A Guide to Maintaining Motivation to Grow your Business and Work Hard.
Let’s be real, running your own business is like riding a roller coaster. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re holding on for dear life, wondering why you ever got on this thing in the first place. Here’s your ultimate guide to staying motivated while you’re the boss, the employee, the HR department, and the janitor all at once.
Social Media: HELLO?! Is anyone even listening?!
You know you need to post on social media to keep your business relevant, but let’s face it, half of the time, nobody even looks at it. The truth is, nobody is pointing and laughing while saying you are a loser. Unless you sell jars of farts. Otherwise, people don’t judge you for promoting your work! If you are just lazy, set, Here’s a secret: You don’t have to post daily, but consistency is key. Set a schedule that works for you, and stick to it like gum on a hot sidewalk.
Pro Tip for Busy (lazy) People: Use scheduling tools to batch your content. Spend one afternoon creating your posts for the week, and then let technology do the rest. This way, you can pretend you’re super active while you binge watch that new season of the bachelor.
Reaching Out to Clients: Channel Your Inner Stalker
Reaching out to clients can be about as enjoyable as a root canal. But it’s essential. Treat it like gambling, the more you press the button, the better your chances of making some money. Don’t take rejection personally. Instead, think of it as just another step closer to a JACKPOT!
Emily Insight: Imagine every prospective client as a Tinder match. Half will ghost you, but hey, you only need a few solid matches.
Learning New Things: The Homework.
The business world is always evolving, which means you need to be a lifelong learner. But let’s be honest, some days, learning a new skill feels about as appealing as going back to your 9-5. Set small, manageable goals and reward yourself for each milestone you hit.
Tip: Promise yourself a cookie (or five) for every new skill you master. Pavlov was onto something.
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Awkward
Growth happens outside your comfort zone, but stepping out can feel like going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Start small. Take baby steps. Make a list of things that scare you and tackle one each week.
Example:
- Disagree with my Mother In Law
- …
- Being on Camera
- …
Reality Check: Everyone else is just as uncomfortable as you are, they’re just better at hiding it. Fake it ‘til you make it.
Choosing Work Over Fun: The Netflix Temptation
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Choosing work over fun is tough when no one’s watching. Netflix is calling your name, and that couch looks mighty fine. Here’s the trick: Create a schedule and stick to it. Designate specific times for work and play. After all, making yourself get some work done from 1pm-4pm sounds MUCH better than 9am-5pm. I mean…unless you want to go back to that life…(ew).
Motivation Hack: Reward yourself with your favorite show after you’ve completed your tasks. Trust me, “The Office” is way funnier when you don’t feel guilty for being lazy.
Running your own business isn’t easy, but with a bit of humor and a lot of determination, you can stay motivated and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.