As an entrepreneur, there will be many business challenges you will face. However, one of the most difficult aspects of business ownership is that feeling of isolation, which can crop up when you least expect it.
Here are 5 signs that you are too isolated and how to overcome them.
1. You Have Lost Sight of Where You Are Heading
It doesn’t matter where we work, we all need to be able to focus on the future and have some idea of where we are aiming for.
If we don’t, it is easy to falter. To combat this, you will need to constantly remind yourself of your goals, as this will make sure you are still on the right path. Thinking about the goals you want to achieve will reignite the fire within you. Write them down. Place them in a spot you will see them often. Never forget what ignited your dream in the first place.
2. You Feel Uncertain About Your Business
Is the phone going to ring today? Will my business survive? These questions can drive you mad, but 
when you are working on your own, they can start to consume you. Take a deep breath and remind yourself: the phone always rings several times a day and the business you are running is already succeeding. If you aren’t sure how much it should be ringing, reach out to a business coach or others in your industry. If you own a franchise, this is the time to pick up the phone and call a fellow franchisee for insight.
3. You Don’t Have a Life Outside of Your Business
When you are trying to make your business work, it can be easy to cut yourself off from the outside world. However, this is going to make you feel even more isolated. One of the main benefits of being a business owner is creating a fantastic work-life balance for yourself, so be sure to take the time to do this. Take a break from the office by going to the gym or doing something you love. Don’t stop building your own life just to build your business.
4. You Don’t Have Anyone to Talk To
If you spend most of your working life holed up in your office, you may feel as though there is no one you can talk to about the business and your concerns. That’s why it is important to have a friend or family member who understands the business and you. Being able to talk to them frankly about everything will help you to remove that feeling of isolation.
5. You Sit in Your Pajamas All Day
When you aren’t visiting clients and you don’t have to go into an office full of people, it is easy to stop making an effort when you get ready for work. However, making the effort to have a shower and get dressed can really invigorate you for the rest of the day. So, take a step back and think about the little things you have stopped doing since you started working from home. Then, make an effort to introduce them back into your life.
When you feel isolated, it is important you don’t beat yourself up. It is a natural human emotion, and we all need to interact with other people from time to time. It is one of the most common business challenges and is not a sign of weakness. By recognizing the signs of loneliness, you can start to change your working habits to make sure you overcome this feeling.
Do you ever feel isolated at work? How do you combat this? Comment below with your thoughts.
