Monday Mindfulness: Boost business and morale by joining a cause.

When you started your business, didn't you think about how its existence would impact the world? Most of us who are entrepreneurs are hoping to create social change. (That's why most of us tear up when we watch the entrepreneur video that was all over the internet recently- if you haven't seen it yet, get the tissues first!)   However, as we get into business licenses, taxes, bank accounts, assessing our bottom line and getting out to network, we can easily lose sight of this initial desire.    Do you feel burnt out sometimes when you sit at your desk all day, banging out e-mail, news releases, administrative tasks and all the elements that go into running your business?   Of course you do. It's only natural.   So what's the solution? Think about what your initial dream was about your business and how you wanted to change the world through your work, find a cause or charity that is on the same page and join it.    How does this help your business? Well, for one thing, it gets you out of the house, which is a very important start. Connecting with other people who share your values is essential to stay motivated and inspired. AND, connecting with people who aren't businesspeople in the same way you are is a great way to think from a fresh perspective. I love networking with other entrepreneurs, and since we tend to think the same way, I need people who share my core values but who think differently just as much.   Also... it's often easier to solve a problem if it isn't about you. If you are helping a cause get a bigger mailing list, you will probably churn out creative ideas. It's easier to be helpful for someone else. You can then turn around and apply these strategies in your own work. Also- those you meet with will have great things to suggest, too.   And last but not least, it's so important to think about the world outside of ourselves. When you work from home it is easy to stew in your own stuff and let that take over your whole head. Our businesses have the potential for greatness, but we also need to remember that there are other people in the world, too. By reaching out and making the world a better place through a cause, we are more able to be grateful for what we have and work from that place, instead of the all too familiar stress and panic.    Let us know what causes you and your business support in the comments below. Let's inspire each other!