Need Inspiration? 5 Tips To Stay Motivated In Your Small Business
As a small business owner, you’re probably working from home right now. It’s likely just you in your business, and that means it can be hard hard to stay motivated—especially if things aren’t working out like you planned.
You’ve got a business, have amazing ideas, and want everything to happen right now, perfectly. But once reality hits and the honeymoon is over, that excitement fades away. Orders are drying up, social media engagement is down, and fewer people are reading your blogs.
It’s hard, right? Self-employment can feel demotivating, and that’s terrible for your long-term business goals. When your motivation has run dry, try these 5 tips to get excited about your small business again.
1: Remember why you started
Why did you start this business? What meaningful problem did you want to solve? Why did you want to become your own boss?
When you connect with your “why,” you remember the burning, passionate reason that propelled you into self-employment in the first place.
2: Learn from your mistakes (and then move on)
We all make mistakes. But don’t let a little mishap discourage you or prevent you from working on your business.
A mistake isn’t a mistake if you learned something: it’s a lesson. Acknowledge what went wrong, change your processes, and move on. You’ve got amazing work to do!
3: Be persistent
Many businesses fail in their first year. You’ve got to keep your head in the right space to pilot your business to success. Even if you think you can’t make it, keep going.
I spent a decade working in IT, clawing my way to the top. After 10 years of doubt and sleepless nights, my company finally went public. I sacrificed so much to get there and I was persistent, even when I wanted to throw in the towel.
Yes, the odds are stacked against you. Instead of backing down from it, own your rookie status. Even if you feel like a phony or a loser, keep going. Persistence pays off.
4: Set goals
But you have to be persistent in a methodical way. Goals help you work smarter and stay motivated in your small business.
Your goals don’t have to be big, hairy, audacious ones, either. Work towards something every day, week, and month. Use a task tracker like Trello, Wrike, or Asana to stay on top of your goals.
And when you achieve these goals, celebrate them! Throw yourself a mini party—brag and be loud about it. Basking in the glory of your achievements propels you to tackle even bigger goals.
4: Hold yourself accountable
The buddy system is a great way to stay motivated! Running a business alone is pretty lonely, so join a group or hire a business coach.
I’m part of a group of female business owners who meet regularly. We share our struggles, laugh, and celebrate our successes together. Accountability encourages everyone to do their best and continue working. After all, your accountability buddy wants to hear about your progress—don’t let them down.
Inspiration isn’t easy to manufacture. I know how it feels to be discouraged or demotivated in your small business. But when you’re backed into a corner, follow these 5 tips to get up and continue fighting for the business you want.