Staying motivated as an entrepreneur is very difficult, but it’s the foundation to becoming disciplined. Motivation can get you started but the key is to stay disciplined. Here’s 5 quick tips that I think you can implement to help you stay motivated and to get you to the stage where you won’t need motivation anymore.
- Focus on your mission statement
Your business began for a reason, and it’s because of that reason that you have launched and got to where you are. You need to make sure that your mission statement is at the forefront of everything you do – that includes your business’ goals, your culture and the core values of the business. This is a constant reminder to you as to why your business must succeed. Don’t think of something corny, and don’t be to facetious and only think of money either, have a REAL reason to start.
- Have a routine to the work you do
I know what you’re thinking. The whole reason you became an entrepreneur was to remove yourself from the 9-5 life. The truth is, a 9-5 life is not hard at all. When I first began my first ever service-based business, I was working from 7am all the way up until 1-2am. It’s not easy at all, and in fact it’s much more difficult. What really helped me was having a routine. Everyday I’d have lunch at the same time, I’d go to the gym at the same time, have my breaks at similar times and give myself a break on a Saturday evening.
- Always focus on quality, not quantity
I have seen too many entrepreneurs try and sell heaps of products or try and provide as many services and all that. As Bruce Lee once mentioned, “don’t fear the man who knows 1,000 moves, fear the man who’s practiced one move 1,000 times”. It’s the same analogy in business – focus on providing quality content. For example, your website should be top quality at the bare minimum. I’d consider hiring a professional web designer to do this for you.
- Focus on your physical body and nutrition
A good entrepreneur isn’t just someone who lounges around eating bad food and not taking care of their body. Always take care of your body because this is the hallmark to a disciplined individual. I remember when I had gained a bit of weight, I felt sluggish and didn’t feel very creative at all. Once I started getting back into a lean shape and focusing on eating the right foods, I felt a lot more creative and active. This plays a huge role.
- Sleep
I know I mentioned earlier that I wasn’t getting enough sleep when I started my service based business – but that’s exactly why I’m mentioning sleep here. During those times, I felt tired, sluggish and generally unhappy. Once I started implementing solid routines and being regimented with all of my days, I was able to free up more time. I didn’t just spend this time to do miniscule work on my business though, I used that time to sleep more. Sleeping more means you are more prepared for the next day and generally more positive – this is a key to business, staying positive.
I hope these tips help you stay motivated and as I said – it’s not about remaining motivated, it’s about becoming disciplined so that you never have to rely on a fleeting emotion like motivation again! Now go and kick some ass and enjoy your life as a successful entrepreneur!
