Keep Going- Even When You're Tired

I'm tired. I've been traveling for the last couple weeks, attending and speaking at conferences in New York and North Carolina. I have been running strong and giving out a lot of energy. Yesterday I hit a wall. I kept thinking, "What's wrong with me?" but I know what's wrong. I'm just spent. My emotional energy is gone.

So how do I keep running two businesses and homeschooling 4 kids? Systems.

I read this morning that systems are just strategies repeated. I like that. Create a strategy and make a plan to repeat it over and over and over.

Today, even though I'm low on energy and I'm now drinking a large Caribou coffee and blasting music to try to perk up, everything is still running strong in my life. Here's how:

1. My employees know exactly what to do. They aren't waiting on me for instructions. They have an operations manual, they know their tasks for the day, and they've had extensive training so they know what to do.
2. My kids know what to do. I have chore charts and meal charts and task lists already written out. Everyone knows who is supposed to empty the dishwasher and wash the counter-tops. Even though I am dragging today, stuff is getting done.
3. My marketing is systemized. Even though I don't have much creative energy today, I will continue to get new clients today, but I have everything systematized. Everything runs without me because I designed it that way.

So everything is still running smoothly, but how will I re-fill my energy? I have a list of go-to actions that help restore the energy that I have given out to clients and colleagues. Last night I took a hot bath and read a book in the tub. I crawled into bed early and watched Netflix with my kids and then fell asleep while my husband played with my hair. Today, I'm diffusing Valor essential oils, listening to my favorite (encouraging) music, drinking my favorite coffee, and hiding out in my room. I need some alone time to recharge (even though I'm an extrovert). I need to recharge, just like my iPhone recharges every night.

Do you have a list of re-fueling, re-charging activities? When you're feeling good, make a list of your favorite things. Put the list on your dresser or desk and refer to it when you're feeling down. You have to know how to recharge and that's different for everyone!

Do you have systems in place? When you are down or sick or out of town, does everything fall apart? Or can everything keep running on time? If you are continually putting out fires, it's time to make a change. You need to STOP and make a strategic plan to get out of this rut. I can help. I'm a business strategist and we can get on the phone and make a plan together.  If you're too overwhelmed or tired to figure out a strategy or plan, I can help. Reach out. Let's turn this around for you so you can love your life and your business again.