Entrepreneur’s Guide to Staying Motivated
If you have recently started a new business, you have likely quickly become aware of the time requirements necessary to do. Unfortunately, soon after founding their company, many entrepreneurs realize that running a business takes more time and effort than they had initially anticipated. As a result, young business owners become burnt out, having nothing left to give to their new endeavor.
The good news is, the longer your business is operational, the more likely you are to survive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if a company makes it to the five-year mark, they are 50 percent more likely to succeed. As Phil Bienert, the CMO of GoDaddy describes, many entrepreneurs create a business when they are full of optimism, only to be hit with realities such as:
- Managing cash flow
- Balancing work life and personal life
- Finding new business
He continues to say that, at some point, entrepreneurs will all face a point where they want to give up. Bienert suggests that entrepreneurs remind themselves that all successful business owners have themselves been at this low point. He also advises business owners to remember that their work is beneficial and that their vision has a purpose.
No matter if you’re a young business owner who is worried about the time requirements needed to start a company or an entrepreneur who is finding yourself burnt out, you should consider the tips we’ve provided below. These tips can help you avoid burnout and continually seek motivation to push through tough times, allowing you to dedicate yourself to your business entirely.
Set Personal Goals
When they start a business, many entrepreneurs set goals for the company. However, they forget to set goals for themselves. As a result, many young business owners lose their identity during the process of creating a company, forgetting their purpose as an entrepreneur. Although your business goals and personal goals may be intertwined, it’s imperative that you set personal goals that are realistic and achievable.
It’s also crucial that you hold yourself to these goals. Keep them in a place that is handy and convenient, such as a piece of paper in your wallet or as a note on your phone. When you are beginning to feel burnt out or not wanting to seek motivation, look at the goals as a source of inspiration. Doing so could help remind you why you became an entrepreneur and why you should keep pushing through.
Find a Routine That Promotes Work-Life Balance
Too often, entrepreneurs become burnt out because they spend too much time focused on their business, not giving themselves enough “me” time. Successful entrepreneurs are ones who can learn to cope with stress and know when to step away from their business. Additionally, many young business owners forget that physical health can impact mental health significantly. For example, did you know there is a strong correlation between heart disease and depression?
Entrepreneurs should take the time to carve out a schedule that allows them to maintain their physical health. They should have time to eat well and exercise regularly. Additionally, entrepreneurs should have personal time as well. If you have a family, make time for them. If you have a hobby that you love or you enjoy volunteering, make time for that as well.
To hold yourself accountable to this routine, you should write it down. Force yourself to adhere to the schedule. After a few weeks, what once seemed foreign will become the new norm. By scheduling breaks from work throughout the day, you’ll keep a clear mind, which could help make you a more motivated and productive worker upon returning to the given tasks at hand.
Set Aside Time for Motivational Activities
You won’t find motivation if you are sucked into your work throughout the day. Try to set aside time – perhaps once a week – to seek motivation. There are numerous ways in which you could do so. Some business owners find watching TED talks to be uplifting and inspiring. Others spend their time watching motivational movies or listening to podcasts. You could spend time at a scenic viewpoint, listening to your favorite music.
No matter how you choose to go about doing so, finding continual sources of motivation could be particularly beneficial. There’s a good chance that you’ll begin looking forward to this time of the week. Your mindset will start to change, and you’ll find yourself thinking more positively. This could not only make your business more successful but could also have a positive impact on those with who you work.
Get Enough Rest
More and more studies are now showing just how critical it is that we get 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs get sucked into work-related activities, which can keep them up into the wee hours of the morning or force them to wake up earlier than expected. Although these business owners feel as though they are helping the company, they are likely doing more harm than good.
That’s because a lack of sleep can hinder our concentration and motivational levels significantly. When you do not receive proper rest, you do not work efficiently. This could cause you to become frustrated, as you feel as though you’re working hard but doing nothing more than grinding your gears, barely making any progress. Dedicate yourself to obtaining eight hours of sleep per night, and watch how fresher you feel the next day.
Reward Yourself
When you achieve a goal, whether it be a personal goal or a company goal, treat yourself! This is an excellent way for staying motivated, especially when working for yourself. Rewarding yourself will only encourage you to work harder in the future. Rewards could be as small as organizing a night out with friends or could be as large as taking the week-long vacation you’ve always wanted.
Furthermore, you can help recruit your friends, family, and loved ones to help hold you accountable as well. You can share your goals and anticipated rewards with them. They can help keep you on track and motivated to accomplish the tasks necessary to get the job done.