Is Your Business in Need of Bootcamp?

Slow, negative, heavy, lacking energy and inspiration… Do any of these feelings sound familiar? These all describe me more often than I like to admit. I’ll hit a metaphorical wall at some time every year. I feel mentally, physically and spiritually fatigued; sluggish and unhealthy. To navigate over this wall, I need to reboot my body, my mind and my inspiration. This usually takes the form of some new health kick, more time dedicated to meditation and mindfulness, and professional development or training. As entrepreneurs, it’s important to acknowledge this isn’t just a human thing. Our businesses also go through cycles of good and bad health. We must invest in re-energising our business from time to time. It needn’t be complicated – just apply the same principles as you would your own health. I liken it to bootcamp for my business. Here are my tips for boosting business health and well-being: 1. Cut out the “bad stuff”. Like a food diary identifies the things we consume that aren’t good for our body, it’s great to do an audit of your business to see what’s “good for us” and what’s not. You’ll uncover where your time is spent, what is yielding results, what’s a complete time waster and what lies in between. 2. Move! Movement is key to our personal health and wellness, and the same can be said for our business. For those of us who plan and prepare to the point of perfection, this is a great reminder to just do something. Even imperfect action will get us moving forward toward our goals. Like exercise, once you start some form of action, you’ll keep going. 3. Get a buddy. How much easier is it to do bootcamp with a friend — someone to motivate you, to share in the pain and the gain? Use this approach in your business for the same reasons. Tap into your community, build a tribe of like-minded colleagues, or find a mentor (informal or formal) to keep you inspired and accountable along the way. 4. Reward yourself. Changing anything in life is easier when you can see the benefits. My personal “reboot” each year gives me more energy, more focus, and a feeling of lightness in my body and mind. While these are all rewards in themselves, giving yourself something extra is also appreciated – like my favourite reboot reward: a guilt-free day spa session. At work, take the time to celebrate the smallest of wins before rushing onto the next goal. And celebrate with others: your staff, your suppliers and your customers. Your positive and appreciative energy will be contagious. So next time you think you might need some personal attention in the health and wellbeing department, think about including your business in your bootcamp. Maybe we can buddy up?