When You Feel You Hit Rock Bottom
Ask yourself these questions before you call it quits
Many will tell you to never give up on your dreams. But what do you do when you feel you have hit rock bottom, when you feel all your efforts seem to be for nothing? Feeling stuck and desperate is a toxic combination that can potentially undo all your hard work. Unfortunately, these feelings are not uncommon for many businesswomen who own their own business or just starting up.
Eve Writes | 19 June 2019
Pursuing a dream can be both a scary and exciting prospect.
Sometimes we can lose sight of the reasons why we even began down the path in the first place and doubt can creep in. We can tell you how debilitating that feeling is because, we admit, there were several times we felt like giving up and wonder why we even bother trying.
If you are experiencing any of those feelings at the moment, here are some questions to ask yourself to help bring back the clarity on the reasons for why you started on your journey in the first place.
1. Why did you start this goal? Has anything changed?
That time when you had the light bulb moment – a beacon of possibility when you realised you could make your business plan a reality! That “I can do this…!” And the thought of endless financial earnings, or the freedom to work hours to fit your lifestyle?
As you’re building your business, maybe you have let go of those thoughts as you focused on making your business successful and when numerous challenges sets in, hopes of “having it all” slipped away. But what if you can still achieve all you hoped for by pushing past the barriers holding you back?
2. Are you overwhelmed by too much information?
The internet provides unlimited information and it is so easy to get lost in a trail of website links promising the secret to success via online articles, blog posts, downloads, training sessions and forums.
So, what happens if you decide to hunt the internet for the answers? There’s a lot of possible answers out there. And there’s also a lot of potential pitfalls if you follow one that may not suit you.
Save time and energy; create a small focused plan. What if there are support groups to help you navigate through these challenges and to focus on your goals.
3. Did you set a smart goal?
Make sure you have a SMART goal with a clear view of what you want to achieve and how you plan to go about it. Without this you are relying on chance to succeed.
SMART goals are:
4. Are you afraid of success?
FEAR is there. Don’t let fear hold you back.
If the thought of taking on more responsibility fills you with dread ask yourself why? Then ask yourself how you can remove the dread.
Be proactive and build relationships with other positive people who can help you on your way.
Sometimes we fail. Remember it is not the end of the world as long as we pick ourselves up and try again. Worrying what others think of you will slow your journey to success.
Never forget the harshest critic of you is YOU.
Sometimes we fail.
Remember it is not the end of the world
as long as we pick ourselves up and try again
5. Would your life improve if you gave up on this goal?
Imagine giving up on your dream – what does life look like? If it looks bleak, don’t give up. If giving up opens up the possibility of a better life then perhaps your goal was too demanding for your life right now. Either adapt your goal and rein it in or stop completely.
6. How much have you already put in?
Measure how much you have invested in your goal. Not just financially, but time, energy and sacrifices made. It’s likely your family and friends have taken a back seat while you find your feet in the business world. The plus side of this is that studies have shown that the more we have invested into something the more likely we are to stick with it. If you feel your confidence is waning think about all you have invested, because at some point you had complete confidence that you can do this.
7. What would you tell someone else if they were in your position?
Take some of your own advice; if a friend was in your situation what would you say to them?
Sometimes you need a friend to be completely honest with you so you can get your worries off your chest. Hearing someone else say they believe in you is a wonderful motivator.
Do you still want to give up?
If you are not sure if you should give up yet, don’t. Push forward towards your dream; doubt is only our mind giving contradictory opinions and as a living breathing force to be reckoned with you can choose to move on and leave your doubt behind.
If you are feeling stuck in a rut, perhaps it's a good idea to read some personal development books, others may recommend a business coach. Granted, not everyone can afford a business coach but change something small and see how it alters your perspective. Take an extra hour off midweek or start the day with a positive mantra.
Or connect with us! Write to us if you know any business figure you admire and come meet some of About Eve’s business owners.
*Recently, we featured mompreneur Rachel Chiel. Read her journey in embracing her life as a mompreneur.
