Blue Monday: Turning the Tide as an Entrepreneur
Strategies to Keep Your Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive
Ever heard of Blue Monday? Not the song, but the day of the year. It’s dubbed the “most depressing day of the year” and this year, it lands on Monday the 20th of January. It’s the point when the holiday cheer feels like an ancient memory, and the credit card bills start coming in, your New Year’s Resolutions are already hitting a rocky patch, and the weather outside is generally miserable.
As an entrepreneur, every Monday can feel a little “blue”. It’s the never-ending juggling act that comes with running a business. So, let’s take this Blue Monday as a cue to zoom in on our Mental Health and share some solid strategies for keeping our motivation levels high, even when the going gets tough.
Why Blue Monday Feels Extra Heavy for Entrepreneurs
The Pressure is Real:
As business leaders, the weight of your enterprise rests heavily on your shoulders. You’re responsible not only for the company but for your team and possibly even your family. That’s a hefty load to carry.
Isolation is Common:
If you're flying solo or working with a small crew, it’s easy to feel the weight of isolation. It can get lonely out there, and self-doubt can echo around inside your head like a bad karaoke performance.
The New Year Glow is Fading:
The fresh energy of January tends to dim when those ambitious plans start feeling more like a heavy burden than exciting possibilities.
What i’ve found, though, is that with the right moves, a shift in mindset, and a dash of action, you can flip the script and reclaim your mojo.
Combatting Blue Monday: A Game Plan
Here are six practical steps to chase away the gloom this January:
1. Refocus Your Energy
Spend 30 minutes revisiting your goals, not with the crushing expectations of hitting everything all at once, but instead with clarity. Zero in on just one small win to target this week. Remember, progress trumps perfection every. single. time.
2. Connect with Your Community
Reach out to a mentor or fellow entrepreneur. Dive into a virtual event or even just a good ol’ chat over coffee. Connecting with like-minded folks can refresh your perspective and remind you that you’re not riding this rollercoaster alone.
3. Celebrate Micro-Wins
As entrepreneurs, we’re notorious for moving the goalposts. Instead of racing toward the next big milestone, take a moment to look back at your accomplishments this month, big or small. Closed a contract? Sent those pesky invoices? Give yourself a well-deserved high-five.
4. Get Moving
Physical activity can be your secret weapon. Even a brisk walk outside works wonders for clearing your mind. Bonus points if you can rope in a fellow founder for a coffee stroll. Fresh air works magic!
5. Outsource the Energy Drainers
Pinpoint one task that’s been stealing your energy, be it admin work, scheduling, or relentless accounting. Consider delegating it. Shedding one stressor can feel absolutely transformative.
6. Shift Your Environment
If you’re stuck at your desk all day, shake things up! Find a new spot, whether it’s a buzzing café, a co-working space, or even a different room in your home. A change of scenery can work wonders for your creativity.
Beyond Blue Monday: Keep the Momentum
Remember, Blue Monday is just a single day out of our entrepreneurial lives. The goal is to maintain motivation across all 365. Building a routine filled with small, actionable habits can serve as your shield against burnout. Think daily gratitude lists, weekly reflection sessions, or a monthly treat-yourself ritual.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint-hearted, and guess what? Neither is Blue Monday! When you show up, even on the tough days, you’re proving to yourself that you’ve got the grit to handle whatever life throws your way. So this January 20th, don’t just survive Blue Monday; smash it out of the park.
Cheers to the good fight,
JB