The business world is mercilous.  Some people describe it as a "dog-eats-dog" world.  Although you realize pretty quickly you must stay on top of your game to excel and move forward, its not uncommon for people involved in business to take two steps forward and then, three or for steps backward. Heck, you may even sense you're making little or no progress at all. That kind of thinking could cause you restless nights. Do you wonder if your time and effort is really worth it?

You might ask yourself, "what happened to progress and growth?" Reality is that everyone's business isn't always growing. Business and markets experience periodic as well as inexplicable ups and downs. Some businesses can't cope, then stagnate and even fold. If your own business circumstances aren't ideal, the money isn't flowing in at rates you'd like, and you're starting to feel a bit discouraged, its time to step back, reflect and refocus. What can you do?

1) Remind yourself why you started your business in the first place. If you feel in a slump and motivation is lacking, think back to what got your creative juices flowing in the first place.  What did you identify as the source of meaning in your venture? You got into business for your own reasons, and they were enough for you to take steps to get off the ground. These same reasons can ignite those fires and generate a new dose of enthusiasm. Happiness isn't something to pursue, but a feeling that ensues as you realize you do what makes you feel good.

2) Make the best of your situation. What matters is your capacity to turn life's curve balls into positive and constructive lessons. You're where you are now because you got yourself here. It's in your interest to make the most of this opportunity. How will you grow and apply lessons learned to make the business better? Turn your discouragement and doubt into the reasons why and how you'll redefine your level of professional achievement and sense of wider contributions.

3) Recognize benefits in accountability. To be optimistic indiscriminately won't be helpful. Nurturing faith in an upturn isn't realistic without gaining new understanding of what went wrong. What could you have done differently? What will you choose to do (or not) next time? Its in your interest to review past choices and to redefine new kinds of responsible action. Admiting mistakes doesn't define you as a failure, but rather, helps to explain why you'll better yourself. Identify a new course.

4) Laugh long, hard and often. In the end, the situation in front of you may seem to have a tragic side, but it will have ridiculous sides to it as well. What kind of misjudgments did you make? What sorts of foibles would be worthy of a theatrical production or a comic strip? What kinds of reactions did you experience from other people that dazed and bewildered you? Laughter isn't known as being "the best medicine" for nothing.  Tickle your funny bone, again!

5) Change your mind. Decide you don't really have reason to be discouraged after all. Warnings and threats to yourself, even ultimatums are less effective than simply deciding to have a change of heart. You define your focus, your perception and priorities. Why would it be in your interest to undermine your dreams and reasons for increased productivity? Don't overlook inner power.