It happens in business and in life. Whatever project or idea we’re working on comes to a stopping point. Sometimes the abrupt halt comes from an external obstacle like a lack of money or people, but other times the stumble is internal. We run out of energy. Another project captures our attention. We just lose faith in what we’re doing and why. If you’re experiencing this, know that you are NOT ALONE and there are ways around it.

In my life, I’ve found that hitting the wall usually has meaning, but it isn’t always what we think it is. Yes, sometimes it is an indicator that we need to stop and other times it is just a sign that we need to take a different direction or back off for a bit. But how do you know? I’ve come up with three steps to take to see whether this wall is truly a barrier or just a minor detour or annoyance:

1. Take a break. That’s right, sometimes you just need to step back from a situation, let the emotion settle, and then look at it again. When we’re in the middle of something it is very hard to observe it objectively. With some separation and diversion of our attention, the solution can become clear.

2. Ask a friend or mentor for help. Sometimes we’re afraid to tell someone else what we’re thinking, especially if we’re thinking about quitting something, for fear that they’ll think we’re stupid or just weak. If you have the right friends and personal advisors (or even better, a Mastermind Group!), they’ll help you work through the issue and look at it from different perspectives.

3. Take action. Getting stuck in analysis paralysis adds to the frustration. Many times, just taking action – even if it’s small – can help kick-start the forward motion. Even if it is the wrong action, if it is small enough it can be righted and at least it got you moving!

The philosophy that works for me is to choose not to focus on the obstacles because I’ve found that increases your chances of hitting them. You have to acknowledge them, but then focus on the path around them, the Path Forward.

How do you deal when you hit the wall? Any tried and true ways to forge ahead??

Lessons about work and life turn up in the most unsuspecting places.

As some of you know, I am trying to learn how to juggle. It seems silly, really, but my goal is to be able to add it to my work/life balance presentations. What better visual of how hard it really is to juggle our lives than to try juggling some balls!

So I haven’t been practicing as much as I should but I have been asking around for a Juggling Coach. Yes, I put that intention out there and the universe answered in an unbelievable way. Last week, I started training a group of awesome women entrepreneurs from South Africa and took my juggling balls with me to see if any of them knew how to juggle and could teach me. No such luck. HOWEVER, as we were leaving a late-night reception around 8:00 pm, we came upon the UMBC Juggling Club, one of many juggling clubs in the area. Who knew!? I was actually ready to continue walking by when my fellow ACTiVATE instructor Renee Lewis (standing next to me in the photo below) pulled me over to them. “You’re not missing this opportunity.” Thank goodness for friends.

We spent the next 45 minutes with a couple of student members of the juggling club as they, well, taught us to juggle. In that brief training session I learned some important lessons not only about mastering the art of juggling but also about life and work:

1. Relax. Don’t try so hard. Just let it happen.

How many times do we take ourselves and whatever crisis we’re reacting to at the moment too seriously? There is a difference between working hard and struggling. I don’t think it is supposed to be a struggle if you’re in the right place pursuing the right things.

2. Slow down. Take the time to find the rhythm and work into it.

Not unlike #1, but distinct in important ways. So often we get going so fast because we think everything is a race. If we can learn to plan a little bit better, we don’t have to live in last-minute mode. I should learn to take my own advice on this one.

3. You will mess up. Accept it and get over it. Oh, and try not to hurt anyone.

Failure is a given when you’re trying something new or big. Be OK with that. I know I’ve said it a million times, if you’re not failing you’re not taking enough risks. Just make sure you learn from it and move on without taking anyone else out along the way.

4. Get bigger balls.

Really! The balls I was trying to learn with were too small. I’ve ordered a set of heavier ones and I’ll let you know how that goes. As for the life and business lessons, I’m going to be careful here because this could get ugly. My point here is that even though it seems like it would be harder to juggle larger objects it is actually easier when you’re training your muscles to remember the motion. You can’t be afraid of what you think might be harder because in reality, it might be just what you need to continue moving forward.

So the bottom line on this for me: be careful what you put out there in the universe – you might just meet a crazy band of jugglers and learn something unexpected! Oh, and the Juggling Club is in the UMBC Commons every Wednesday night from 8:00 - 10:00 pm. They claim that they can teach anyone to juggle if they really want to. Anyone want to join me??

Please help me welcome my special guest blogger, Tonya Taylor, with some great advice for any business owner or anyone who feels intimidated by technology….

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How many of us knew how to walk, talk or do anything when we were first born? NONE! As we grew from an infant to a toddler we learned you had to crawl before you walk. That same philosophy holds true as an entrepreneur, however when it comes to technology we let 4 of the most dangerous words in the English language stand in our way…

“I DON’T KNOW HOW!”

So many women are not investing in technology or training for their business or themselves. Having no (or poor) technology doom most who try, and prevent others from even trying. They are constantly working harder not smarter because they are afraid of technology.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying an accountant can try, then, instantly become a database programmer, nor can a real estate agent morph into a web designer. Even if you aren’t particularly savvy with technology, that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of it.

Some entrepreneurs fear of technology, lead them to utter those 4 words (not to be confused with four letter words, that’s another topic!) more often than they realize. As a result, it’s hard–overwhelming to get started.

When was the last time you updated your internet (web) browser software? “I DON’T KNOW HOW!” Regular software updates can provide better and quicker service and are crucial to keeping your home office computer or your home office network as secure as possible.

When was the last time you updated your Office templates? “I DON’T KNOW HOW!” Microsoft offers free templates for work, home, and play. Importing pre-designed templates into Microsoft can save you time and money.

When was the last time you attended technology training from your home or office just using your phone and computer? “I DON’T KNOW HOW!” WebEx offers free live and recorded webinars and webcasts from industry experts. Principal Financial Group offers free teleclasses for Women, from Leading Experts.

You get my point?

The challenge is for you to replace 4 of the most dangerous words in the English language with these “I WILL learn how” to use technology to propel my small business to the next level.

About the Author

Tonya R. Taylor, is an entrepreneur, consultant and publisher of 101 FREE Tools To Grow Your Business. Need to address tomorrow’s technology needs today?

“101 Free Tools to Grow Your Business” is a handy reference guide for small business owners who don’t want to waste MONEY. You’ll get the tools YOU need to power up your business fast! Visit www.101FREETools.com to get your copy of this special report.