For most of the past few months I was in a rather negative mood. Things was not going well and the more I dwell on it, the more negative I became. Everything simple went into a downward spiral.
I knew immediately from past scenario that it is a cycle that I had to breakout. Of course it was easier said than done.
Even taking a break and going back Singapore didn’t help. The general negativeness presisted until this one day last week. It felt that I had done something right. As I was walking back home, suddenly I was bouncing up as if springs were attached to my feet!
Not to sound like some guru but negativity seriously affects an entrepreneur’s allround ability - thinking, working, and people around him/her.
So how to get out of a negative spiral? Here are 4 ideas I had distilled
- Stop what you are doing. Try something new for a change. In the process you may discover thing that overcome the negativity.
- Take a break. This did not work for me this time but certain can help you to get our of the spiral. Take a bold step away, you may find thatthe problem don’t reall need your attention.
- Share with your loved one. I was very blessed to have the support of my wife. She switched job and came to Shanghai few months back. All these while she had been helping me in one way or another.
- Talk to someone. Talk to a business partner, customer or even competitor. You may find they have the same problem, already solved it or there are some creative solution between both of you.
What do you do to get out of a negative spirial?
Hi Ken.
Great advice! Yeah like you, I was in a whirlwind of negativity recently especially when a business partner (ex-business partner now) in one of my businesses stole $10,000 a few months ago! Anyway, just 2 weeks ago, I had to get back on track like what you’ve done.
What do I do? One of the things you suggested was talk to someone. I’m glad I have another business partner who is in sync with me and who’s got bigger dreams than me.
The other thing I do is read or listen to one of my success books/audiobooks. Recently, I saw the video, The Secret, online. Check out my website for details. Anyway, from thesecret.tv website, you can download some motivational videos based on the movie. I have it on my Windows desktop and when I need a boost, I watch it.
One last thing I do is think about what I’m grateful for. When things don’t seem to go right, it’s tough, but after a few minutes of focusing on things I’m grateful for, my overall mood changes.
So, fellow entrepreneur, you’re not alone. Let’s keep moving despite the tough times. We’re one step closer.
Success and happiness,
Louie
Los Angeles, California
Thanks Louie for sharing your experiences.
Personally I find motivational stuffs are like sugar-high. I get all charged-up and then the deflated the next moment.
Thinking of things to be grateful of is an excellent point. Some of our negativity comes from anger, resentment or bitterness which can be overcome by gratefulness.