How to keep going when times are difficult

It goes without saying that the current climate is proving difficult for everyone and a lot of people are reaching their limits. For some, it might have been easy in the beginning but now it’s not. Things are not getting back to normal; the economic crisis is just starting. Many of us could be feeling low, depressed and despondent which is why now more than ever, we need to keep going. We cannot give up when we have come this far and so here is advice on how to keep going when times are difficult.

1. Always remain positive

You have to believe that things will get better because if you believe the opposite, you will give up. It is as simple as that. While it is your choice to believe what ‘better’ might look like, whether that is for you or the country as a whole, it is paramount that you believe in it. 

When you are feeling positive, your body produces certain chemicals which strengthen the connections between the neurons in your brain. These strengthened connections improve creativity which can help you come up with new ideas or solutions to problems you are facing, whether personally or within your business. And we all know that when you feel good, you can take on the whole world. 

Remember: happiness is your decision. 

2. Don’t watch too much news

While it is important to keep up with developments and industry updates, particularly anything that pertains to your business, you need to remember that the news is always geared towards the negative. This is because bad news sells. Therefore, if you are already feeling low and scared, watching the news is only going to make you feel worse. 

Of course, you cannot shut yourself out completely. Instead, limit the amount you read or watch. Perhaps once a day is enough or maybe subscribe to industry newsletters or emails that filter the news which is relevant to you without the scaremongering other outlets might resort to.

3. Focus on what you can control

You can’t control how the US is dealing with coronavirus or how our own government plans to reenergise the economy. It is important to acknowledge that while you are being affected by the current climate, you cannot control it (see also my post about How to take back control). This might give way to feelings of powerlessness and despondency. However, if you focus on what you can control, such as your thoughts and your actions, you are more likely to become positive and optimistic about other areas in your life. 

Think about what you are doing or can do for your business, for your family or for your friends. Think about the kindness you can show people or the commitment you can demonstrate to your causes. Think of the customers you can ring to reinforce relationships or the new products you could create to diversify your offerings.  There are lots of things you can do in lockdown that will likely yield positive results for your business and all of them are within your control.

4. Practise self-care

It’s okay not to be okay. But the first step is to acknowledge it and the second is to do something about it. 

If you own a business, then it’s likely that the success of your business is down to you. Therefore, you need the energy and positivity to keep employees upbeat and business moving forwards. If you don’t look after yourself, your energy levels will deplete rapidly. 

Back when we were allowed to fly, we would always hear “put your oxygen mask on first before helping others”. This is a metaphor we can apply to the practice of self-care. Do not deplete yourself for others. Take care of you own needs first. In the long run, this will strengthen your ability to serve your business, your employees or your family better. 

So have a break. If you have children, it’s more difficult but do something for yourself. Read a good book, take long baths, get outside for a walk, eat good food or get away for a weekend now that restrictions are easing. It’s not selfish. And the key is that these things have to be consciously done. You need to acknowledge that you are doing something for yourself and be in the moment.

5. Be flexible

The more you are able to change things within your business and perhaps even your life, then the easier you will make things for yourself. Flexibility might come in many forms including creating new products, selling to different markets or creating digital offerings. And don’t forget to create a flexible workforce.

Remember that things can and will continue to change. Create a plan of how to tackle these changes but do not be afraid to scrap that plan when new challenges arise, rendering your original plan redundant.

6. Celebrate all your achievements

In order to remain positive, look at what you have achieved. It is very easy to focus on what you haven’t done, the customers you haven’t got or even the campaigns you haven’t started. But in order to move forwards, you really need to focus your attention on things you have achieved. Acknowledging how you have been successful will make you feel good and in turn you will want to do more. 

If you can, talk to others about your achievements. This will mean that if you ever do doubt your capabilities, they will be there to remind you that you achieved once and you can therefore achieve again.

7. Get and accept help

Never be afraid to ask for help. If your mental health is suffering, for whatever the reason, seek help. It is readily available from a variety of sources and always will be. 

If you feel yourself slipping down this slope, put the brakes on and tell someone. It might be that people notice you are struggling before you have acknowledged it yourself. As a general rule, if you say “I’m fine” more than twice, then it is highly likely you are not fine at all and need to accept any help you are being offered, even if it is just the opportunity to talk. 

Other ways to alleviate the pressures on yourself are to outsource tasks that are taking up too much of your time, or find a mentor or coach who will help you find practical solutions to the problems you are facing or provide an impartial ear and listen to issues you wish to discuss. 

The days really are the darkest before the dawn and keeping positive is a very powerful tool to have in your arsenal. It is a tool that can take practice and one that doesn’t come as easily to some as it might to others. Having a toolkit of happiness can really help in these times.

Being an optimist isn’t just about walking around with your head in the clouds and not seeing the hole in front of you. It’s about walking with your head held high enough to see the holes and obstacles in front of you, anticipate them and find a way around them. However, the pessimist who walks with their head to the ground, only sees the hole after they have fallen into it.