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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Strategies for Success: 6 Ways to Become Re-Inspired

Hello all you gorgeous readers! I'm Melanie Duncan, serial entrepreneur and founder of The Entrepreneuress Academy and I'm here to share with you my strategies for success. Have you ever found yourself in a rut? Nothing seems to really inspire you and you just feel kind of "blah" about everything? If you answered "YES!" You are not alone. Many of us suffer from burn-out. Because of the incessant stream of stimulation and information it is easy to find yourself exhausted and zapped. But have no fear, I've put together a list of simple things that you can do right away that will have you back in action in no time. Here are 6 Ways to Become Re-inspired:


1. Unplug: Trust me, as someone who owns multiple online businesses and teaches social media I have more than my fair share of an online addiction. Getting myself to detach for just a few hours, let alone days, is no small feat. But the rewards are incredible. Every time that I have forced myself to unplug for a few days I have noticed a drastic difference in the quality and enjoyment of my work when I return. It's a necessary and oh-so-enjoyable way to reset your focus.



2. Educate & Evolve: As much as I enjoy watching Hart of Dixie (and believe me I do), it doesn't exactly refuel my mind. When I'm in a funk I pick up a new book (you can see my favorite business books HERE), take a class or even go to a museum. I'm sometimes hesitant, but it's amazing how much it refreshes and reinvigorates me. Isn't it strange how little intentional learning many of us do after we have completed school? Now's your chance to change that and become the multi-talented person you've always dreamed of becoming!



3. Travel: It can be inconvenient and it's usually expensive but traveling will add breadth to your perspective and dimensions to your life like nothing else can. There is nothing like new places and new faces to advance yourself both personally and professionally. I can't tell you how many creative breakthroughs I've had while strolling through Central Park, or sitting on a bench in a park in Paris. There is something about immersing yourself in a new culture that challenges you to look your life and your dreams in an entirely new way.

 

4. Get Fancy: More and more people are working from home now, and the result? Sweatpant Syndrome. I know that your jammies are cozy, but never underestimate how much the way you look affects the way that you feel. I'm not saying that you have to wear your Loubutouins around the house, but just showering and doing your hair and makeup can give you more confidence and swagger that will increase the quality of your work throughout the day.



5. Play with People: Sometimes we just need a reminder to reengage with the people in our life, or a push to reach out to someone new. Many of us feel that we have to find ways to inspire ourselves, when really just being exposed to other people's perspectives and thoughts is incredibly inspiring. I suggest a mix of both old a new. Make sure to spend quality time (i.e. detach yourself from your cell phone) with those you love. And set a goal to go out to lunch or coffee with 1 new person each month. Even when work is fierce, force yourself to schedule time with people both inside and out of your industry to keep yourself connected and engaged.



6. Mix It Up: A lot of times, feeling uninspired is due to getting stuck in too much of a routine. Try eating something different for breakfast or work from a new place. If you don't want to change what you do, just move around the order that you do it in. Normally make your phone calls in the morning? Try making them in the afternoon instead. Want to try a real game changer? Don't check your email until 2pm each day. Sound impossible? I tried it and it was a serious game changer for my productivity. So there you have it - 6 ways to become re-inspired. Pretty painless right? I didn't even tell you that you had to stop eating those macarons or hit the gym! Now it's your turn. Leave a comment below and share what you do to get out of a funk. I look forward to reading all of your fabulous suggestions. xx Melanie
Images via Pinterest

9 comments:

carolyn bradford said...

What a fabulous and might I say, INSPIRING post! Loved each idea and felt like they were dead on! Thanks for sharing these great tips with us! Just what I needed today!

Whitney Kaye said...

This was amazing to read. I have been in a funk for quite some time and had actually begun to do some of these things to get out of it and I love to see what else there is to do. Thank you for this!

LuAnn said...

Love this post! Don't we all get in a bit of a slump now and then? I'm passing this on! Have a wonderful day.

Mae said...

This came at a perfect time! I am in a total funk! Last night I did my hair and makeup, got all fancy and hubby took me and the kids out to dinner. It felt wonderful to get out of the house! I even saw an old friend I have missed! Today I will take your unplug suggestion. I am going to leave the computer alone until late afternoon. Thanks! I needed these suggestions today. :)

Mica said...

Fantastic ideas. One that was passed on to me yesterday - when you just need a break from being online, clean your house, do some gardening etc. Something productive but still makes you feel rewarded when finished!

monishiwa moonshine said...

Just the reminder I needed.
Thank you Paloma!

Jamie said...

I can not tell you how much I needed this! I've been under the weather all week and feelin' very blah! Thank you!

www.inspirationlush.com

Jamie Herzlinger said...

Loved the post! Must have the shoes from the last outfit!
Xx Jamie

monishiwa moonshine said...

Ooops
*blushes*
Thank you Melanie!