As an entrepreneur, how do you reengage your motivation on THOSE days, you know, the ones where it's just harder?

Jackie Ghedine

November 9,2021 at 11:53AM UTC

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As an entrepreneur, how do you reengage your motivation on THOSE days, you know, the ones where it's just harder?

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Georgene HuangNovember 9,2021 at 3:22PM UTC
There are a lot of ups and downs in entrepreneurship. For me, there's no one technique to dealing with hard days because there are a lot of different flavors of 'hard' =). Sometimes, it's just taking a step away from the work which can help build perspective. Other times its talking to other entrepreneurs, friends or families to just vent / get some support. And of course sometimes, the best course of action is just to plow through and try to work on improving whatever situation is bothering you. Or all 3!
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 7:31PM UTC
I'm not an entrepreneur, but I would say going back to the roots of why I am doing the work- what made me initially excited about it? Why have I put in so much effort so far? I try to think on these questions, or write them down and put them in a place I can refer back to often!
Jill L. FergusonNovember 16,2021 at 5:19PM UTC
I'm with Maryann in that if you have to force it, it is time to take a break and show yourself some love, compassion, and care. One of the benefits of working for yourself is you can take take a break and read and work different hours than someone with a 9 to 5 job.
Aubrey ArmesNovember 16,2021 at 5:37PM UTC
I'd start by doing a deep dive into the lack of "motivation." **Am I tired - Do I need to rest?
**Do I need to refresh my energy hygiene practices?
**Do I need exercise and movement to move thru the stagnant energy?
**Connect to my deeper purpose and Big Why (why I'm doing what I'm doing for work) - do it for those you are in service to.
That's where I'd start!
Jackie GhedineNovember 18,2021 at 12:28PM UTC
The deep dive is good. Do you find a pattern for your motivation lack?
I find my pattern is when I don't break down my projects into tasks I sometimes feel I don't know where to start so spending time PLANNING what I need to do keeps me on track.
Aubrey ArmesDecember 1,2021 at 9:41PM UTC
My patterns are often related to the items I listed above - particularly getting in regular movement. I am reading Atomic Habits right now and he addresses this in that book. Basically, you need to be able to keep going even in the boring and uninspired times.
Alice JohnsonNovember 16,2021 at 6:10PM UTC
Yes to all the answers so far!! To add to that,(if I’m not just exhausted and seriously need a break) I like to practice gratitude and think about what is my why and how what I get to do now was my dream (however long ago) and now I’m living it!
Jackie GhedineNovember 18,2021 at 12:27PM UTC
❤️? What are you most grateful for Alice!
SUSAN KAHANNovember 17,2021 at 4:10PM UTC
I know those days!! I find it's important to listen to yourself. If you don't feel productive, the worst is sitting at your desk and watching time go by and getting frustrated with yourself. Get up and change locations. Go for a walk. Read a book (business related or not...). Call a friend or mentor. Clean your house (I find ironing very cathartic). Then get back to it.
Jackie GhedineNovember 18,2021 at 12:27PM UTC
While I HATE ironing, I do find Vacuuming cathartic and I totally get this. I agree, get out of your head, and don't get lost in Netflix numbing!
Laura BrowneNovember 18,2021 at 2:40AM UTC
I go back to my big WHY. Why am I an entrepreneur? What am I bringing to other people? What do I really enjoy about this?
It also helps me to think back to the days when I was working at big corporations and felt like a number.
Jackie GhedineNovember 18,2021 at 12:25PM UTC
I have my WHY written out and placed on my desk. It absolutely motivates me!
Laura BrowneNovember 18,2021 at 9:03PM UTC
Jackie, that is a great idea!
Kay FittesNovember 18,2021 at 7:13PM UTC
Having owned my business for over 25 years, I understand THOSE days all too well. A key factor for me is a commitment every day to using my top talents and strengths. When I get bogged down in the tasks around which I do not excel , my enthusiasm wanes. I have diligently and consistently delegated those tasks, as much as possible. The other factor that has kept me in the entrepreneur game is a entrepreneurial support system. Just today we had our months Zoom and our topic was around what we were thankful for, it's usually more professionally oriented. What came out, however, was the how thankful we are for our group, the person that started it, and the willingness of the group to support one another in our challenges and struggles. Jackie, if you can be using your talents and strengths each day and have others who support and understand your challenges it likely will reduce the hills and valleys of the roller coaster ride. Hang in there.