When entrepreneurs first start out, they're full of energy, drive, and passion and ideas about how to make their business a success. But as time goes on and they become accustomed to the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, it's not uncommon for them to start to lose that initial fire.
Rather than allowing their passion to slip further, entrepreneurs can take simple steps to realign themselves with their mission and values. Here, 12 people from Newsweek's Expert Forum share the piece of advice they'd give to an entrepreneur who's lost passion for their business.
1. Remember your original purpose and vision
My advice to entrepreneurs is to get back to your original purpose and vision. By reflecting on why you started your business in the first place and identifying what aspects of your work still resonate with you, you can reignite your passion, spark your creativity, realign your goals, navigate challenges with a renewed sense of purpose, and ultimately revitalize your business journey. – Anna Yusim, MD, Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting & Executive Coaching
2. Stop
Sometimes being present in the moment and reevaluating your “why” can be a powerful way to realign your passions. I believe taking the time to be quiet will bring the clearest answers. – Zaneil Harris, Harris & Harris Wealth Management Group, LLC
3. Give yourself time to process
I have been through many discouraging periods in my business where my carefully planned efforts came to a standstill. I took the time to process my emotions while running the business until I was healed. Once the pain was gone, passion returned. Instead of just stepping into a state of positivity, I encourage others to do the same. – Paula Oleska, Natural Intelligence Systems
4. Take a break
First, I want to acknowledge how common and real burnout is for entrepreneurs. Taking a walk or a short vacation can help you clear your mind and regain perspective. Additionally, talking to a mentor can be extremely beneficial, as they can provide insight and help you rediscover your original passion and purpose. – Jason Hennessy, Hennessy Digital
5. Remove all distractions
During my 35-year career, there have been many times when I have lost motivation. However, I have found that if I take a few days to relax and get away from all distractions, my motivation returns. During this time, I avoid using the internet, my phone, and any other noise. When I return to work after this break, I feel clearer, more focused, and more productive. – Tammy Sons, Tn Nursery
6. Revisit something that previously inspired you
If you feel like your passion is fading, consider resuming an old hobby, exploring a music genre that once inspired you, or spending time in nature. These activities can help you recharge from the pressures of everyday life, giving you space for clarity and renewed enthusiasm. Removing distractions gives space for your passion to flourish, paving the way for you to reignite your entrepreneurial spirit. – Leah Marone, Corporate Wellness Consultant
7. Consider a pilgrimage
I encourage entrepreneurs to go on a pilgrimage to rediscover their passion. I also encourage them to take the time to reconnect with the foundational vision and values that started them on their entrepreneurial journey. This can be considered an introspective retreat that blends strategic foresight with serious self-reflection. This is key in reigniting an entrepreneur's passion. To move forward, you must take a step back to identify your inspiration. – Kira Graves, PhD, Kira Graves Consulting
8. Explore new ideas
Feel free to explore new ideas without feeling pressured to execute immediately. Experimentation can lead to exciting projects that reignite your passion. – Britton Block, Navy Federal
9. Hire another leader to share the responsibilities
You may want to hire an experienced, trusted and capable leader to run the business – “turning the wheel” and generating revenue – while you focus on new business and strategy development. Otherwise, you may want to consider selling the business and starting anew. It all depends on your new goals in life. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
10. Rethink your “why”
Starting a business can be hard, even if you're passionate about it. Take a day away from the office and journal about your values and how they manifest in your daily life. Then reflect on why you decided to start a business in the first place and what motivates you to continue being an entrepreneur. – Karen Mangia, The Engineered Innovation Group
11. Take a few days off
We are all human beings who need a break from time to time. Taking at least a few days away to reconnect with yourself can help. Reflecting on past successes can also help you find your purpose again. – Krisztina Veres, Veres Career Consulting
12. Go back to why you started the company
If you feel like you've lost passion for your business, go back to the beginning and remember why you started the company. That motivation is what lit the fire of passion that kept you going through the tough times. That motivation may reignite your passion or help you realize that it's no longer valid and it may be time to step back. Either way, you'll have a better idea of the direction to go from there. – Henry Kurkowski, eWireless
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
