Choose one which can be completed in a shorter amount of time. Accomplishment sends dopamine to the brain, which sparks feelings of reward. Trigger the dopamine and watch it become easier for you to persevere. Psychology Today has deeper insight about this, if you are curious.
How did my story play out? Well, I practice what I coach. I checked in, moved my feet, rolled through the Starbucks drive through, connected on OWN IT and reached out to friends. I’m about to finish my first mindful project – this article. Am I shiny, sparkly, and loving my Monday? Not yet. But I took some action and that will get me where I want to be eventually.
What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.
