As someone who runs your own business, you probably made some New Year’s resolutions regarding habits and practices around your business. But in case you missed it, February 9th was national “fall off the wagon day”. This term describes a day when a person tries a new habit, such as staying with a marketing plan, but suddenly loses motivation. National “fall off the wagon day” occurs about six weeks after those New Year’s resolutions were made. But falling off the wagon happens for various reasons, such as stress, boredom, or lack of willpower. Whatever the reason, "fall off the wagon day" can be discouraging, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world.

The first step in dealing with "fall off the wagon day" is recognizing that it's a common experience. Almost everyone has struggles with maintaining a productive work habit at some point in their career. However, it’s essential to remind yourself that this is a part of the journey and that it's okay to slip up from time to time.

Once you've accepted that you've fallen off the wagon, it's time to pick yourself up and get back on track. Start by analyzing  what triggered your lack of motivation. This helps you avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

Next, create a plan to get back on track. Set realistic goals that avoid setting yourself up for failure. For example, if you're planning on sending a marketing email on a bi-weekly basis, instead of forcing yourself to write the email in one sitting, try starting it and coming back to it in spurts.

Remember to be kind to yourself during this process. It's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk for falling off the wagon. However, such negative talk only makes it harder to get back on track. Instead, focus on the progress you've made and use it as motivation to continue.

Finally, if needed, seek support from friends, family, or coworkers if needed. Talking to someone who understands what you're going through can be incredibly helpful and motivating. “Fall off the wagon day" can be discouraging, but it's essential to remember that it's not the end of the world. By recognizing what went wrong, creating a plan to get back on track, and seeking support from others, you can climb back on the wagon and continue your journey towards a great productive year.