![\"\"](\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Balancing-1024x821.jpg\" "\\"Balancing\\"")
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Part 2: Internal Conversations that Sabotage Our Efforts<\/strong><\/p>\n In part 1<\/a>, I looked at developing a Harmony Schedule for balancing your new business with a full-time job.\u00a0 In this blog, I examine one of the biggest obstacles in starting a business while holding a full time job; it has nothing to do with financial statements, but has everything to do with what we tell ourselves.<\/p>\n I come home from a long day at work and then sit in front of the computer ready to write a marketing plan. My internal dialogue tells me, \u201crelax, take it easy, you earned it.\u201d\u00a0 Two hours later, all I\u2019ve accomplished are looking at deals for a trip I\u2019m planning to Budapest.<\/p>\n I can justify this action as \u201cI just didn\u2019t feel like doing my marketing plan.\u201d After all, I set my schedule and as a budding entrepreneur, I can decide when I do something, can\u2019t I? Leo Babauta, in his blog, Zen Habits<\/a>, says that mood is a poor indicator of whether you should do something. \u00a0Doing whatever you feel like is not what it means to run a business.\u00a0 I would argue that the most successful entrepreneurs are those who pushed past their comfort zone.<\/p>\n When we start to pay attention to our internal dialogue, we see that it is not always walking in the same direction we are. Here are typical self-talks we have with ourselves and ways to re-focus and stay motivated:<\/p>\n Internal conversation:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m not good at cash flow or with numbers.\u201d\u00a0 Response:<\/strong> \u201cAll I have to do is take the first small step.\u00a0 Once I start, I\u2019ll be glad I did. Who says it needs to be perfect?\u201d<\/p>\n Internal conversation:<\/strong> \u201cJust this once won\u2019t hurt.\u201d\u00a0 Response:<\/strong> \u201cYes, \u2018just this once\u2019 does hurt. Let\u2019s not fall for our old thinking traps.\u201d<\/p>\n Internal conversation:<\/strong> \u201cI need to take it easy:\u201d Response:<\/strong> \u201cRight now I need to stay focused. I have been presented with a great opportunity and a great idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Internal conversation:<\/strong> \u201cI need a break:\u201d Response:<\/strong>\u00a0 \u201cI need a short break. I\u2019ll give myself 15 minutes to go and grab a snack, then get back to work \u2013 wonderful projects await me.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course our bodies and minds do need breaks.\u00a0 In my experience one of the biggest reasons we sabotage our efforts is because we have nothing to look forward to during the week. Your body and mind need rejuvenation and inspirational breaks. These breaks don\u2019t have to be long but knowing they have been scheduled ahead of time will allow you realize that a reward awaits you when you accomplish something that you consider a challenge.\u00a0 You are developing new habits.<\/p>\n