We read it a lot and we say it a lot; running a business is not for the faint-hearted. We take on numerous roles and we wear many hats. Every day can throw us a different curveball; some are good, some are not so good and some…well, some can make us question everything.
However, we do what we do because we love it. We have a passion to make a change or create an impact and that is what drives us and pushes us to keep going.
But we’re still only human, which means we are not 100% motivated all of the time.
Just like everyone, motivation in business owners ebbs and flows. It’s not something we either have or don’t have. It fluctuates, it dips and it disappears entirely at times.
Motivation isn’t just about willpower and life hacks (trust us, we have also read the mountain of posts online on “how to get your motivation back in 5 easy steps” and “how to boost your motivation instantly.”)
In fact, staying motivated depends less on doing more and more on building conditions that support our energy, focus and confidence over time.
Motivation in business
Motivation is a human behaviour that drives us to achieve our goals, objectives and ambitions.
It determines how we act and behave, which means when it’s low, it can affect how much we get done and how well the job is completed.
There are a number of factors that can affect motivation:
- Personal life
- How well we understand the reason “why” behind tasks
- Effort vs reward
- Recognition
- The work itself.
We know that as a business owner and manager, you are the person who is ultimately responsible for all decisions, income and people (not to mention service delivery!) and you feel the pressure to stay productive and positive…ALL of the time.
Throw into the mix our understanding that business is not fixed, people’s behaviour is unpredictable, markets shift, project scopes change (often), and we also have a personal life outside of the business, which is one of the most unpredictable elements we can face; there is a lot to zap our energy and drain our motivation.
And this is reality. We will, and do experience, dips in energy, focus, and at times confidence, and there are no quick fixes or, in fact, immediate solutions to rid us of the dips in motivation. Instead, we have to create environments that support our focus and energy levels.
Creating the right environment
We’re told time and time again that we must have discipline (self-imposed, for example, in goals and aims), we’re aware that we face countless pressures (often from external forces beyond our immediate control), and in order to be successful, we have to build sustainable motivation (an internal, long-term drive).
But how do we manage all of these aspects while staying positive and remaining enthusiastic to continue?
Create an environment that supports focus and remove rigid routines. If we’re honest, rigid and unmovable or inflexible routines are the one thing that can cause our stress levels to rise the most, as the panic of trying to meet all the agenda items, be in all the places, and maintain the same level of motivation… for us, is just not realistic.
Ideally, building your day and routines around your energy levels will not only make you more productive but also happier. Studies by Harvard Business Review also highlight this point, where they state that we should be focusing on managing our energy and working on ways to boost our energy and refill our cups throughout the day, i.e., taking a lunch break rather than working through to get that piece of work done, stepping outside for 5 minutes rather than jumping straight onto another call.
We also need to remember that what works for one does not work for another. Not a fan of the 5am club? Us neither. But we are fans of taking set breaks to recharge, clear our minds, and provide us with fresh vigour.
We talk about goal setting and boundaries a lot at Hello Business Support, and there’s a big reason why. It’s what helps to keep you grounded. Your goals help to reconnect you with your purpose when the noise starts creeping in thick and fast.
By setting clear goals, you can then set boundaries. Look to identify your non-negotiables, and these can include taking breaks, lunchtime walks, etc. Block out your energy times as well as project time, think about when you are most productive, and use this time effectively.
On the hard days, don’t force it. Motivation doesn’t work like that. Instead, look to break down tasks, lean on your team and don’t be too hard on yourself.
The last point is a big one for us. Letting go of guilt when our motivation levels drop is a big learning curve, but we need to stop being so hard on ourselves. Business owners are, of course, superhumans, but we are still human, and sometimes we need to remember that the feeling of no motivation is actually ok.
Making small adjustments that help on low-energy days doesn’t mean you’re stopping altogether and throwing in the towel; it means you recognise how important it is to prioritise your energy and time.
It is about building positive habits that help you to be more successful in everything you do, both in business and in your personal life.
Dips in motivation happen. We all feel it; we just don’t vocalise it (enough).
Rather than following the numerous and generic online advice on how to quickly boost your motivation, we need to focus on recognising our energy levels and using these as a strength.
Staying motivated when you run a business (even on the hard days)
Running a business is one of the best and hardest things we can do.
The good days are really good, and the harder days, well, we need to remember that we’ve got this.
Remember why you do what you do. Remember your core purpose.
Our advice?
Take the opportunity to read more reflections and practical guidance on building a business that supports your wellbeing as well as your goals.
And if you’re looking for a sound boarding session to help you gain clarity and focus, schedule a call with Annie to talk it through.
