Getting Through Tough Times
Even in prosperous times, business development requires tenacity and patience. And such internal qualities are even more difficult to muster in a bad economy. Talk to anyone who is trying to get more clients these days, and you’re likely to hear discouragement in their voice and see fatigue in their eyes.
I often look in the mirror and see it in mine.
And in those moments, when our business development feels like a waste of time and our revenues are down and nothing we do seems to make much difference, it’s easy to slip into a sense of hopelessness. Especially when our own inner-critic jumps in, yanks the megaphone from our grasp and overrides our thoughts with “You’re a loser! You’re incompetent! Your best days are already behind you! You’ll never get anywhere!”
Personally, whenever I let the critic go unchecked, I can easily lose an hour to depression. Sometimes a whole day.
I have yet to figure out how we can eradicate these internal battles. (In the event that I do, you can be sure I’ll write a blog about it.) But given that they seem to play a central part in making us tougher, wiser, and better, I suspect they are a necessary part of life.
But their longevity is another matter. The key is to interrupt the pattern. Here are just a few ways you can get back on track when the going gets rough.
1. Take a walk. I know, you’re really, really busy. But a simple ten-minute break can make all the difference when you’re in a rut. Get up from your desk, take a short walk around the block, and clear your head. You’ll come back to your desk with renewed energy and hopefulness.
2. Just do it. Procrastination is draining more energy than you realize. Don’t continue to be the person who can’t get it done. Be the person who either took the next reasonable step, or who crossed it off the list. Your self-esteem will instantly improve.
3. Talk to a fan. Whenever you’re feeling stuck, pick up the phone and call a friend or check in with a favorite client. Their high opinion of you will remind you that you aren’t such a loser after all.
Tough times will inevitably yield tough moments. But they don’t have to last all day. That choice is ours.
By David Ackert
If this business development strategy was useful to you, leave a comment below. And click on these social media buttons to share it with others who may want to improve their business development.
David,
I think that you are on the mark with this column/blog.
I would add three other things that improve my focus and determination;
1. Music. I am prefer a little hip hop when I am stuck.
Really, once you hear some great beats, and a little attitude from Jay Z (on to the Next one),
Ludacris (Number one Spot), or DMX. I often feel like there is nothing that I can’t do.
Rap might not work for everyone, but it works for me.
2. A quick 10 minute desk clean up. Sometimes I get stuck with all the stuff,
and after cleaning, you can visually see a difference, which can really drive focus.
3. Quotes. a 10 minute google search for success quotes.. there are gems,
and after reading a few, I am re-inspired. Seriously,
“It’s not that I am so smart. It’s that I stick with problems longer” Albert Einstein,
doesn’t that put things in perspective?
Amelie
Thanks for your additions to the blog, Amelie. And for the reminder that everyone has their own unique techniques for breaking the pattern.
“Don’t continue to be the person who can’t get it done. Be the person who either took the next reasonable step, or who crossed it off the list.”
David,
Here’s the line that really jumps out to grab my attention…It’s all about getting started. As I sit down to do my work, and I think, “Oh, let me just go check email before I get started,” I know the track that takes me on.
By sitting down (and in my case starting a countdown timer for 35 minutes) I know I can focus in on only one aspect of a large project.
I gotta go, counter just started!
Thanks for your comment, Jason. Your timer technique is pure genius.
David,
This is a winner, including the comments! You seem to touch such Universal patterns and offer great solutions to continue to set myself up to win! Yet again, thank you for the Divine Coaching
.
Thanks for this David, great advice, and in my case, good timing!
I’m glad to hear it. Thanks for reading and commenting, Todd.