How to Reboot

It's inevitable. Every now and then you need a personal or professional reboot. 

Whether you just survived some massive stress, like moving - I know that one really well - or illness; need to refocus or revamp your business - yup, know those, too; or have to climb out of a rut (post-summer or otherwise), there are a few steps you can take to get back on track and move your work forward.

1. First things first, take a deep breath. Now, take another one. Before you can move forward, it's essential to acknowledge that bump in the road. It's more than likely it came from outside sources and, hence, is not your fault. Allow yourself ample time to get your head back on straight, and do whatever rituals you need to refocus. That could mean extra me-time, meditation, binge tv-watching, exercise, or taking up a hobby. Do something that makes you feel good and productive, as that will help to get your engine going.

2. Once you are settled out, regroup mentally. Remember your mission: what do you do and why do you do it? By the way, if you need to, now would be a great time to revamp your mission. 

Next, think of what you can do to get back on track. Make a list of at least 10 things.

Here are some project ideas to get you excited about your work.

- Refresh your LinkedIn profile

- Revamp your website

- Play with visuals: take photos or design graphics you can use for social media and blog posts

- Design and get new business cards

- Start a new blog post, book, or marketing campaign

There are also ongoing items you can do, as well, to reignite your visibility.

- Send "Hi, how are you?" messages to current and past clients and prospects

- Post helpful tips and resources on social media 

- Find events and attend them

- Reconnect with old friends

- Check HARO (helpareporter.com), and respond to  queries related to your expertise.

3. Jump in with both feet. Check your list. Pick a big-picture item to work on. Plus, do at least one of your ongoing items each day..

Whether you work for yourself or someone else, use this as a guide to get out of a rut and get back on track. If you work on your reboot consistently, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get things going again.

What do you do when you have to refocus and reboot? Please share your experience and any tips in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is a writer, editor and project catalyst, as well as founder of The D*E*B Method: Goal Setting Simplified and Write On Online, a live and online writers’ support group. Like the Write On Online Facebook Page and join the Facebook Group.  She is author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, and host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat. Debra is an editor at Social Media Examiner and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.