10 Ways to Stay Motivated
Newlands (2017) provided 10 ways to help entrepreneurs stay motivated. The 10 listed below are based on Newlands original 10.
1. Set goals. Personal goals help you stay focused. Remember, you want to create SMART goals – Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-based. Don’t just say I want to start a business. You want to say – I want to start an online business coaching business focused on women leaders within the next four months.
2. Read entrepreneurial stories. Search for motivating entrepreneurial stories. The stories can help you contact with other entrepreneurs and their journey in creating and executing their vision.
3. Clubs and groups. Join entrepreneurial focused clubs and groups to listen to and share experiences. Contact other entrepreneurs and start a mentor/mentee relationship.
4. Get moving/air. Physical exercise will help you handle stress, help with idea creation, and just give you a mental break overall. Now, you don’t have to go and exercise for 30 minutes in between meetings/calls but take time to go outside and let the sun touch your face and find time calm your mind.
5. Morning routine. As an entrepreneur, you may find your schedule more flexible than when you worked for someone else. You want to create a routine that will help you stay focused on the various tasks that you have for the day.
6. Reminders. Be sure to set calendar reminders (or some other type) to help you manage your schedule. You do not want to be that person constantly rescheduling meetings because you are double booked and forgot you had previous engagements.
7. Get a hobby. You can’t work 24/7 although you may be tempted. Find time for you and for things you like to do. By losing yourself to a hobby it can help you with creativity and focus for your venture.
8. Sleep. You have to rest. Sleep is essential. Recharge your brain.
9. Include family. Share with your family your goals and aspirations. When they see you start to drift, they can provide you with the words and comfort to help you keep going.
10. Reward yourself. It is okay to reward yourself to help you stay motivated. Just like you would reward an employee for doing a great job, reward yourself when you have achieved something to help move the business forward.
Motivating Others
Although your motivation is important, the ability to motivate others is just as important. No matter if you are working with contractors, employees, or vendors/suppliers; you want to ensure that everyone working with you on your venture is motivated.
Although McQuerrey (n.d.)’s focus is motivating employees, the items outlined are applicable to contractors and vendors/suppliers.
1. Set expectations so that everyone is on the same page regarding the venture, their role, and your role.
2. Provide direction so that there aren’t any questions or misunderstandings.
3. Model the behavior that you expect from everyone.
4. Don’t be afraid to delegate. You can’t do everything yourself and by delegating to others you show that you trust them and it increases their motivation to do a good job.
5. Provide incentives for getting the job done or going above and beyond.
6. Always be appreciative. Two simple words, thank you, can make a big difference to so many.