When the going gets rough in business, you’ll need the motivation to keep moving. Motivating yourself can be hard but practicing consistent habits such as reminding yourself of why you started can be a major boost. A network of friends and partners can also serve as a great assurance and reminder that you’re not walking alone.
Here are the various ways entrepreneurs and business owners stay motivated in business.
#1- Changing myself through the process
It's not about being motivated but staying motivated. Many people start a business because they want to change the world in one way or another, and I was no different. But I stay motivated because I want to change myself through the process. Whatever happens with my business (and not all of it depends entirely on me), I tell myself every day that the experience is potentially transformative, and I can use it to improve myself incrementally.
Thanks to Silvia Borges, Regional Rural Finance Brokers!
#2- By setting achievable goals
For me, the key is setting clear, achievable goals while maintaining a vision for the long-term impact of my work. I focus on the progress we're making rather than just the end results, celebrating small victories along the way. I ensure that my daily activities align with my core values and personal mission, which keeps me grounded and driven. Networking with other entrepreneurs and engaging in constant learning also play a significant role in sustaining my motivation. Sharing experiences and insights with peers provides fresh perspectives and new ideas. Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial.
Thanks to Valev Laube, The VL Studios!
#3- By reconstructing the main goal into smaller tasks
Being a leader can sometimes be very overwhelming. But I always remind myself that it's normal to experience a dip in motivation. When this time comes, I have several rituals to help me quickly navigate this moment and regain motivation. If my goal is too big and challenging, I will reconstruct it into smaller goals. Breaking a main goal into smaller tasks helps me maintain a good mood and pace during the workdays. If I have too many things to do, I will delegate smaller tasks to my employees. I also reward myself and my employees whenever we make achievements during hard times. This can spark motivation, not only for me but for my employees as well.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#4- By focusing on the transformative impact
As an entrepreneur, staying motivated can often be a challenge, especially when faced with the ups and downs inherent in running a business. For me, the key to maintaining motivation is focusing on the transformative impact of my work. Seeing the tangible results of our efforts, like a client's business flourishing because of a website we designed or a marketing strategy we developed, is incredibly rewarding. It's the real-world impact of our work that keeps me driven. The excitement of learning & adapting to new trends in digital marketing & web development keeps me engaged & inspired.
Thanks to Rodney Warne, Connective!
#5- By embracing obstacles as learning opportunities
As a business and financial advisor, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurs. Staying motivated throughout the entrepreneurial journey is crucial for success. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable on the entrepreneurial path. View them as opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. Instead of being discouraged, analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use this experience to refine your approach.
Thanks to David Reyes, Reyes Financial Architecture!
#6- By celebrating small victories
Just as in the garden, where patience, dedication, and nurturing are essential, I find that these principles also drive my motivation in business. One key aspect is setting achievable goals & celebrating small victories along the way. Breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps allows me to maintain focus & a sense of accomplishment. Engaging with fellow gardening enthusiasts and experts from around the globe creates a supportive network that inspires fresh ideas and perspectives. Collaboration & shared passion contribute significantly to my entrepreneurial drive.
Thanks to Grace Backer, AllThingsGardener!
#7- By adaptability and resilience
In my experience, staying motivated as a small business owner requires two qualities: adaptability and resilience. Also, the compass that guides me is driven by a rather simple philosophy: find joy in the journey, not just the destination (sounds a bit silly, I know!). Still, being resilient, adaptable, and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination doesn’t matter that much if you’re not surrounded by a team that shares the same passion and values. A motivated team is one of the entrepreneur's greatest assets and the thing that can keep him or her motivated no matter the challenges.
Thanks to Niall Lynchehaun, Midland Stone!
#8- By constant process of adaptation
Staying motivated in the entrepreneurial maze is a constant process of adaptation. Personalisation is key. I've found that anchoring motivation in the tangible impact of my digital endeavors, be it an accomplished campaign or a client's triumph, is the thing that fuels my pursuit of success. A phase when fatigue crept in, I revived my passion by revisiting the success stories of businesses I've nurtured. An important thing, it’s never just about numbers; it's about the stories behind those numbers – the businesses reinvented & the dreams of their owners realised.
Thanks to Leslie Gilmour, BeFoundSEO!
#9- From motivational podcasts and TED talks
To keep my motivation high, I redirect my attention from the immediate concerns that may be weighing on me and instead immerse myself in the examples of triumph and success of entrepreneurs who've tread a path similar to mine. These success stories can come from many sources: biographies, motivational podcasts, movies based on true stories, and even TED Talks. Hearing about other extraordinary journeys also allows me to better relate to fellow entrepreneurs and consistently nurture my professional network.
Thanks to Gabriele Asaro, Clash.gg!
#10- By directly engaging with customers
Firstly, setting precise, attainable goals is paramount. These goals serve as our guiding light, providing a clear purpose. Secondly, building and nurturing a robust support network is indispensable. Surrounding yourself with a team that shares your vision, mentors who offer guidance, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide fresh perspectives during tough times is invaluable. Moreover, I stay motivated by directly engaging with our customers. Their feedback, stories of success, and testimonials remind me of the positive impact our clothing has on people's lives.
Thanks to Jordan Adair, ShirtMax!
#11- By building a solid support network
One key strategy that keeps me driven is setting clear, achievable goals. Having a roadmap & breaking down our vision into actionable steps creates a sense of purpose and direction. Building a solid support network has also been instrumental; surrounding myself with passionate and talented individuals who share our company's vision fuels my motivation. I find inspiration in learning from successes & setbacks, as they provide valuable lessons & growth opportunities. These combined strategies help me maintain the motivation to navigate the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.
Thanks to Cody Jensen, Searchbloom!
#12- By embracing a sense of playful curiosity
Staying motivated can be as simple as embracing a sense of “playful curiosity.”
Instead of fixating on rigid goals, approach your tasks with childlike wonder.
Explore, ask questions, and let your imagination run wild. By making your pursuits a delightful adventure, you'll find intrinsic motivation that transcends the need for external rewards. This unconventional approach can infuse enthusiasm and purpose into your endeavors, making them more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
Thanks to Tiffany Homan, Rental Property Calculator!
#13- Staying nimble and pivoting when necessary
In the world of entrepreneurship, I took an unconventional route by not writing a traditional business plan. Instead, I relied on agility and adaptability. My journey in the culinary world, particularly in low-carb Chinese cuisine, demanded flexibility as tastes and trends evolved rapidly. Rather than locking myself into a rigid plan, I focused on continuous experimentation, refining my concept through customer feedback and real-world testing. This allowed me to stay nimble, pivot when necessary, and align with the ever-changing demands of the health-conscious food market.
Thanks to Michael E. Mastin, BowlakeChinese!
#14- By solving complex problems at work
I've always been driven by solving complex problems at work. The bigger and more long-term the challenge, the more motivated I am. As the CEO of a tech startup, complex problems are a daily occurrence. The real challenge isn't staying motivated, but managing the sense of being overwhelmed. I address this by maintaining clear long-term plans and regularly revisiting those goals. This gives me a concrete sense of achievement and helps manage the overwhelm. Motivation varies from person to person. If you‘re lacking motivation, consider whether your role involves solving important problems for your company.
Thanks to Michael Jeffrey, Pluss Communities!
#15- By staying in discipline
It is not easy to lead lots of people with a different mindset and also keep myself away from negative thoughts and fear of failure. I choose to stay in discipline so my feelings do not affect my work and thoughts. Setting a routine is necessary because after some time, motivation can be gone, and you have to regain it, and your discipline will help you to get it. What you do daily is more important for your daily motivation. It is the biggest motivation ever. Celebrate your small success and give yourself a reward for it.
Thanks to Kunal Vaja, Zennaxx Technology!
#16- Reseting my ojectives on a daily basis
In 2023 I completely adapted the way I work. At the time, this was to improve my productivity through time-blocking and assigning unique tasks to different parts of the day. However, I have found this has had the knock-on effect of maintaining my motivation too. Every day has a different set of KPIs, aims, and objectives. It means I need to start my day alert, sharp, and attuned to achieving something new, compared to the day before. In this way, I'm not merely sleepwalking through my tasks, instead, I'm having to reset my objectives on a daily basis.
Thanks to Ryan Stone, Lambda Films!
#17- By having a sense of unity
I believe that my motivation is deeply rooted in the team that surrounds me. For me, my team is not just a group of employees and colleagues; they are more like friends and family, and that makes all the difference. My business is not just a venture for personal gain or success; it's a collective journey where every milestone we reach is a shared victory. That sense of unity, of creating something meaningful together, is a powerful motivator for me.
Thanks to Mark Snell, Polestar Plumbing!
#18- By believing in myself
An entrepreneur's journey is a long and tumultuous one. It's been many days of disappointments and a few days of reassurance- but I keep moving forward because I believe in what I’m building & who I’m building this for. I’m a working mom with two little kids- I’m building my digital businesses so I can spend more time with them. Each of us needs to identify that singular, compelling force that allows us to power through, providing the resilience and motivation to overcome setbacks.
Thanks to Neha Jain, ShootBubbles!
#19- By constantly learning
By constantly learning. By staying up-to-date with industry trends, exploring new technologies, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. By testing and trying new things, I keep things fresh and exciting, both for myself and for our clients. So my tip for staying motivated is to never stop learning, to always be curious, and to continuously strive for improvement. After all, there's always something new to discover!
Thanks to Loren Howard, Prime Plus Mortgages!
#20- By solving a costly and painful problem
Coming from a place of service can often be viewed as subservience. But, it drives me every day as it is a powerful lens to work from. When I am in service to solving a costly and painful problem I feel like I am making a difference. It keeps me focused and helps eradicate silly distractions. When I look at who I can serve, ways I can serve them, and how I can deliver my service it is not a case of ‘can I find work', it is more a case of ‘what work do I want to pursue'. There is abundance and freedom of choice in this as well as long-term sustainability for my business.
Thanks to Paul Farina, Paul Farina!
#21- By balancing passion, resilience, & commitment
Staying motivated as an entrepreneur is a perpetual challenge, one that often involves a delicate balance of passion, resilience, & a steadfast commitment to the bigger picture. Many successful entrepreneurs find motivation in the pursuit of their vision, a vision that fuels their dedication and keeps them going, even in the face of setbacks. For some, it's the thrill of overcoming challenges and constantly learning that serves as a driving force. Others draw inspiration from the impact their work has on their communities or industries.
Thanks to Lucia, Zelesco Consulting!
#22- By setting small and achievable goals
For me personally, setting small, achievable goals and celebrating my progress along the way keeps me feeling motivated and inspired. I also surround myself with positive and supportive people who encourage me to keep working towards my goals. The key to staying motivated is finding what works for you and staying committed to your vision for the future.
Thanks to Jared Floyd, Ajax Creative!
#23- By taking breaks
Many entrepreneurs and business owners thrive at work and enjoy their fields. That’s one of the main drivers for starting a business—passion for what you do. We also tend to have a lot invested in our business, both financially and emotionally. If we aren’t careful, this can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation, especially during times of struggle and stress. One of my best tips for staying motivated is to know when you need to take a break and actually do it. That ranges from stepping away from your desk for 5 minutes to clear your head outside, to taking a week-long vacation, to reserving time after work or on weekends for your hobbies.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#24- By continuously reinventing
Staying motivated as an entrepreneur I've found is intricately linked to the balance between comfort & challenge. It's about pushing our edges while maintaining a sense of alignment with our core values & goals. This prevents stagnation in our business and keeps the entrepreneurial journey exciting & fulfilling. For me, the key to sustained motivation lies in the ability to continuously reinvent myself. Each iteration is an evolution– a step closer to both personal & professional growth. This process of constant growth & self-discovery fuels my motivation & propels me forward in my entrepreneurial evolution.
Thanks to Crissy Conner, TheVisibilityQueen!
#25- By balancing work and life
No matter what some motivational speakers say, work is not life and life is not work. Entrepreneurs often lose motivation because they are putting in too much work and not getting the desired results. Sometimes you just have to sit back and reflect on the bigger picture. Understand that success is a journey with ups & downs. It's important to take breaks to rejuvenate. It's important to seek joy from things other than your business. This could be your personal achievements, relationships, and hobbies. Striking a balance makes your entrepreneurial journey more fulfilling and sustainable.
Thanks to Farhan Siraj, BulkEmailSender!
#26- To remind myself why I started
The tax industry is not always the most motivating place to be in. However, as an entrepreneur, I've learned that motivation comes from within, and it's ultimately up to us to keep ourselves driven and focused. In my decades of experience, I have tried different approaches when I feel lost and demotivated. One of the most effective methods that I've found is to remind myself why I started in the first place – my passion for helping people with their tax issues. That is my biggest motivation and keeps me going even during the most challenging times.
Thanks to Dana Ronald, Tax Crisis Institute!
#27- The prospect of failure
The prospect of failure is my greatest source of motivation. Despite humble beginnings, I've relentlessly toiled in both my education and entrepreneurship, successfully establishing three thriving companies. Yet, every morning, there's a lingering fear that it could all crumble. I've created an amazing life and security for my family, and the thought every day of losing it is daunting. While the possibility is slim, I recognise this fear as a hint of imposter syndrome. Paradoxically, this doubt has been a strength, propelling me to continually strive and distance myself from failure.
Thanks to Matt Collingwood, VIQU IT Recruitment!
#28- By embracing optimism
Maintaining a clear image of my long-term objectives is a significant motivator that keeps my determination ignited daily. Embracing optimism is another strategy; I view hurdles not as setbacks but as opportunities to learn and improve. I thrive on the support and understanding I receive from my network of peers, mentors, and friends, which significantly boosts my drive. It's also vital to pay attention to self-care amidst the entrepreneurial hustle. Taking personal breaks, pursuing hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones helps reinforce a positive mindset.
Thanks to David Zhang, Kate Backdrop!
#29- By being passionate about my work
My motivation as an entrepreneur comes from my deep-rooted passion for my work. Being the founder of Urban Organic Yield and a gardening expert, I find immense joy in seeing a seed transform into a blooming plant. The process itself is so rewarding – nurturing a plant, watching it grow every day, and finally seeing it bear fruit or flowers. The same process applies to my business; every small success, every client's satisfaction, and every milestone reached is a seed I planted that has come to fruition. This direct relationship between my effort and the results is what keeps me motivated.
Thanks to Lindsey Hyland, Urban Organic Yield!
#30- By honing skills and expanding enterprise
My motivation stems from the ability to see the larger vision and consistently set new benchmarks for myself. As an independent entrepreneur, I depend on my own drive for accountability— honing my skills & expanding my enterprise. What fuels my motivation is witnessing the fruits of my labor & understanding that my website, content, & services positively influence individuals. This comprehension drives me forward despite obstacles & setbacks. Every effort I make, regardless of size, is one step closer to my purpose.
Thanks to Burak Özdemir, Character Calculator!