Overcoming fatigue

[a_username]

I've been running my own business now for 9 years. I've really enjoyed it and learnt a tremendous amount. There have been ups and downs, but the last 3 years have been very hard. Somehow we have survived by the skin of our teeth in the UK, whilst simultaneously franchising internationally. Ironically, I've learnt more in the last 3 hard years than I ever did in the easy years.

But, I am getting really "tired" - not physically but just battle weary. I no longer get an adrenalin rush when one of our businesses is attacked by lawyers or HMRC - its all just par for the course now. Conversely, what would have been major triumphs even 2 years ago (like selling a franchise for tens of thousands) is now just another "event". I feel like a haggard old beast that just survives whatever is thrown at it but which can't be bothered any more! I'm like an addict that needs a stronger hit...

I think my fatigue is also due to the fact that I haven't really made a lot of money out of the business now for about 3 years, and having managed to buy a house outright I don't really pine for anything else materially. So, all in all I'm losing my motivation... sometimes I daydream about running a completely different business or becoming an employee again (not seriously!).

I can't just sell up and move on - no one will buy my business at the moment, there aren't any profits to show. There were profits, but they are more than 3 years ago before various liquidations, and its going to take another 3 years for our current setup to become attractive to a purchaser.

If I give up fighting then the business will collapse, which is not good either. So it seems like the only thing to do is keep my head down and carry on.

Am I being foolish? How do I get my mojo back? Is this type of experience completely normal?

 

[Christine Hough]

When did you last have a holiday? You service your cars, but you also need to recharge yourself,
From what you have said above you have achieved a great deal and learnt a lot.
Today's lesson is that that is not enough to satisfy. Nor would it anyone. Yet it is still a real achievement and you need to congratulate yourself.

Time to recharge, time to dream, time to take up a hobby?

 

[Paula Cohen]

My first piece of advice would be to cut yourself some slack. Running a business is demanding, especially if you're the sole owner with the weight of every decision on your shoulders. I'm sure you know the stats that only 20% of businesses survive more than 5 years & only about 20% of those the next 5 so you're in something like the 5% of most successful (or possibly most stubborn!) businesses out there. That's a cracking achievement that you should be really proud of!

I would agree with Christine too, taking some time out is essential to recharge the batteries. Lots of business owners panic about taking time out but once they bite the bullet they realise that not only do they feel refreshed but that the impact of that means they're actually far more productive so holidays help you get more done!

Can you find a way to build some small motivators back into the business? Set some small targets linked to some personal rewards - they don't have to be anything fancy or expensive, maybe the cinema, lunch out with a friend or a spa treatment. If you don't have something to look forward to then it's bound to feel like drudgery. Maybe try a gratitude exercise too - every night as you go to bed think of 3 things you're grateful for that day, It sounds all hippyish I know but changing your focus from the daily grind to some positives will just give you that little lift & over time the effect of that compounds.

Maybe try a change of scenery as well. Do you go to business networking groups? Or have a look for some local business seminars on something like Eventbrite. Mingling with other business owners will prove to you that your mojo challenge isn't unique & that so many people experience the same thing. You're quite normal - honestly!

 

[AllUpHere]

Paula, once was enough.

 

[jimley]

I no longer get an adrenalin rush when one of our businesses is attacked by lawyers or HMRC - its all just par for the course now.

Are you aware of how many people would like immensely to be in that position?
Instead of looking for a coach, I think you could benefit from being a coach yourself.

having managed to buy a house outright I don't really pine for anything else materially

Ah, the pyramid of needs! It gets narrower the higher you go!

Is the way people closest to you live perfect in your eyes? Don't they or yourself long for something better?
Did you enjoy every minute of your life up to now or would you change some things? If you would and can, congratulations, you just pined for things that cost way more than anything else material.

 

[HRinMinutes]

Maybe its time to sell. I worry when someone says their business is not making much and hasn't for some time, as timing is not good now how about getting someone in to run it and grow it for you? Has it got legs to invest in someone to take it to a new level?

Fatigue can be a sign you need to move on or that you have been neglecting your own well being, a short break can sort out which it is so you can move forward. It certainly seems a shame hard work cannot materialise into cash on sale and I would work towards that as your aim right now so you have an exit plan underway.

 

[Scott_Cruz]

Take on an employee to do your job and focus on expanding either within your existing field or into a new field