When the temperature rises, you may feel less energy and motivation. But what if your lack of enthusiasm for work has nothing to do with the summer sun? Could it be that the excitement and enthusiasm you had when you launched your spa or massage practice is starting to wane? You may:
· Find it challenging to get through the day
· Find it harder to engage with others
· Feel low frequently
· Focus only on challenges, not opportunities
If that describes you, do not despair. Your lack of drive and motivation is not uncommon, especially if you have been running your business for some time. Still, it can be unsettling to realize that the excitement and intensity you initially felt about your spa or massage practice is starting to subside.
Why the funk?
So why do you find yourself in a funk? And what can you do to recharge your batteries because walking away from your business is not what you want? The first thing to do when you lack motivation at work is to try to figure out what is the underlying reason or reasons the excitement is gone. Here are some possibilities:
Feeling tired: That may sound simple but it could be that you have been putting in so many hours getting your business off the ground and keeping it running smoothly for a few years or longer that you have run out of entrepreneurial steam.
Struggling with direction: A lack of drive and motivation may come from not knowing how to move your business to the next level or you may lack the financial resources to do so. Feeling trapped can be paralyzing and ultimately sap your energy. Your feelings may be compounded by changes in your marketplace, such as changing client demographics or more competition.
Buckling under stress: Business issues may pile up and you lack the coping skills to deal with the pressure. If the pressure becomes too intense, it can deplete your energy and enthusiasm.
Overcommitted: Sometimes when you lack motivation at work, it may be from taking on too much. You may feel overwhelmed because if there is too much on your plate, it can be difficult to generate enthusiasm to tackle the business at hand. Ultimately you may let things slide.
Need a break: It could be that your lack of drive and motivation stems from failing to rejuvenate, whether because you have not had a vacation in far too many months or years, you work on holidays, or you do not take time to do things you enjoy.
Negativity taking control: Family, friends, business associates and employees all have an impact on your state of mind. Too much negativity coming from others can affect your own frame of mind.
What to do when you lack motivation?
Whatever the reason, when you lack motivation there are steps you can take
1. Identify the problem: The first thing you want to do when you lack motivation is to figure out what is at the heart of the problem. Start by developing a list of things that are causing you frustration in running your spa or massage practice. Are you feeling stuck, are you stressed, or are you trying to deal with too much on your plate? When you identify what is the root cause of your lack of motivation, you can begin to develop ways to work them out.
2. Expand your offering: Renew your enthusiasm by offering a new service to clients. This may require taking courses in person or online but you may find your former enthusiasm coming back by taking on a new challenge. You also can expand your knowledge through other resources, including industry podcasts, blogs, books and seminars.
3. Engage with your support system: In your circle of friends, there probably are some who you feel most positive around. It may be that they have an upbeat attitude, or they are good listeners, or that they have a wealth of experience to help you work through challenges. Spend time with these people who can help recharge you with their positive energy and advice.
4. Expand your network: You can get inspiration from others who are passionate about their work. You may want to consider asking for meetings – coffee or lunches – with others in the industry, including other entrepreneurs in complementary businesses such as health clubs or gyms, health food stores and even vendors to find out how they continue to find enthusiasm and for their work.
5. Get inspiration from clients: Clients can be very supportive and inspirational. Check in with them through conversations, messages or even an email survey. Find out what they value about your business and the services you provide. The positive feedback may energize you to immerse yourself in your work once again.
6. Learn to say no: Learn how to set limits and say no. If clients have been asking for too many late appointments that require you to stay after hours, start setting limits. Maybe stay late just one night a week. If your team members are taking up too much time with their issues, encourage them to work things out on their own. If you volunteer for a charity or professional organization, cut back on your time. Learn how to control your time so others do not
7. Take a break to recharge: If possible put someone else in charge and take a break. Even a short break gives you time away to rediscover your passion, reignite your energy and come back to work with a renewed enthusiasm for your business.
8. Do something entirely new: You can find joy in directing your talents to another activity. It may be a hobby, working with a local nonprofit, or a sport. Engaging with this new activity, which may be totally unrelated to work, may renew your energy, which in turn helps you gain a fresh perspective on your business.
Mind your health
And while you are working on getting out pf your funk, do not neglect your health. A positive mindset goes hand in hand with taking care of your physical wellbeing:
Get enough sleep: A lack of sufficient and quality shuteye means you wake up exhausted the next day, unprepared to focus on work or whatever other responsibilities you have. Even worse, lack of sleep, especially on a regular basis, can lead to chronic health
Stay hydrated: The human body is approximately 60 percent water. Your cells, organs, and tissues all need water to function properly and regulate proper temperature. Since you lose water throughout the day by breathing, sweating and digestion, drink fluids and eat foods that contain water to rehydrate.
Eat right: While eating right is important for everyone, the physical demands on a licensed massage therapist makes optimum nutrition imperative.
Exercise: Long hours standing and the strain on your joints as you work on clients can take their toll. Stretching and daily exercise – you can find any number of suggested exercises online – can provide relief from your own sore back, shoulders, feet, and fingers.
Break out of your business funk. Find the inspiration and excitement you had when you launched your business. Refocus your mind and get back on track.
