How To Motivate Yourself When You Are The Boss
It's great being a business owner isn't it?
We have the luxury of being able to have the flexibility we want which is fantastic!
However .. how often do you find yourself doing that thing that is an art form. It takes lots of practice .. yep I'm talking about PROCRASTINATION!
The art of wasting time. Doing stuff that is not connected in any way to generating income or even doing the other 'top priority' tasks.
The impact of procrastinating on your business is HUGE! It's up to us if we succeed so why do we do it?
Well the reasons for procrastinating are many - ranging from fear, perfectionism to lack of focus and having no plan!
If you've had a job I reckon you got the stuff done .. even if you were bored and did procrastinate on occasion. The reason why you got stuff done - because you had a boss who expected it. You had accountability. Now in our business, where we are the Boss, we can let ourselves off. It's that easy!
So let me share my tips for keeping going, getting moving and just getting stuff done even when you don't feel like it.
GOALS - now we can all write a goal. We can all set ourselves a deadline and we can do the SMART stuff BUT here's the thing its much easier to set a goal than it is to achieve it!
Just a word of warning though - it's not easy getting and staying motivated. In fact it is hard work and it does effort. So if you are not prepared to do it .. stop reading right now.
1. PRIORITISE YOUR DAILY TASKS AND START WITH YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TASK (MIT)
This is often the one you are dreading, the one that feels too big, too complicated. It sends you into overwhelm.The thing that starts your excuses flowing .. 'I'm not ready' I've not got enough time' I'm not feeling it today' .. and so on .. actually just letting yourself off stuff!
IF you don't do it thought it sits at the back of head space, starts waving at you from your to do list and you beat yourself up because it's still there , waiting to be done.
Just DECIDE to DO IT, TAKE ACTION and dive in.
What about those overwhelming tasks though? Well that brings us to number 2.
2. BREAK IT INTO REALLY, REALLY SMALL PIECES
So if you have a goal for today to make 10 phone calls to prospective clients. You feel it is too big and difficult to get started. The thought of it makes you want to run and hide.
here's the TRICK - tell yourself ( well your brain) that you ONLY hve to make ONE call. That's it. Don't give your brain thinking time. Stop it rationalising. Actually you do only have to make one call - at a time! So just do one . .. then when you've accomplished it, move onto the next 'just one call!'
It really works!
3. GET CLEAR ON YOUR WHY FOR YOUR GOALS
A bit different to the why for your business. Write down the WHY you want what your goals say.
So your goal is around getting fit - I want to be able to walk up 3 flights of stairs with out getting breathless, sleep better, make healthier food choices.
Naming concrete, tangible things makes it easier to track progress.
4. CHALLENGE YOUR OWN EXCUSES
You are your best friend and your worst enemy! Have you really not got time or do you actually just want to watch Corrie? Do you actaully have to sort that pile of paper right now or are you actually fearful that no one will book onto that workshop .. so you won't tell anyone about it and you'll never know. Do you need to do that home task right now .. or is it that you really don't know how to do the thing? Be HONEST!
5. REWARD ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING POSITIVE
Give yourself a 'mental hug' - celebrate the little wins as well as the big ones. Treat yourself when you have finished THAT task. A coffee, a walk.
Close your eyes, remember a past success. Relive the feelings, let them boost your motivation right now.
6. CHANGE IT UP!
Do things differently. Do them in a different place. Change your environment. Switch your routine so you don't stagnate.
IF you get a real block .. STOP! Go for a walk, read a book. Give your brain a break and try again.
7. GET OUTSIDE
Just that! Studies have found getting outside increases our sense of enthusiasm and energy.
8. PHONE A FRIEND
You know that thing .. you want to go to the gym so you find a friend and go together as neither of you will really want to admit you can't be bothered!
It is a tried and tested motivational trick. It works getting fit .. it works in business too. Ring your business buddy . Have 5 minutes on the phone. Share your stuckness and I bet they will give you a bit of encouragement to go and get on with it!
9. TAKE 20 SECONDS
You just need 20 seconds of insane courage to do something. Be bold and do it, whatever happens. It might not be perfect but you did it and took a step .. one step closer to an awesome result!
10. GET ACCOUNTABILITY
Tell someone you trust what you are going to do and get them to check back with you if they've not heard from you by a certian date. I bet that'll spur you on to do it!
11. CLEAR YOUR WORKSPACE
Not as a procrastination activity, but a planned one!
Declutter your space. It will help you think more clearly, you'll be more focussed and ready to tackle the next action.
12. GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS
You can't meander around Facebook or Instagram if it's not easily accessible. Turn your phone onto airplane mode while you do your MIT. Shut down your email inbox to stop the incessant 'ping' and that will stop you being nosey!!
My biggest tip is just get started and let the motivation catch up with you. Be consistent and you'll start to see the benefits.. Motivation to keep going willl get easier and easier as your business success gets greater and greater.
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