Business Bullets - People

These are signs that you've veered off course in your business or life. You can decide to take the suggested action, to get support or to do nothing but, in the words of Albert Einstein "If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got!"

1. Your business is not providing you with the income or lifestyle you want.

Most people when they set up in business do so in order to achieve a particular lifestyle. If the reality is not matching up to your dreams and plans, review whether your current direction, products and programmes are likely to take you where you want to go.

2. You find it hard to focus.

If you're constantly busy yet ineffective and you struggle to 'switch off,' review what you're actually spending your time doing. Ditch some tasks, delegate others and do only those things that will move you towards your goals. Use a timer to help you focus on the task in hand.

3. You can't remember your hopes and dreams, or they seem further out of reach than ever.

Being engrossed in your daily routine and dealing with the unexpected can leave little or no time for strategic planning and review in your business, or personal or family reflection. Do not schedule every minute of every day. Leave time for the unexpected and 'dreaming'.
When things seem further away than ever, regularly review what's going well to keep you motivated, as well as what's not working, to get you back on track.

4. You get a sinking feeling when you think about the amount of work you have to do.

If this is a regular feeling, causing a sense of being overwhelmed, make sure you schedule in things that make you feel good. This may sound counter-intuitive but it will help you feel better able to tackle what you need to do, and it will also help you be more realistic in terms of what you can achieve. Setting aside 2, 5 or 10 minutes throughout the day can make a big difference.

5. You've lost your sparkle, or feel ground down by the economy or your current financial situation.

Regardless of economic predictions, if everywhere you look and everyone you deal with is negative or downbeat, it will be affecting you. Make it a priority to get around people who energise and uplift you. Have some fun.

6. You feel guilty about not spending quality time with the important people in your life.

If you spend most of your day working or thinking about work you're stifling your creativity and resourcefulness and draining your energy reserves. And it's impossible to run on empty. Don't waste time on guilt, and say yes more often to the people you love.

7. You're not able to articulate your hopes or fears because you're afraid of sounding silly or people telling you to 'pull yourself together.'

This might come as a surprise to you but most people are not as concerned about you as they are about themselves! If you're around people who immediately judge and criticise, get around more supportive people, and ask for help.

8. The first question you always ask is 'how much is it going to cost?'

This is a mind-set issue. Put your focus on the value and benefits, and if it feels right ask yourself "how can I pay for this?" There is always a way.

9. By external standards you're doing well, but you can't help feeling there's something missing or there's something more.

Take stock. What's missing from your life or work? In what areas do you want more? Get curious, don't be judgemental and don't discount anything.