Why do “funks” happen?
So, What Does This Have to Do With Building a Successful Business?
Quite a lot, actually. I’ve often wrestled with the idea of “work-life balance.” How do we really balance our personal and professional responsibilities in a way that feels sustainable? Is that even a realistic goal? Then, when you factor in your mental and emotional state—which can shift daily—it becomes even harder to stay focused on what mattered just yesterday. A tough conversation, a sleepless night, or feeling emotionally drained can completely derail your business priorities if left unaddressed.
How Do We Break Through the Mental Funk?
The first step is recognizing it. Instead of avoiding the foggy feeling or pretending it will pass on its own, we need to lean into it and examine what’s really going on. Think of it like a leaky faucet—ignoring it doesn’t fix the problem. Over time, that small drip can turn into a major issue. Likewise, ignoring your mental funk can lead to deeper burnout, lost motivation, or bigger setbacks.
The solution? Take one step toward the problem. Reflect on what might be behind your mood or lack of drive. If the answer isn’t clear, reach out to someone you trust—a friend, colleague, coach, or counselor. Often, someone who isn’t in the middle of our situation can see it more clearly and offer insight we’ve missed. Getting perspective is sometimes the first real breakthrough.
5 ways to reset your mental state
1. Reconnect to our “Why”
Sometimes the fog rolls in when we’ve been too focused on tasks and lost sight of our mission. Reconnecting to our “why” brings purpose back to our efforts.
Example:
Susan, a consultant who works with non-profits, found herself burned out and uninspired after 18 months of nonstop client work. She revisited the mission statement she wrote when she started the firm. Help organizations expand their social impact. She then reviewed some success stories from past clients and even scheduled some coffee dates which reignited her sense of purpose.
Try This: Write down why you started your business and what impact you want to make. Keep this visible on your desk or wall.
2. Create structure when you feel scattered
Mental funks often happen alongside chaos. Unfinished tasks, missed deadlines, and low energy. A simple system or new routine can help anchor your day.
Example:
Tom, a freelance graphic designer, felt overwhelmed by client demands and had stopped reaching out for new leads. He implemented a 3-hour block every morning focused solely on business development—emails, proposals, and prospecting. After two weeks, his clarity and momentum returned.
Try This: Identify your most impactful task each day and schedule it for your peak energy window. Use a planner or calendar to structure your week.
3. Change the environment
Your physical space impacts your energy and productivity. A small change in scenery or routine can stimulate new thinking.
Example:
Marisol, an online course creator, started working twice a week at a local coworking space instead of her kitchen table. She found herself more alert, social, and inspired and even landed a new client through casual conversation.
Try This: Rearrange your office, work from a new location, or go for a walk during brainstorming. New environments can break stale thought patterns.
4. Collaborate to Re-Energize
Isolation is a major contributor to mental funks, especially for solo entrepreneurs. Connecting with others creates accountability and fresh energy.
Example:
After months of feeling stuck, Steve, a small business owner, joined a mastermind group of other entrepreneurs. Through biweekly calls, he gained insight, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Try This: Reach out to a colleague for a co-working session, join an online community, or attend an industry meetup. Collaboration fosters momentum.
5. Focus on Micro-Wins
A funk can make everything feel like a mountain. Focusing on micro-wins; small, measurable successes can rebuild confidence and progress.
Example:
Katie, a digital marketing strategist, challenged herself to complete one five-minute task a day toward a big launch. After a week, she felt more excited and inspired. Little steps led to big breakthroughs.
Try This: Choose three small actions each morning and complete them before noon. Momentum builds through consistent, achievable steps.
In Conclusion
Mental funks are not signs of failure, they are signs, symptoms and/or signals. They point to a need for rest, realignment, or reconnection. Rather than powering through with guilt or frustration, give yourself permission to acknowledge the feeling and choose a new approach.
Whether it’s by remembering your mission, designing a better routine, changing your scenery, reaching out to others, or celebrating micro-wins, you have more control than you think. Business development is as much about emotional agility as it is about strategy.
Stay curious, stay connected, and stay kind to yourself. Your next breakthrough may only be a mindset shift away. Looking to explore your “funk” and how to move out of it? Give me a call for a free 15 minute coaching session @ 440-212-4987.