The life of an entrepreneur isn’t all butterflies and curtains. In a lot of cases, you’ll get hit by truckloads of mind-numbing problems that are so frustrating and heartbreaking, to the point where you might even question your competence or your value as a person.
If you’re at a season in your life right now where you just want to hang your proverbial entrepreneurial gloves and just call it quits, then allow me to share with you six powerful tips that you can use that will help revive your dying entrepreneurial spirit.
Let’s hop right in.
#1. Be inspired. Read books.
If you think reading books has become obsolete in today’s internet-inclined generation, then you’ll be amazed at how world class entrepreneurs like Tai Lopez still advocate book reading to his followers that are made up of businessmen and startup entrepreneurs.
According to Tai, books are a great platform to absorb wisdom and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and mentors.
Since you’re reading this post, then I’m guessing that you’re in need of inspiration. You are looking for something that will help ignite that burning entrepreneurial passion in you that you seem to have lost after experiencing countless setbacks.
Take Tai’s advice. Start reading books and be inspired by what you read. Do this, and you’ll find your dying entrepreneurial spirit slowly but surely clawing its way out of the grave.
#2. Read your fan mails or customer testimonials.
Happy customers can be a good support system for entrepreneurs. Not only are their words genuine and value-packed, but they are hands down inspiring.
I mean, you can probably relate to what I’m saying.
When you read messages from total strangers telling you that you’ve changed their lives (or the lives of their loved ones), you will once again be reminded of why you decided to become an entrepreneur. You will once again be reminded of how much you value helping others, which will cause the entrepreneurial fire in you to be lit once more.
#3. Rest.
If you’re tired and burned out, then take a break. Don’t give up.
There is a reason why the road that entrepreneurs take is one that is less traveled — it is filled with challenges, frustrations, and roadblocks upon roadblocks. Not many have the mental fortitude to stand their ground and face the challenges head on.
Knowing this, you need to realize that there are going to be times when you’ll feel your very soul sucked out of you. You’ll feel tired, burned out, and even defeated at times. In situations like these, know that your game plan should be to rest, and not to give up.
Now that we’re talking about taking a rest, I am reminded of the advice that Gordon Ramsay gave to a struggling chef during his Reddit AMA.
Here’s a section of Gordon Ramsay’s advice.
“Cooking at this level is so intense. So don’t give up. Be honest with yourself, and take a month out.”
Gordon’s advice is yet another reminder of how important it is for entrepreneurs (or professionals) to take a breather when they’re tired.
Once again, your action plan when you’re tired should be to rest — not give up.
#4. Develop a plan (and follow it).
Some successful entrepreneurs aren’t always inspired or in a positive frame of mind. There are times when they feel terrible inside out. There are moments when they just want to lay on their bed for years, hoping that all the challenges that they have to address would just magically fix themselves.
However, despite how they’re in such a poor state, they still don’t give up. This is what separates real entrepreneurs from wantrepreneurs. Their discipline, perseverance, and relentless commitment towards achieving success will enable them to drag their bodies to the office and do what they have to do.
They often stick to the plan, regardless of whether or not they feel good or they feel under the weather.
As they continue to do the list of things on their menu, they often times find inspiration in their work, causing their burning passion as an entrepreneur to return.
#5. Look into other people’s stories.
I’m a huge fan of the Rocky movies. Every time I see the underdogs break through their limits and win against their opponents, I get that inexplicable feeling inside of me that makes me want to start working and achieving great heights.
Such is how other people’s stories can inspire you.
If you feel like you’re at a point where you feel hopeless and you just want to give up, then watch inspiring movies or interview individuals with rags-to-riches stories.
After hearing (or seeing) how their life was bajillion times more stressful than yours, and they still managed to succeed despite the odds; it will tell you that there is hope at the end of the tunnel. And that your situation might not be as dire as you think it is.
Once you see things from the right perspective, that’s when you can operate better as an entrepreneur.
#6. Be surrounded with like-minded people.
While I don’t entirely agree with the adage, “tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are” since I find it a bit too judgemental, I don’t fully disagree with it either.
I mean, let’s be honest; I’m sure you’ll agree with me if I tell you that the people who value the same things — or have an interest in the same things — often stay together. Not only do they fan each other’s entrepreneurial flames by talking about the common things that they love, but they can even share sound and highly relevant advice with each other.
Another thing worth mentioning is how connecting with like-minded people can open more opportunities for entrepreneurs. When they share contacts, their experiences, and even the overlaps between what they do, there’s a good chance of them being able to spot opportunities where they can both collaborate.
In short, entrepreneurs can benefit from boatloads of things when they surround themselves with like-minded people.
What’s next?
Was there ever a time when you felt the entrepreneurial spirit inside you is slowly dying down? These are often the times when you feel depressed and burned out due to the challenges you’re facing on your entrepreneurial journey, to the point where you’re contemplating going back to your 9-to-5 job.
If you answered with a “yes,” then please take the time to share the steps you took to revive that entrepreneurial spirit inside you. You can share your stories in the comments section below. Cheers!
