Lately I’ve noticed some interesting changes about my motivation. I find that when I watch a lot of doom and gloom news, I lose my steam. It’s also easy to realize how much time I could waste away if I watch TV during my work day. So, I figured you might be facing these same issues too and wanted to offer some suggestions to help.

1.  Get TiVo or DVR

Rather than completely deny yourself your favorite daytime shows, try recording them to watch during a non-work time. Not only can you reduce your overall viewing time by fast forwarding through the commercials (well, except that adorably funny E-trade baby), you can also avoid interrupting your work day.

By recording these guilty pleasures and time shifting your viewing, you also avoid the resentment that comes from having to give them up completely.  It’s an effect I call the “bonbon jealousy effect” – that sinking feeling that if you were only more successful or rich or clever that you could be sitting on the sofa eating bonbons watching Oprah instead of working. Well, by using TiVo or DVR, you can have the best of both worlds!

2.  Do a mind-body connection reality check

When you are listening to the latest breaking report about an airplane crash, or war, or economic recession, take a deep breath and ask yourself how you are feeling. Are you jittery? Depressed? Anxious? Tense? Is this the feeling that you want people to feel working with you? If not, don’t choose it for your own environment either. You will absorb that negativity and you will pass it on, either to your kids, or your partner, or your clients. Dump the gloom.

I understand that you need to stay informed. But, do you have to watch hours of news about a catastrophe? You’d be better off taking action, like donating to the cause, or spending the precious time you have in this life with your family. And, more importantly, how much time do you spend watching uplifting, inspirational stories or maybe light  hearted comedys? Shift the ratio a bit and you will notice it’s easier to work and stay happy. I personally recommend the laughing babies you can find on YouTube. Major medicinal value for your spirit…

3.  Online video viewing counts as “TV”

I can’t tell you how many people I talk to that say they don’t “watch TV” but they spend hours online watching videos. Even a Twitter freak like me recognizes the perils of too much computer surfing. Not only will your arms, fingers, and shoulders begin to ache from overuse, but your eyes will start twitching and you’ll feel exhausted from viewing a glowy box for so long.

Commit to a window of time when you’re allowed to watch and absolutely, without exception, schedule time unplugged too. Sunshine is a marvelous thing and long distance viewing (versus close in like when you are watching your computer monitor) will preserve your eyesight. And, the life balance that occurs from incorporating various methods of interfacing with other people will help keep you on track.

My last thought is this – go for the good stuff. Watching reruns just to zone out isn’t really the best option. If a movie you’ve already watched comes on at 2 am when you have insomnia, don’t just zone out – make it special. Pop some popcorn, drink some wine, whatever, but refuse to participate in passive entertainment unless you are living it up when you do it – especially if it’s been there done that material.

Entertainment and distraction is an essential part of staying creative. Numbing yourself out with video isn’t part of that equation. So, pass the remote and truly enjoy what you watch. It can be fun and it can be part of a work at home life.

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the  original SmartWoman

Contrary to some people’s belief, men watch Oprah. Some do it in secret, some openly, but they do (I’ve heard their confessions, so I can testify). These guys are real men, not “wussy” men. They watch, not because they have to, but rather because they want to. Of course there are those who only show up to keep their wives happy, but that doesn’t account for all of them (although you have to give a guy credit if he actively tries to please his wife, right?)

Why is this important for female entrepreneurs? Entrepreneurs, both male and female, but especially females, need a support group. They need people surrounding them who understand what they are working towards, what they are going through. Beyond business mentors and coaches, keeping ourselves involved with companions who nurture our emotional side as well as encourage our professional side is crucial to success.

You know about the “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” thing (Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex) It’s easy to assume unilaterally that men don’t “get” us but it’s simply not true.  And, maybe every man doesn’t relate but the ones who do are like gold.

Seek out the support you need from the men in your life. Let them in. Don’t put them down or tease them about getting in touch with their feminine side. Give them the space to add their viewpoint. Encourage them to encourage you.

As a simple exercise, invite your male loved ones to watch Oprah with you. Discuss the show. Listen to their opinion. Let them give to you. Be willing to share without requiring a “Yes, dear”. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t in sync in all ways, but find the ways that you are in tune. And, even if you are one of the women who doesn’t like Oprah, find ways to spend time and share your ideas, hopes, and dreams with the men you cherish and the men who cherish you. Your business will be enriched for it.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Sometimes I run across a website that literally takes my breath away. It is so well done, with such good information, that I just am impressed to the point of being speechless.

I found such a site at EvanCarmichael.com

EvanCarmichael.com offers motivation and strategies for entrepreneurs in an easy to navigate format. I firmly believe that you could start and run a business soley with the information you gain from Evan’s site. Ok, maybe you should keep reading SmartWoman Guides, but I think you get my point. It’s amazing!

You’ll find famous entrepreneurs throughout history profiled, more than anywhere else on the web. Modern, current day entrepreneurs and small business owners are there too, like Oprah, Donald Trump, and Sir Richard Branson. I would be shocked if you didn’t find something (many things) to inspire you.

You’ll find articles, forums, expert authors, business resources, and so much more. I got word today that you’ll be seeing SmartWoman herself (yes, ME, can you believe it?) as an expert author very soon.

This site gets thousands of people visiting every day, so it would serve you to go visit and get involved (and add your own website link) to one of their forums. You deserve to be on the same page as Oprah, don’t you? Of course you do!

Here’s more about Evan in case you want to know who you’re dealing with. If you scroll down to the bottom of his “About Me” page, you can see him doing a mean salsa too! I love entrepreneurs that enjoy Life,  don’t you?

So, if you want high quality information, and tons of it, about being successful as an entrepreneur and small business owner, go visit EvanCarmichael.com today…now.:-)

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

p.s. There are specific forums for women entrepreneurs too. Enjoy!