Entrepreneurial life is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, ups and downs. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses because they are driven by the excitement of the unknown and the possibility of what lies ahead.
However, those intense maneuvers and jarring moments can become tiring. You can easily get burned out, no matter how well your business is doing. We have some tips and tricks that will help you stay motivated and inspired, no matter what stage of your business.
Entrepreneurs are by nature forging their paths. Your journey will not look like another’s. There is no one-size fits all plan, checklist, or schedule. This post is no exception. This is not the best solution for all situations. Use the best ideas to improve your life.
Note: WooCommerce’s community is working together to achieve joint success. Reach out to the community if you are feeling discouraged, need to share your experiences, or want to celebrate recent successes.
Here are some basic principles to get you started
Take care of you
Every successful business owner, whether they are a champion athlete or a musician, experiences highs and lows. Burnout can occur when you work hard and spend every hour dreaming, planning, and grinding.
Sometimes, taking a step back or taking a break can help you see things clearly and give you the perspective that is often needed to make breakthroughs. It is a huge WooCommerce community. It’s almost impossible to find someone who’s faced similar challenges to yours. Get involved and reach out to others. Remember that self-care is key to long-term success.
Are you looking for more resources? Big Orange Heart offers incredible support for remote workers. You can find everything you need, from mentoring and coaching calls to webinars, workshops, and other resources.
It is rare to achieve overnight success.
Some people seem to be able to make it big overnight. They are featured on a TV show or get a huge seed round. They’re gone for a while, and suddenly you see them again.
Fast success and sudden growth are often celebrated. This achievement is recognized by the INC 5000 award. This badge of honor is displayed on the websites of businesses. This is not a guarantee of their product or abilities.
You’ll need to put in a lot of work over the years before you can achieve overnight success. Sometimes, when the timing is right businesses can see skyrocketing profits. In reality, they have been working hard for years planning. They were able to achieve their success over 1,825 nights.
Comparing is both a good and a bad thing
When looking for ways to improve, the comparison is a good thing. What can you do to improve? Is the competition more efficient or innovative than you? Is there too much competition?
Some people find comparison motivating: “How can they be doing it better than me?” However, for others, it can lead to disappointment.
Do not compare your business with others. Is your business doing better each month? Are you making steady progress toward your goal? Are you moving further along your path today than yesterday?
How to stay motivated
But how can you keep motivated? Here’s a quick overview:
- Find your Why (and don’t forget to include yourself in it)
- Remark on your achievements
- You can reward yourself with a taste of the final goal
- Remember to not lose your progress
- Get inspired by someone else
- Do not do it by yourself
- Participate in conferences
- Ask for testimonials and reviews
- Mix it up
- Be deliberate
- Avoid stressors and energy-draining actions
- Pay attention to your body
- Don’t worry about the destination
1. Find you’re why
It’s almost impossible to continue when things get difficult if you don’t understand why you do something.
Consider this: Why did your store start? Did it come out of a dislike for working for others? Do you want unlimited earning potential? Do you desire a more flexible life?
Perhaps you are determined to end a problem in your local community. Maybe you want to give your children a chance they didn’t get.
You might just be driven to create, build, and see your idea become a reality.
Whatever it may be, it should not be about you.
It’s fine to have selfish motives for your business. If you are the sole reason for your business, it is easy to quit whenever you don’t feel like it. You won’t be held responsible.
Everything changes when you focus your why on more than yourself.
You’ll be more motivated if you place a client or employee first. Your work will be easier and your clients will be happier. This is possible with crowdsourcing or selling new products in advance. You will be motivated by the idea of having hundreds of customers waiting to buy your product.
Remember your why
It might be helpful to schedule a time each morning to think about the future. You can also place visual reminders, such as a vision board, around your office. Many entrepreneurs keep photos of their clients in the office. Others keep photos of their family at their desk.
However, you should never stop searching for your reason. You must remind yourself each day.
Want to know more? The perfect guide is Simon Sinek’s Start With Why.
2. Take a look at how far you have come!
Do you remember when you started? Perhaps you had a small desk in your closet. Take a look at yourself now!
This is where comparison can be used to its maximum potential. Comparing your business to where you were a year ago will help you see the value of comparison. You will be amazed at how well-prepared you are now that you have reflected on all you have learned. Also, be open to admitting where you’ve failed and evaluating the areas that have grown. These are not failures. They can be opportunities for the next year.
Many people set up a business to become their boss. You will still work long hours, at least for a while, but you have more control over your hours. You might still work the same hours as before, but you can now take your children to school, go to the beach, or go to your favorite yoga class. It’s still a win!
3. Enjoy a little taste of the world
Take a moment to reflect on your achievements and then enjoy a little bit of success.
Are you in business to get back your time? Take time for your family and friends.
Do you want to make more vacation money? You might not be able to take an entire international trip, but you could still go on a weekend or day trip.
4. Keep it safe
People are more motivated by the possibility of losing something than by the chance to gain more. This principle is loss avoidance, and it can be used to your advantage.
Now you can remind yourself how far you have come. Don’t let that slip!
You are just a step away from your biggest win. Don’t miss it!
5. Get inspired by someone else
There are many inspiring stories about entrepreneurs that will inspire you to realize the possibilities. It’s a great way for you to feel more confident, and motivated, by reading biographies of successful leaders or personal development books written by them.
They’ll be human too, you’ll see. Unimaginable obstacles were overcome by some of the most successful entrepreneurs. Although their success seems flawless and their journey seamless, you will discover that they faced the same challenges (and doubts!) as you. As you may be.
Be encouraged! You are creating your story!
6. Do not do it by yourself
Solopreneur sounds fun, doesn’t it? It’s often not fun to live it. It can be difficult to find people who understand your situation because you are charting a different course.
You don’t have to be charismatic, have a glamorous office, or make a sale to tap into the enthusiasm of those around you. You can find a variety of online and in-person groups that you can join to exchange ideas, chat, or get inspired.
Our favorite? Our favorite? To chat with other store owners or to join the WooCommerce live group, you can find local meetups.
7. Participate in conferences
Attending industry conferences is another way to be inspired, refreshed, and energized. WordPress also has a network of community-organized conferences, and WordCamps. These meetups can be local or virtual with just a few people to large, national, or global events with hundreds of participants.
You can learn new skills and be inspired by others’ success.
It’s also possible to meet amazing people who can help you on your journey. It’s worth it for the morale boost, change of pace, new scenery, and social interaction.
8. Ask for testimonials and read positive reviews
Although criticism can be helpful when you are looking for ways to improve your company, it is important to focus on the positive.
It’s easy to feel good when you read about the positive things you did for your customers. You might discover a new way that you have impacted another person’s life by asking for testimonials or reviews. People will notice you and appreciate your work.
A tip for clients-based businesses: If someone gives a glowing recommendation, ask them to refer you while your work is still fresh in their minds.
9. Mix it up
Sometimes a change of routine or workspace can be enough to rekindle your passion. You can work from a library or a coffee shop or even in a different corner of your home.
Entrepreneurs who are the best are always seeking ways to improve their efficiency. If you feel like you are dragging your feet, you might consider shifting your schedule so that the mentally demanding tasks fall in the areas of your day when you have the most energy. You will go further with the momentum you create.
Engaging with new tools and cutting out distractions is another way to increase productivity. Block notifications and turn off your phone. Ask others to respect the time you’re not interrupted.
10. Be deliberate
This one is important. Many people mistakenly think that being an entrepreneur means planning to become one.
Action is still the most important thing that you can do. It doesn’t hurt to plan. You can plan your time and make sure that you have a daily goal list.
People say to dress for the job that you desire, not the one you have. You may have heard the expression “dress for success” but it is a recommendation. However, dressing professionally, even when you work from home, can help you feel more productive. Perhaps you will find that your office is more productive if it’s well-organized and decorated.
These are all things that may be beneficial for you. It’s great to do your best work in sweatpants.
It is important to be in the right frame of mind and to plan, so that you don’t wander through your day.
11. Reduce stressors and other draining activities
Famous entrepreneurs often wear the same outfit day after day. Even the most successful people in business have limited energy. It is not worth wasting a single ounce of energy worrying about your outfit. This is the opposite of what I said. Remember to pick and choose what works best for you!
When you are in the peak season of activity you must recognize your value. You may also need to pull effort from another source if you want to make exceptional efforts for your business.
You can make dinner tonight. But it may be more worthwhile to order takeout. You can do some yard work yourself, but it may be worthwhile to hire a professional for a while. This does not mean that you are lazy or wasteful. It’s not about saving money. It might cost you more short term. It’s all about choosing to save energy for things you can do.
12. Pay attention to your body
Your limits can only be pushed for so long. You can only push your limits for so long. Although it’s all good intentions, your body will tell you to slow down if you ignore the warning signs. It’s usually not for just a few hours.
Make time for rest. Find ways to exercise if you are able. Every person has different needs. Talk to your healthcare professional to find the best way for you to take care of yourself. Take care of yourself.
Remember that your brain is a part of your entire body. Meditation and peaceful relaxation can improve your mental focus throughout the day.
Do not sacrifice your body for what you consider “success.”
13. Don’t worry about the destination
If there is one thing I hope you can take away from this article it’s the idea of “It’s all about the journey, and not the destination.”
If you only care about the destination, it will make your life miserable. What is the destination, after all? What is the destination?
Most people can’t reach that level. You can make a million dollars and still want to buy two. You will buy a Corvette and then want a Ferrari.
Look around you. You are the star of your own story. You are the star. You are the star, no matter where you are at this moment.
Take a deep breath. Remark on all the achievements. Recognize yourself. Be surrounded by positive people and always strive for improvement. Enjoy being an entrepreneur.
