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Restart Your Engine Feeling low on fuel? Turn your bad mood around, and get back on the fast track to success.

By Romanus Wolter

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Our moods vary all the time, based on what we have orhaven't accomplished or by the satisfaction of our customers.As entrepreneurs, we are always trying to discover new ways toremain positive so we don't lose momentum.

Even the highest achievers have off days. However, experiencehas taught them that it's not how you feel, but rather what youdo that defines the outcome of your success.

When you lose momentum, it takes a lot of energy to re-energize.Fortunately, there are some hidden rules that can help you turnyour negative or stalled energy into positive progress:

1. Time may equal money, but it also equals wisdom. Relyon your ability to learn from experience rather than letting itdrag you down. As you grow your business, you are venturing intountested territory--so stop worrying about always performing atyour peak. There will be high-energy times when you have morebusiness than you can handle and slow times when you are learningwhat to do next. Be willing to take time to acquire thatwisdom.

2. The best luck comes from hard work. The universe maybe a factor in your success, but it needs your help. Stop lookingfor a lucky break, and take action. If you are stuck on whatspecifically to do or how to take positive steps, choose one ofyour "I'll do it when I have time" ideas, and writeit down on a piece of paper. Then simply put down two actions youcan take to move the idea toward reality. The act of working onsomething new will charge your energy and reignite yourimagination.

3. If you are stuck, step outside of what you know.People are there to help; you just need to ask. Call a person whoseopinion you trust, and seek some simple advice: "What is onething I can do right now to gain exposure for my business?"They may suggest something relatively easy, such as updating yourWeb site, calling one of their contacts, or sending an e-mail toprevious clients. Others look at the world differently than you doand can provide new insights.

4. Yes, I can! It's so much easier to worry than it is totake action. You don't know what you're capable ofuntil you step up to the challenge. So stop making excuses for whyyou can't accomplish something--be proactive. Don't letyour insecurities stop you. Some of your greatest achievements canhappen when your ego is low and your underlying creative genius isallowed to break free.

It's important to limit your lows by becoming"opportunity ready." Instead of overanalyzing, simply acton ideas that people present to you. The unexpected rewards--plusthe wisdom you gain--will keep your momentum going and yourbusiness growing.

Editor's note: Looking for our "Countdown toStartup" series? We've compiled it into one easy-to-usefeature. Click hereto read it.


Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The Kick StartGuy," is author of Kick Start Your Dream Business.

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