When you look around and compare yourself to other entrepreneurs (and I know you do!), are you often frustrated, discouraged and wondering why it ‘seems’ so easy for them? Are you so busy comparing yourself to others that you overlook your own achievements and successes?

Do you lose sight of the fact that we are ALL human beings and that our business is not the end-all and be-all of our lives? There is so much information available through the internet these days that we get blasted with a steady stream of ezines and articles and e-mails celebrating the success of many of the ‘gurus’ in the industry – ‘Make a million in a month – it’s easy and here’s how!” (ok, so I’m exaggerating – but you know what I mean)

What is unhealthy about all of that is we lose sight of reality! Our business is only part of our life – along with that, we deal with family, finances, aging parents, health issues, and so much more.

It’s not always easy-peasy when it comes to running a profitable business – it just isn’t. And if you think y ou are the only one who is dealing with all this ‘life stuff’, then you’ve got your head in the sand. So, pull it out – and let me share a few tips on how to manage and how to ride the wave! Because, quite frankly, you’re not going to pack it in when it comes to your business – are you? This is exactly when you DO need help!

Here are a few life-saving tips to get you ‘through the rain’:

1. Put things in perspective. Often, when one thing happens right after another after another, it can be very overwhelming. Stop – breathe – think – and put things in perspective. Is it life or death? Typically – no.“What’s the worst that could happen? Everyone turned me down; big deal.” – J. K. Rowling
2. Get very good at managing your time now. Business must go on – don’t abandon ship! You may need to delegate more, work fewer hours for a brief period of time, get smart with how you do spend your time at work.
3. Get focused – and get help. Ladies – this one is for you! This is when you must ask for help – and I am confident you will get it. Recently, a very good friend and colleague passed away suddenly – I had a full day of coaching calls scheduled – I reached out to my clients, explained the situation – rescheduled their calls and went to the funeral. This was very important to me – and my clients understood. Listen, we are all people first!
4. Stay connected. This is NOT the time to go into isolation. Everyone in business has ‘stuff’ – and it’s not always positive – so, reach out and stay connected (especially when you are working with a master mind group – they are there to help and support but they can’t read your mind! You need to speak up, share and get help.)
5. Shift your hours of work, where possible. I typically work a 5-day week, regular working hours – but, for now, when my Mom needs me – I am shifting those hours so her needs get met.
6. Change your location of work – again, where possible. I usually work from my home office; my Mom lives out of town. I can easily shift my work location to a hotel near her – continue to be with her AND run my business at the same time.
7. Remember self-care! This is critical when you are dealing with a lot of personal issues – it takes a lot of energy and focus to run your business – eat properly, get your sleep and grab some fresh air/go walking at every opportunity.“Every tomorrow has two handles. You can take hold of the handle of anxiety or the handle of enthusiasm. Upon your choice so will be the day.” – Brian Tracy
8. Stop being the victim! You know that mentality – the ‘poor me’ syndrome. It’s easy to fall into that when we get a number of ‘life hits’ – people getting sick, family needing extra attention from you, and so much more.
   
   “I know I have a very tough five months ahead of me, but I understand, too, that I will get through those months knowing that I have the ability to return to my productive and normal life, my interesting work and future business opportunities.” – Martha Stewart
   
9. And remember – this, too, shall pass!

Did you think it was going to be a cake-walk running your own business? Then you need to get a job. Running a successful and profitable business takes time, energy, focus and hard work. It is extremely rewarding, on a daily basis to celebrate your achievements.

It’s also very rewarding to get through the tough stuff! This is NOT the time to bail! This is the time to pull up your socks and get a clear understanding of what you are made of. Life goes on – and you want your business to go on, also. It’s time to ride the wave, my friends – come on in – the water is great!

“I don’t think of myself as a poor deprived ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as somebody who from an early age knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good.” – Oprah Winfrey

Please share your thoughts!