Sometimes it is difficult to muster the strength and energy to do much of anything -let alone run a business. I like to call it my battle within. In the past, this battle has hindered my ability to keep projects, focus on tasks, and -where my business endeavors matter- manage and maintain my business.
I can’t pinpoint the first time that I battled the battle within. I can remember as a kid that I would suddenly lose interest in the things I love to do. I usually kept myself preoccupied with books, music, and studying -usually I’d bounce among the various topics. When I’d get bored doing one thing for a period of time, I’d stop it and move to something else. This continues to this day -albeit much more randomly.
My emotions, as an adult, are much stronger than they were as a kid. I’m not sure if this is due to being an adult -physiologically- or whether it is due to the natural progression of bipolar disorder (if there is such a progression). When it comes to battling the battle within, my emotions definitely have more of a contribution. At times when I lose interest in my work, I find that I am met with a more depressed, melancholic state. Not quite a low -but definitely not a high. It’s not full on depression though.
During these times, nearly all work is put on hold -as the battle rages inside me. I listen to music, try to maintain myself from wanting to break down and cry, and -most importantly- do what I can to prevent the low from spiraling into full blown depression. Usually, I can control it to some degree. Time matters more in that regard then anything else.
Somehow, I have to find a way to continue working during these periods. Unlike physical labor, it’s difficult to maintain intellectual work as my thoughts race quickly. I’m sure if I were doing more physical work, I could just put some headphones in and get down to business. Does that mean I’m in the wrong profession? No, just have to find a way to make it happen.
And it is that last sentence that matters the most. No matter the battles raging inside your mind, your heart, or anywhere else, you have to find a way to keep things going. You have to find a way to make it happen. That’s what life is about after all. The sun will still rise and the moon will still go through its phases. In time, those battles will dissipate and you’ll be on some sort of normal. You just have to find a way to make it happen.
If you like this article, please feel free to like and share it. Share the love!
Jason A Woodruff 