What to do When you Have to Start Again

Jumping on a new opportunity can feel like a huge leap forward.  It's exciting!

So a sudden and unexpected step back is, well, quite the dunk in cold water.

Whenever I need some inspiration, I sift through the articles on Entrepreneur.com for some motivation.  This article on regrouping in the face of failure is particularly poignant.

Here's my take on the ways a person can follow this sound business advice for adapting:

1: Understand your stress patterns.

This is always a good place to start.  Reassess which bad habits you have adopted that are amplifying your current struggle.  Don't let your emotions spill over onto friends and family; you need your support system to be closer than ever right now.

2. Know why things took a dip -- and look beneath the surface.

It can sometimes feel like a series of events have spiraled out of control, punch after punch that have left you bruised and confused.  It's time to take a deep breath, brush yourself off, and sort through the things that are your fault - to let go of the circumstances that were out of your control.  A crisis becomes a learning opportunity when you know what you can improve on.

3. Take decisive action now.

Now that you have examined your circumstances, it's time to do something about it.  Laid off?  Take advantage of this downtime to do some pro bono work for your friends' start up, finish that Google adwords partner program, or attend a professional development course.  Feeling burnt out on your 9 to 5?  Try updating your blog, write a book, join a gym, or take a walk after dinner.  (That's code for, find some work-life balance.)  Ready to broaden your career horizons?  Get engaged with your local Rotary or industry professionals organization, attend your university's alumni mixers, tune up your LinkedIn page and expand your digital network.

4. Don’t get lost in fatalistic thinking.

Fall back on your friends and family.  You aren't the only one struggling right now - believe me.  Reach out to a friend and get coffee to commiserate.  Don't mope, just check in and get some much-needed support.

5. Refuse to succumb to more debt.

Debt does not have to be financial.  Debt can be emotional.  Debt can be work baggage.  Debt can be anything you are owing to someone or something outside yourself, that you can't pay back.  Unlike financial debt, emotional debt can be paid off with a decision.  Free yourself of whatever baggage is getting you down.  Release yourself from the obligation of those negative thoughts and don't take on anymore.

6. Return to the company's vision.

Your set back is your chance to refocus.  What do you love?  Why are you here?  What gets you up in the morning, but has gotten less and less of your attention recently?  Get back to who you are and what builds that fire in your belly.