Signs You Are Running your Business on Empty
In 2009 I hit a wall.
It could have been because the disappointment and crushing financial blow I experienced when the economy had a major shift right when I launched a very expensive live event – and people stopped traveling.
It could have been that my partner decided to do her own thing after almost three years of co-creating programs together.
It could have been that the Kool-Aid I’d been drinking stopped tasting good – but I didn’t know what else there was.
I was on empty.
I didn’t know who I was anymore or what I wanted but I did know that the million dollar empire I had built was crumbling and I didn’t want to save it.
I was tired, scared and feeling very alone in a world very driven by achieving millionaire status – and I was realizing that wasn’t me. I was driven by the impact I could have on people. I’m not saying that having wealth wasn’t important I just didn’t want to be defined by it anymore.
When the part of you that is your truth wakes up and doesn’t want what the “ego” part of you has created, it can be very scary. You may feel as if you are on empty.
Running your business on empty can look (or feel) like:
- Never having time for you because your business consumes every ounce of time and energy you have
- A gaping canyon between what you deeply want and what you currently have that causes despair and a lack of motivation
- Losing your soul to keep up with your peers. You start doing what they are doing because it works for them..then realize it’s painful for you to operate that way…but how you are stuck in it.
- Recreating a job doing all the things you should do instead of building a business based on what you love to do
- Feeling immense dread knowing that what you “have to do” to pull of your big vision will take away the freedom you deeply desire
If you are running on empty you may have a sense of hopelessness. You may not know what to do differently…you just know you want it to be different!
This stage of our evolution has information about what needs to shift in order to achieve our next level of impact on this planet. Avoiding the emptiness with business will just make it worse. If you are feeling empty I invite you to embrace it so we can move you through it.
Here are a three ways to start filling your tank again:
1. No matter how hard it is, take more time off from your work. This is essential to recharge your batteries and get some perspective again.
2. Pay attention to your thoughts. If you tend to say things like: “To achieve my dream I have to give up X” then try this: “I achieve my dream AND I have more time for X.” By claiming that both have to be true your problem solving mind will start to find ways for that to happen.
3. Surround yourself with people who share your values. Learning from people who are driven by values that you don’t share will only cause you to feel more empty inside. When you learn and grow with people who share your desires AND are successful, you’ll have much more fulfillment.
Take some time to refuel your tank and re-energize your business. When you do, you’ll experience amazing opportunities that just seem to drop into your lap. You’ll be inspired to serve more people. You’ll be a better you.
What do you think? Love to hear your comments below…
Melanie Benson Strick, the Big Idea Catalyst, helps thought leaders uncover the biggest way to unleash their brilliance without losing their sanity or their soul. With over 12 years in corporate America and eight years as a business owner, Melanie works exclusively with big thinking, heart-based entrepreneurs who are frustrated trying to run a successful business. Co-author of Entrepreneur.com’s “Start Up Guide to an Information Marketing Business” and faculty member for StomperNet, Melanie has a solid reputation for authentic but direct training and mentoring on 6 figure plus business success.
20 comments
Unplugging, getting away from the day to day responsibilities and technology … even for a day works wonders for me to recharge.
Sometimes we just need to take a step back and hear ourselves think or hear nothing but silence and reconnect with our highest purpose.
Sometimes nothingness is everything.
Live Your Dreams,
Jill Koenig
Well said Jill, always honored when you stop by and share your insights.
Melanie, to know you have the ability to reach such status or what we have been taught from youth as status, will always allow you to shed any fear of starting anew.
I will concur with you that money isn’t everything. This is especially true if it means not respecting your inner beliefs in order to hit certain mile stones, levels of status or wealth. Now, it is nice when we have a little spare change for making a change!
I will tell you I have followed you off and on over the years. I was in Ali Browns program for sometime before I felt it was time for me to move on. Ali is spectacular and I always recommend her to others. I’m honest when I say it was not within me to spend the kind of money she asks in order to move up the pecking order. Yes, the connections are invaluable and would always be welcomed. I have found with genuine sincerity. I have been able to accomplish this a little at a time.
Like in your post you shared. I would have to sacrifice what goes against my grain, and I’m just not willing to do so.
Melanie, the strength you have gained and the new focus you have created for yourself shall take you anywhere you choose to go.
If I may be of help in any way, please feel free to ask. It is a standing offer.
Best of luck,
Steve
In gratitude for your post Steve, thank you. Thanks for the offer of support, you never know when I may just take you up on it!
Gulp! Did you write this for me, Melanie? This is what I’ve been secretly feeling and sharing with a few people, but just today I heard the same thing from several thought leaders I love and respect. It comes down to this — success on everyone else’s terms is not success after all. It’s time for a sea change. You just confirmed it.
Juicy stuff Rhonda. I know I went through this to be a catalyst for the other thought leaders who are feeling it. Its caused me to massively change many of my program offerings and refocus my entire work on how to help people get re-energized for their Bigger Idea. =-) So glad to know it’s hit the mark for you.
Juicy stuff Rhonda. I know I went through this to be a catalyst for the other thought leaders who are feeling it. Its caused me to massively change many of my program offerings and refocus my entire work on how to help people get re-energized for their Bigger Idea. =-) So glad to know it’s hit the mark for you.
Melanie
Thank you for being open and honest about this important subject. there are so many of us that feels this way, but we are afraid to admit it.
I appreciate you being transparent and giving us ideas to fill our tank again. I really needed to hear this!
Keep It Coming
Nikki Curry
Melanie, like I said above the offer is always open and take me up on it anytime you wish!
Steve
I am a business consultant and in my pracitce I run into many business owners who are running on empty. It is very frustrating to them to realize that the business they created does not support thier values. For example,they say that their family and health is a priority but have no time to invest in either. I thank you for your article and helping create awareness abouthis very important subject.
A, I didn’t even realize how many people were on empty until I started to feel this way — and talk about it. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Melanie,
I was introduced to you about six weeks ago and have enjoyed being a subscriber. Thank you for sharing your journey. As a new author and business owner, I find myself distracted by what others are doing and their success. When allowed, it can be discouraging, as I question, “How do I get there?” Yet, I also see people doing business in a way that doesn’t align with my values. Thank you, Melanie, for reminding me to keep my feet on the ground and on purpose. My passion is to make a difference, but I don’t want to lose sight of my priorities and I want to enjoy the journey, too. I accept that my business with evolve, change and grow. I will be attending Adam’s event next week and I will look forward to meeting you. Thanks again, Melanie. Blessings, Julie
Well Julie welcome! I’m totally on board with keeping your feet on the ground (mine too). Enjoying the journey is probably the single most important part that many of us lose sight of. Congrats for staying true!
Wow! Thanks for sharing all of this personal stuff coach! I was first attracted to your “old branding” based on a desire for more money and freedom. But now I also really appreciate knowing about these hidden nuances so as i build my biz i can avoid the pain you mentioned and build something that is true to me – the FIRST time! Way to go for being so brave in sharing your laundry so your community can learn!
Robert, I always smile when I see your comments. I must admit that sharing my more vulnerable moments is pretty scary. And yet, I see how everyone responds and I know that my journey is about being transparent — the good AND the not as good. So glad you are continuing to learn and grow as I evolve. You are a rockstar!
Hi Melanie,
and can so relate to that feeling of running on empty. At the beginning of Lent this year, I made a commitment to give up Stress for the season. I have put my experience into two blog posts and have been quite the source of chuckles and uh-huhs? whenever I mentioned it. What it has been for me however is an exercise in taking time away from the business and recharging my battery. I have a weekly appointment with my yoga instructor. That one small shift in my schedule has made ALL the difference in my outlook! Great post – I’ve already shared it!
I found your blog via NittyGriddy and so glad that I did. I have a PR/marketing biz and work primarily with small biz owners and entrepreneurs. I also have a family (2 kids under the age of
Erica, so glad we connected and thanks for sharing your experience of overcoming the feeling of empty. Look forward to hearing more insights from you!
Hello Melanie,
Thank you for the post.
I didn’t realize I have been running on empty, but makes a lot of sense. Lack of motivation, lack of clear focus, unwillingness to get too involved.
Looks like an extended vacation or some world travels might be in order. I have been wanting to travel and write the stories of people’s triumphs over tragety and how they came to do the work they love.
What would you suggest to someone who maybe needs a radical change and a kick out of the nest?
All my best,
Lauren Anne Weaver
Hi Melanie,
Just wanted to tell you (again) how much I admire you for sharing so much of yourself with people. You have given me the courage to do the same with others – and to be really, REALLY honest with myself about what I really need right now – to slow down, breathe deeply and take a good look at where I am and what’s beckoning and give myself what I need before I jump into it. I did a video post on my blog (it’s the URL I entered above) on a recent epiphany I had – it’s the most personal video I’ve ever posted and I almost didn’t do it. Then I though of how inspired I have been by what you have shared and figured what the hell! I still have no idea where all this is leading, but I have faith and take comfort in knowing that I am not alone.
Many blessings to you.
Diane
Wow, what you wrote really spoke to me. Why bother invest so much precious time, effort and resources in a business if it leaves you drained and empty?
I’m reflecting deeply on this one and the need to tap into what gets me fired up and feeds my soul and how to connect with others around that!