How To Stay Motivated as an Entrepreneur
That “entrepreneur life” isn’t easy! It takes lots of hard work, consistent effort, constant attention. Even with systems in place to automate, one down day, week, month can send us into a funk — or worse — a panic!
How can we stay motivated even on the tough days? Here are few suggestions:
Celebrate even the small wins!
Really! Celebrate them! Write them down! Keep a list so you can check it on the days you’re not feeling especially successful or accomplished. It can seem counterintuitive, especially if we were brought up to be humble and not to “brag” about ourselves or our accomplishments! But do celebrate! You deserve it! Even if you’re the only one at the party!
Stay Up to Date with Current Events and Current Tools and Resources!
General knowledge of world events is crucial. Even more so as an entrepreneur we need to be aware of current affairs — trends, patterns, behaviors, thought processes. Research new products released to determine if they can help accomplish productivity goals and streamline and automate your process.
Schedule Time For Self-Care
We can get so caught up in the busy-ness of our business that we forget to take time to refresh and regroup. It’s okay to take a day off — really! But it helps to schedule it, put it on your calendar, so you can plan appropriately, Spend a few extra minutes daily to take care of necessary tasks so you can have a block of time available to take time off.
Self-care can look like dinner with a friend or spouse, or going to the gym, getting a mani, pedi, or massage can contribute to our mental health and wellness! Take a day trip, or walk around the neighborhood, or at a park or go biking or swimming. You get it — whatever you enjoy! Like work, even a little bit matters.
Keep a To Do List — But Be Sure to Add Deadlines
It’s great to write down a list of all the tasks we need to complete, but without deadlines, our list is just a wish list! Also, schedule tasks based on your energy level or group like tasks together.
If you are more energetic and focused early in the day do the things that require more mental energy and attention then. Plan other tasks based on urgency and estimated length of time to accomplish.
Keep Good Records. Know Where You Are and Where You’re Headed
Keep track of all purchases, sales, supply/production costs and income as it occurs. Don’t wait until tax time to gather financial information! Even if you just keep a folder or gallon-sized zip-lock bag for each expense and income type! It’s best to use a simple business expense tracking software, or even a spreadsheet so you can stay organized and details don’t slip through the tracks!
Give Yourself Some Grace
You’re working hard! You have a dream that drives you every day! And you are driven! Remember to give yourself some grace when you don’t meet a goal or make a mistake! Nobody is perfect! Learn from your mistakes to get and be better in the future!
Believe in yourself! You’ve got this!
I shared a few of my small wins in the past week on Linked-In today.
You can find me in all the places at Linktree!
