by: Caroline Jalango
Starting a business or project is one thing, keeping it running successfully is another issue.
Do you recall the initial enthusiasm, drive and passion you had, when you were working on setting up your business or project?
You spent countless hours working on it, researching about it, making calls to people whose assistance you required, dreamed about it and even told everyone who could listen about it…do you recall that passion?
You had the commitment, determination and the passion to make it happen.
However, it’s just been about a few months since your project took off and the motivation and zeal to run the business is gone. You feel uninspired, drained and have little or no energy to continue to work creatively and enthusiastically on your business or project!
You are slowly but surely losing your passion and the big question in your mind is “how do I get back my passion”?
The following 5 tips will help you rekindle that passion and allow you to keep your dream alive.
1. Close the gap of disinterest ASAP.
The gap of disinterest widens with each day you fail to do something about rekindling your passion. The more you stay away from the subject matter, the quicker and the more permanent the loss of passion becomes.
Immerse yourself in material related to the subject matter. Read articles related to your project. Join clubs or associations of similar relevance and participate in its activities either as an active member or as a volunteer. Find creative new ways of doing things. Doing things in the same old way that does not produce results will frustrate you and consequently cause your passion to fizzle out. Whatever you chose to do…stay interested in the subject!
2. Push yourself.
Even if the initial euphoria of achievement is waning, your work still has to go on. It's up to you to motivate yourself and keep pushing to keep the dream alive. Even if your passion is fizzling out, someone still has to keep your business doors open and complete your projects; that person is you!
This is your work, your project and your business. It is up to you to keep it afloat. You have to go the extra mile to ensure that your business or project becomes a success. You have come such a long way… overcoming obstacles, investing your time, energy and resources to get yourself to this point. Push yourself!
3. Get yourself a coach.
Investing in a coach is a great way to rekindle the passion for your dream. A coach will hold you accountable for your dream, challenge, support, motivate and work with you on a regular basis to ensure that you stick with it. Having someone objective to act as a sounding board and to provide fresh perspectives is a great way to get your passion back!
Coaches do a great job in reconnecting you back to your passion and also help to bring out your ability for greatness. This is a great way to stir up your passion.
4. Commit to the process of success
As you work on your business or project, make a commitment to see yourself through every situation you encounter. Every journey of life, has obstacles to be faced and overcome. There are periods when you will have high energy and other times when you not feel like getting up in the morning! These are all part of the process of life and success. You must therefore commit yourself 100 percent, mentally, financially and time wise to ensure that you keep your dream alive. Be prepared to do all you can and be willing to do your best, to ensure your success.
5. Set a deadline for yourself.
Write a to-do list of all the things that you have been planning to accomplish and which have remained undone because your passion has fizzled out. Give yourself a one or two-week deadline to accomplish these tasks.
For example, if you want to write a book…commit to writing at least 10 pages within two weeks. If you want to attract more customers for your business, commit to coming up with a winning sales strategy within a week. Deadlines allow you to act within specified time frames, propel you in the right direction and motivate you to keep the dream alive.