How to Stay Motivated As a Small Business Owner
mo·ti·va·tion
/ˌmōdəˈvāSH(ə)n/
noun
1) the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
Let’s be real, like really real.
Owning your own business is hard. I’m not being sarcastic or trying to deter you from owning your own. However, I am going to warn you that your personal life is pretty much going to go out the window.
Family, friends, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, down time, relaxing time and free time….BYE!
I will say thought that being a business owner is refreshing, fun, scary (oh yes!) and freeing as well.
The one thing that I struggle with myself sometimes (and I’m being honest) is the self motivation. The drive to just keep going when things get tough or when they do not go your way (and you will encounter this many times over).
So how do we stay motivated and in love with owning your own business?
Let’s talk about them, shall we?
1) Finding inspiration in speaking with other likeminded entrepreneurs.
What they do in their day-to-day, what keeps them motivated and inspired.
When I speak to other photographer business owners, I really pick their
brain. How do they interact with their clients, what do they photograph, what
is their favorite part of being a business owner?
2) Reflect on why you started the business in the first place.
I used to have the 9-5 desk job, I hated it. I mean HATED, like I for one cannot
sit for long periods of time (it is not good for your body or mind anyway), my
eyes are not meant to look at the same person for more than an hour and I
utterly hated working for someone else. Doing what they wanted, on their
schedule and not feeling free or truly valued. With that, I wanted to be my
own boss. Work with who I wanted to, get paid what I wanted to get paid
and of course, call the shots. Yes, it can be a struggle, but I rather LOVE
what I do, have no regrets and do my own thing than not. I think back to
those desk job days and I just cringe. I felt like my life was passing me by
when I had so much left that I wanted to do. So, my “why” is just that. I am
my own boss and I would not want it any other way.
3) Re-evaluate your goals
It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture while you're head down in the
detail. But there's merit in putting time aside to check in with your goals.
So, once you're clear again on the answer to, "Why am I in business?",
reaffirm that you're still moving in the right direction, and update your goals
to align with new products or services, advancements in technology,
industry changes and forecasts.
4) Organize your mornings
Constantly chasing the day and feeling overwhelmed is exhausting. Establish
a set routine to give your day structure, and an early start to make the most
of the quiet hours.
Write a to-do list at the end of each day, so you know the priorities for
tomorrow. Block out time in your calendar or set reminders to stay on track
with your weekly goals.
”The most important ritual in your life is what time you choose to get out of bed, and the best decision you can make is to get up earlier. This will allow you to attack your number one priority first thing in the morning.” - Craig Ballantyne
