Pull the Plug! Stepping back from business burnout...

There have been many books written on the subject of inspiration, most of which focus on the arts or how to work as an artist. I am sure you have read many of these books, which are enjoyable and have helped many get out some colored pencils or other art supplies and create something new. 

 

Well, I must share a secret with you that I have learned over the past few years:

 

Business is an art form. 

 

That's right, business. Even though it isn't listed in Fine Art schools, nor is a Harvard Business Degree listed as an MFA, you still must begin to look at your business as art.

 

Why is this a necessary change?

 

Because, for an entrepreneur, inspiration is as necessary as capital, good employees, and a good idea. The entrepreneur is the driving force of the company- especially when that is a one person operation- and needs to stay in tip top shape.

 

Starting a business is hard work, and it feels a lot harder when we choose to look at it as "hard work" all the time. If we focus only on traditional business methods like spreadsheets, cash flow, and reaching our target market every single day of every single week, we can burn out.

 

I've experienced this. And then I remembered, "Business is Art!"

 

What does an artist need to do when the gas tank is low? Get inspired. Do whatever it takes to get inspired. Learn what you can do to bring inspiration back below:

image: pontman.

 

This is equally true for a business owner, because an inspired business owner is an effective and motivated business owner, right?

 

How much more effective are you when you have a clear and impassioned vision versus when you are just on business autopilot? 

 

Night and day, right?

 

Here are three things to do this week that will help you return to working on your business as an artform that will inspire you and those who interact with your work:

 

1. Read a book or see a film that you select purely for pleasure. Pick something that seems a little naughty to take time out of your day for. We recommend Julie and Julia among films currently out in theaters, but you may choose any film or book you like... the point is to take yourself out of your working element.
2. Get outside. Do not take your iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, any device that will allow you to be reachable. Find a park or a hiking trail preferably and go for a long walk. Let your head unclench from the work processes you have been stuck on. Start to notice that nature has produced a heck of a lot without any business models. How are the growth patterns you see on your walk ones you can allow into your business?
3. Study a mentor or model that is in a completely different field than your own. How can you apply their successful strategies to your own business? I have been modeling Julia Child lately (yes there is a theme this week!) and have found that throwing myself into a process and learning every little bit of environment and ingredient that goes into coaching is a delightful way to study my work.

Often, we get so entrenched in our approach to our businesses, that we forget that there are millions of ways to move ahead. Don't forget to step back, take a breath, take a walk, and read something totally unrelated. It will keep your fuel tank full, your soil fertile for new ideas, and is the best cure for burnout I have yet found.

 

Try something new and artful this week, and please share what you find in the comments below . 

 

Onward and upward, creative entrepreneurs!