Do you know what one of the top reasons small businesses fail is?  It’s actually not because they don’t make money.  It’s because of burn-out.  Have you ever felt burned out?  Like life might be a lot easier if you just had a simple, reliable job with a steady paycheck and no responsibility?Don’t worry, we’ve all felt like that at some point.  But how do you overcome it?

Let me sidestep for a moment.  My wife and I are expecting our first child any day now (she’s 39 + weeks pregnant… and begging for labor to start).  Recently (between doctor’s appointments and packing bags for the hospital), I’ve been wondering if things would be less complicated if I didn’t run my own business.

I know the answer: YES.  But here’s the thing, when I look at my wife, and I think about my daughter, and I think about all my clients, I remember that there is nothing in life I’d rather be doing.

Look, we all have moments of weakness and frustration. Times when we think “wouldn’t it be easier if…” or “I’m all out of great ideas to grow my business. So how do we get over that hump?

Here’s what I do: I look at my book shelf and thumb through my books for inspiration.  I visit the blogs of other marketers for ideas.  And then I stop, take a deep breath, and look at my wife.  I look at my home, my animals, and our daughter’s nursery.  That’s all the inspiration and help I need.

What’s most important in your life?  It could be family, it could be your hobbies, it could be your pets, or even your clients.  When you hit a road block (be it burn-out or just a lack of motivation), take a long hard look at what matters most to you.  That’s why you’re doing it… and that’s what can get you over the hump.

Good luck!

Jared Young
www.OriginalQuill.com/blog

PS: Speaking of books, that book I told you about last week–still working on it (slowly).  Great stuff inside it’s pages.  Once I get through it, I’ll give you the name.  In the meantime, did you check out Word of Mouth Marketing?  What’d you think?  I’d love to hear your thoughts…

PPS: If you missed that email about Word of Mouth Marketing, you can check it out on my blog at http://www.originalquill.com/blog/?p=14