5 Tips to stay motivated in your business
In the early days of launching a new business, it's pretty standard for our motivation levels to be super high. We complete tasks at breakneck speed, chasing down goals and achieving wins along the way.
And then, something happens. Something comes along and disrupts our flow and before we know it, we are sitting on the floor looking at our ever-growing to-do list and wondering how on earth it will ever all get done.
Where did our motivation go?
I'm often asked how I stay focused and motivated in my businesses (multiple businesses truth be told) so today I'm sharing my top 5 tips to help you regain your momentum and get back on track.
Before we proceed, I must caution that the following tips WILL GET results, so if you are not looking for a change, stop reading now.
If you are tired of feeling like you have reached the bottom of your self-motivation bucket, then this post is for you!
Let's go!
Mission critical
This may seem simple but it is so often overlooked. You can't be motivated and inspired if you are not clear on what it is you are trying to build and achieve.
Have a clearly defined mission statement and/or vision (or both if you want extra points) is CRITICAL for staying focused and motivated.
Your mission sets the direction for you and/or your business. It's your mountain peak. Your nirvana. The ultimate destination and it is often a refined version of the original idea that leads you to start your business to begin with.
Ever wonder why it was so 'easy' to stay motivated at the start? Simple. You had the vision front of mind. You knew what you wanted to create and you got to work.
Then life happens. We have priorities and needs pulling us in all directions at all times. We juggle. We schedule. We over-commit and while we cram all these new things in our mind and our schedule, our original mental picture of what we were building has all but vanished.
Get clear on your mission.
Write it down. Read it out loud. Record it. Sing it. Dance it! Whatever you need to keep in front of mind. This is your true north. Put it somewhere prominent so you have a frequent reminder of what it is you are creating and working towards.
Hop tip: Schedule a daily reminder into your phone that includes your vision.
Create a Routine
The hardest part is starting. So what makes starting difficult? Being unclear on where to start.
Creating a morning routine gets around all that.
In all my time as an entrepreneur, this has been my go-to habit when things start to feel a little wonky. My morning routine involves some quiet time, before everyone in the house is awake, so I can think about my day ahead.
What is the most important thing for me to accomplish that day?
What will move me closer to my most important goal?
I also use this time to revisit my mission. I sit there for a few moments and visualise my goal. I take a few moments to enjoy that visualisation before the rest of the day creeps back in. Trust me when I say this is a super powerful way to spark your morning mojo! I usually end my morning routine feeling refreshed, focused and supercharged!
If a morning routine is not your thing, try an evening routine, or a midday lunchtime routine.
The time of day is not important. What is important is that the time of day is consistent, and what you do at that time is consistent. Focus on your goals. Reflect on what you have already accomplished. Narrow your sites on what needs to be done next, and then get to work!
Technology Helps
Technology can be a great tool for staying motivated!
I use my phone to set reminders throughout the day on my goals and important tasks making sure everything gets completed. I use my digital calendar to plan my time so that all the important tasks get done, plus I can scan ahead to see what commitments and milestones I have coming up to make sure I stay on track.
Another way you can harness technology to stay focused and motivated is the concept of time blocking. Working in 20, 30, 60 or even 90 min focused blocks can be a great productivity booster. Some of my clients prefer short blocks, others like the longer sessions. Play around the time period and see what works best for you. Set your alarm on your phone, put it into "do not disturb mode" and your off!
Between these blocks of dedicated time, you can check emails or respond to messages, but work this into its own dedicated block of time so it doesn't get out of hand. We all know how addictive a good Facebook feed can be if we are left unsupervised.
Get inspired!
Some days we need a little inspiration boost and when days like these surface, I say go for it!
A daily dose of inspiration doesn't have to be a super time-consuming activity. Listening to a podcast, taking a walk around the block, sketching out a new idea or collection, or simply sipping on some tea while soaking in a great view, can all be great ways to restore and recharge the mind.
Rest
If you feel like you have been burning the candle at both ends and that your motivation and focus is at about minus 10, it may be that you are overtired and in need of some sleep.
Sleep deprivation will bring even the most positive person to their knees eventually, but why let it go that far.
Getting enough sleep is vital to maintaining focus and momentum in your business. Even if it means some tasks might not get done today, know that most of the time, that is perfectly okay. The world will not end. Write them down or pop them in your calendar for tomorrow and head to bed.
After a good night of rest, you will probably find the tasks much easier and much quicker to complete the next day.
Staying motivated and focused can be a challenge for most entrepreneurs. If you are feeling a little flat or lacking your usual level of self-motivation, don't fret. You are not alone. Work on incorporating my tips into your day for a motivation boost to get you back on your way.
Do you have other motivation tips? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you and you can reach me at [email protected]
