How to stay motivated in a crisis

The COVID-19 virus has been hard on the small business community. Many people are staying away from stores and postponing face to face services, due to the continuing spread of the virus, with that comes revenue loss and the frustration of when things will pick back up. We don't know how long this will continue, and we know it's a lot to deal with. A whole lot. Too much in fact.

Relax. It's okay.

Many of us have been there, I, myself during the 2008 crisis. Job loss is scary, and since the virus is a threat to everyone's health, it's harder to figure out what happens next.

So what can happen next? What do you focus on if you can't perform your normal daily tasks? It might be time to reevaluate and prioritize. Since it may be a while before your business picks back up, this is the time to focus on parts of your business and life that you might have been ignoring.

So yes, while you might be binging your favorite new Netflix shows or playing that new video game to unwind, you have the opportunity to explore new avenues you were too busy to do before. Here are some ways to keep your motivation up while you're stuck indoors.

Learn New Tools or Research New Ideas

Being a small business owner means that you have to prioritize your time, and sometimes things get put on the back burner. It happens to the best of us! Now is a great time to make a list of all those ideas that pop up but you haven't been able to address.

Maybe you have been meaning to learn more about Google Analytics or SEO in general? (Psst..we can help with that if you want! Check out our SEO Go Service here) Or maybe you have been considering a new social media outlet for your business. You might be asking yourself “what is TikTok…..? “ or “is Instagram right for my business?” The answer to this may or may not be "yes," but now is a great time to find out!

Work On Your Website

Most Facebook groups have been asking the same question, "what are you going to do in your downtime?". A lot of the answers have been "work on my website". Yes, this is the best time to focus on your website. Your website acts as your business front, and people are still able to visit you right now. While you may not be able to meet with clients, you can always get clients to request future service and work on boosting your online sales.

You now have time to update outdated content, refresh your brand, relaunch with a 2021 ready website, and work on all those blogs you keep saying you're going write.

Zibster has made some huge updates to our platform this last quarter. We've added tons of new templates, bulk downloads, and a new scheduling tool.

Still not up to it? Our Pro Services Team can assist you with a website jumpstart, logo design, and tons of other services if you require them. Making your brand ready for the rest of the year is one thing you can easily do from home. Our team is prepared to assist you at all times.

Try A Different Outlet

Ok, so maybe you've hit a road block or just don't have the resources to accomplish your goals from home. Or perhaps you need a staycation from your job. You can use this time to do something entirely new! Write a book, create a podcast, start making music, or knit a scarf! There are tons of different ways to stay active, and stretching those creative muscles are great.

You can explore new interests or rediscover old hobbies that you have been too busy to pursue. You might be a great painter or a fantastic storyteller but don't know because you've never tried. Now is the time to see how far your creativeness can go.

Find Your Peace

It's time to cut out all of the distractions of what is happening in the world; it's one thing to stay informed, but finding balance and peace within your life is also necessary to keep you focused on your own needs. Anxiety can keep you from staying motivated, but you have to break through it. Yoga and working out within your home is a great way to keep your balance both mentally and psychically.

All those times you swore you'd work on yourself, it might be the time actually to do it. There are many great apps and youtube content out there to help you with your relaxation and exercise. Maybe disconnect from social media for a week or at least a few days. A healthier self and focused mind can lead to better decision making and creativity.

Stay Calm & Safe

The most important thing you can do while staying at home is practice safety and staying clam. If you have children, this is the time to be with them and help them understand what's going on. It's also an opportunity to collaborate with them. My daughter is very curious about photography, and now I have a chance to show her how to use a camera and let her do experiments. It allows us to bond over something we both like and spend more time together.

Take this time to care about your self and think beyond your skill sets. Take time to prepare your website, try something new, and relax. But most importantly, be safe!