As I see it, although it’s normal for motivation to fluctuate from time to time, when you’re running your own business, your goal should be to have more time when you’re feeling motivated than time you’re not. I’ve listed 10 things here that help me. You may have your own. Either way, staying focused on WHY you’re doing what you’re doing is normally a great mood booster.
Being self-employed can be a lonely road to travel. Keeping going when the going gets tough isn’t easy. Motivating yourself as an SME owner can be crucial for maintaining productivity, resilience, and a positive mindset. Here are some things you can do to help you stay motivated:
1. Set Clear Goals: Clearly define your short-term and long-term goals for your SME. Break them down into actionable and achievable milestones. This clear direction and purpose can provide motivation and a sense of progress as you work towards your objectives.
2. Find Your Why: Connect with your personal and professional motivations for running the SME. Reflect on the reasons that inspired you to start the business. Understanding your “why” can help you stay focused, passionate, and motivated during challenging times.
3. Celebrate Milestones – no matter how small: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognise your progress, and take time to appreciate the milestones you reach. Celebrating successes boosts morale and provides a sense of accomplishment, which can fuel motivation.
4. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Overwhelm can dampen motivation. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes them less intimidating and helps you maintain a sense of progress and momentum as you complete each step.
5. Prioritise and Delegate or Outsource: Assess your responsibilities and prioritise tasks based on their importance and impact. Delegate or outsource tasks that can be handled by others, freeing up your time and mental energy for more critical aspects of your role. Delegating empowers your team, fosters trust, and allows you to focus on strategic matters that motivate you. Outsourcing allows you to buy expertise that you don’t have on a pay-as-you-go basis.
6. Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration and motivation. Read books, listen to podcasts, or follow thought leaders in your industry or related fields. Engage in activities or hobbies that energise you and stimulate creativity. Seeking inspiration helps you stay engaged and brings fresh perspectives to your work.
7. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide support and motivation. Connect with other SME owners, join industry groups, attend networking events, or seek out mentorship opportunities. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and collaborating with others can reignite your motivation and provide a sense of community.
8. Engage in Continuous Learning and Development: Invest in your personal and professional growth. Attend workshops, webinars, or seminars relevant to your industry. Develop new skills or deepen existing ones. Learning and development contribute to your sense of progress and keep you motivated by expanding your knowledge and capabilities.
9. Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Prioritise sleep, exercise regularly, and eat well. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you and help you relax, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests. When you prioritise self-care, you have more energy and motivation to devote to your business.
10. Reflect on Your Successes: Regularly reflect on your past achievements and successes. Remind yourself of the challenges you have overcome and the progress you have made. This reflection can boost your confidence, reinforce your abilities, and motivate you to tackle future endeavors.
Remember that motivation may fluctuate over time, and that’s normal. Use these strategies to keep yourself motivated, and adapt them to suit your unique circumstances and preferences.
What could you do today to boost your motivation and get stuff done?
Need help?
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