Ken Lear will be the first to tell you that entrepreneurship is a rewarding adventure — but that it’s not without its challenges. One of the keys to his success is not only staying motivated himself, but bringing out the same gusto in his team. Check out some of these great tips.
Striking out on your own as an entrepreneur is an act of incredible courage and determination. In fact, it shows what Angela Duckworth calls grit. Grit is a special blend of passion and perseverance that motivates people to start their own business and stay the course through challenges.
But even if you have plenty of grit, there are still going to be times when you question yourself and your ability to succeed. How do you stay motivated during those times? Here are a few tips.
Remember why you became an entrepreneur
There are many reasons why you might have chosen to pursue your own business dreams. Did you want to make a difference in the world or find some personal meaning that you didn’t have in your old job? Did you want more control over your life or an opportunity to make more money? Remember what inspired you to start your own business and you’ll reconnect with your original motivation.
Realize the progress you’ve made
You may be having a hard time staying motivated because you’ve been so deeply involved in the day-to-day running of your business that you haven’t made the time to see how far you’ve come. Think about the progress you’ve made, both professionally and personally, and congratulate yourself for that.
Know that motivation can change
Maybe you’ve reached the point in your business where you’ve achieved your original goal. If that’s the case, it’s time to think of a new one. The best thing about being in business for yourself is that it provides you with infinite opportunities for growth. If you’ve achieved your original goal, think about what makes you the most passionate—that’s your motivation for the next step in growing your business.
Visualize the future
One way to determine your next motivation is to imagine what the future looks like. Every great entrepreneur has a vision of what they want to achieve, and you’re no different. Without a clear goal in mind, it’s hard to stay motivated, so take some time to think about what your life will be like when your business is successful.
Take care of your body, mind, and spirit
You may not think you have time to exercise or meditate each day, but it’s important to make time to take care of yourself. This will help you feel better overall and it will give you a much-needed break from thinking about your business all day. By including exercise and meditation in your day-to-day routine, you’ll open up opportunities for personal growth, something crucial for any entrepreneur.
Learn more about Ken Lear and his path to entrepreneurship by checking out his bio: https://ken-lear.com/about/
Take time for yourself and your loved ones
You are a human being, and you have relationships outside your business. By taking time to be fully present with your loved ones—spouse or children, friends, and even pets—you’ll recharge your motivational batteries.
Expand your horizons
Traveling to another city, state, or country can open your eyes to new possibilities for growing your business. By experiencing life outside of your “bubble,” your mind will expand and you’ll find new ideas and renew your motivation.
If you stay motivated, you’ll keep your team members and employees motivated, too. Share your evolving vision of your business so that your co-workers can buy into it and help you to achieve your goals.
Looking for more advice on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business? Be sure to follow Ken Lear on Twitter, @Ken_Lear.