Getting Through Tough Times

It seems like every web/entrepreneur pundit is saying things like "if you can't see the opportunity, you're not looking hard enough" or "now is the time to step up your game." They might be right, but I don't really care, it's real easy to say that when you are the market leader. But most of us aren't market leaders and it's just tough. I feel for you...it's tough for us too.

Here are some things you can do to stay motivated and help keep your spirits up through tough times. Most of these are good to do even in the good times, but it's crucial now.

• Laugh a lot. Make more jokes than normal. We're all stressed out, laughter will help a lot.
• Celebrate the smallest victories. Big victories are rarer when times are tough, so find opportunities to celebrate small stuff.
• Take a walk. I take a 20 minute walk everyday as a break from work. While walking I concentrate on taking deep breaths. Innnn....oouuuuut, innnn....oouuuuut. It really helps break up the day and is a great stress reliever. After the walk I'm ready to conquer the rest of the day.
• Take care of your body. Getting plenty of rest and eating lots of fruits and vegetables are super important when the stress level is high.
• Look forward to things. Take time to come up with a list of things to look forward to. Here's my list:
  • Playing with my kids every night.
  • Mountain bike riding every Saturday.
  • Talking at upcoming conferences.
• Vent. Allan and I have been having regular talks where one of us will vent some of our fear or stress. The other person just listens and is supportive.
• Pay attention to the fun you have outside of work. Make those hours count more by appreciating them more.
• Spread the Love. Try to be nicer and do nice things for others. Have more compassion than usual even though you're more stressed out.

7 Comments

David Fendley said on January 29, 2009

Steve, this is great advice. Thank you for this. Times are incredibly tough, but they can only get so bad before they have to get better, right?

Thanks for the encouragement.

David

Tom said on January 29, 2009

I’d like to add… know when to stop drinking on a Wednesday evening!

It kills productivity the next dat :)

Steven Bristol said on January 29, 2009

@David,

I think things are going to get worse. Our economy has been kinda like a pyramid scheme ever since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913. The government has been trying desperately to keep things propped up since the ‘70s. I think there will be more correction before they can effectively prop things up again. I’m bracing.

Adam Lowe said on January 29, 2009

I’ve found a regular intake of Dilbert helps to keep things light for me.

Joshua Street said on January 29, 2009

Great post Steve! I also agree with your propped up view. We either need a complete reboot or a new platform altogether.

- Josh

Joshua Street said on January 29, 2009

Great post Steve! I also agree with your propped up view. We either need a complete reboot or a new platform altogether.

- Josh

Jason McCay said on January 30, 2009

Great post, Steve. In times like this, it really is important to take an assessment of your current condition, value the numerous blessings around you and cherish them.

You rock!

Jason