By Tina Hilton of Clerical Advantage
Being a Home Office Warrior comes with a lot of wonderful perks like flexible schedules, being your own boss and more. But what many of us fail to share is that it can also come with a feeling of being alone, lack of motivation and fear. Of course, traditional careers come with all of that too, but when you’re working for someone else, staying employed tends to motivate you when these type of situations arise. When you’re self-employed , sometimes fear of failure can motivate, but it can also be paralyzing.
We’ve all been there. We may call it anything from writers block to being stuck in a rut, but no matter what you want to call it, you’re going to need to do something to get past it. Everyone is different, so I can’t say what will work for you, but I’d like to share the two things that I do when I feel paralyzed in any way.
I learn something new.
If you know what’s holding you back, find a book, blog or video by someone who obviously know what it takes to solve your dilemma. For example, a few months ago I didn’t know just what to do with my blog. I was posting on a regular basis, I had a small readership but my visitor stats were sitting still. So I went to blog expert and friend Grant Griffiths and signed up for his “31 Days to Kick Your Blog in The Butt” and actually did the things he suggested. Not only have I seen a steady increase in visitors, but it inspired me to share my own knowledge in my “Virtual Assistant Survival Series” which became the “Virtual Assistant Survival Guide“.
But what if you just feel stuck, with no particular reason why you have lost focus? You don’t just have to learn something business related. Always wanted to play golf? Make your own beaded jewelry? Become a better amateur photographer? Learn how. Having a hobby to escape to can be an amazing inspiration for your business. When we immerse ourselves in our businesses, as so many home office business owners tend to, it stands to reason that our brains go on business overload. The simplicity of disconnecting and doing something enjoyable or creative often is just the thing to help you regain your business focus.
I read or watch something I find inspirational
Currently it’s Jeffery Gitomer’s ” Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude: How to Find, Build and Keep a YES! Attitude for a Lifetime of SUCCESS” 
When I was first embarking on this adventure (both my business and my move from Maine to North Carolina) when I started questioning my sanity I pulled out my copy of “Under the Tuscan Sun” and watched as Diane Lane followed her heart , with all of the twists, turns, ups and downs along the way. So maybe a chick flick like that doesn’t do it for you, but I’m sure there’s a book or movie somewhere that does. Or maybe even a YouTube video. Seriously. Have you seen the lecture by Dr. Randy Pausch, “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”? If not, you owe it to yourself to head over there and watch it now. It could be the most inspirational hour you’ve spent on the computer…ever.
All of the experts will tell you that when you hit a wall with your business you need to take a step back. Often times that’s easier said than done. I’ve found that by using the two tips above it allows me to stop thinking so much about business and allows me to come back to it with a fresher outlook.
If you have questions concerning virtual assistance or have an interest in working with a virtual assistant you can contact Tina Hilton or visit her business website for Clerical Advantage.
What exactly is it you do?
It’s the holiday season, so it only seems right that I ‘give a little gift’ to the Virtual Assistant community.
As entrepreneurs, whether virtual assistants or any other business venture, we start out with a bright, positive outlook. We’re excited about what we have to offer and optimistic about how successful we’re going to be offering it to others. The excitement bubbles over and we attack whatever we need to do with gusto.
