I’ll be the first person to tell you that it is extremely difficult to stay motivated when working from home. Everywhere you turn there is a potential distraction. TV, time-wasting websites, making food, your bed, sitting in your chair and staring at the wall because there is nobody to tell you what to do, or thinking about why your last money making attempt failed and how you can make the next one a success are all possible distractions from work.
I also think this is one of the main reasons why some people do not work for themselves. Staying motivated is hard, but I have developed a few tricks to help me along the way.
Tricks for Staying Motivated
I haven’t developed a guaranteed system, but I have found a few simple tricks that almost always work to restore motivation or help me continue working hard.
1. Think About Outcomes
When I am struggling to stay motivated I just think about the potential outcomes from working hard. When you are trying to build a business of your own, the potential outcomes may include:
- Personal freedom
- Financial security
- Power and influence
- Work you love
- Enjoyable life
Obviously there are a bunch of Internet ‘gurus’ that “promise” all of those. However, the only way you can successfully achieve that list is hard work.
2. Set Goals
Goals not your thing? That’s fine. I don’t know if that is because you tried setting goals and didn’t like it, or you have never tried it. I am a firm believer in the power of goal setting. If you are struggling to stay motivated, try setting a few goals that you can work hard to achieve. I usually work very hard when I set a new goal because I want so badly to blow it out of the water.
3. Do Something
Feel like you’re in a rut and just don’t want to work? I know exactly how you feel. The only thing that works to fix this is to start doing something. Sit down, get a cup of coffee, turn on some music (see #6), and start working on something. Whether it is article writing, searching for a new domain, or building a Facebook campaign, just do something.
Along the same lines of doing something, try forming a routine. If you are already independent, it can be very hard to be productive when your daily schedule contains little balance or direction. Try waking up at a set time each day and minimize tasks that waste your time.
4. Do Something Different
Things are going well but you are just bored with everything. Mix it up! Start a new project or change your daily routine. We are creatures of habit, so break/change a habit. Take a break from working and relax for a day or two.
5. Network
Networking is absolutely vital for your success. Just because you work online, it does not mean you do not need to interact with people. On the same hand, talking to your business contacts about a potential new venture and/or bouncing ideas off each other is always helpful. More often than not you can motivate each other to start working hard again.
6. Listen to Music
I have used music as a motivational tool for awhile. Put on your favorite tunes and start working. It can help your mind escape and/or relax a little so you can concentrate on the bigger picture and be more productive.
Overview
It can be very difficult to stay motivated, but you need to stay on top of your game if you want to build and sustain a profitable business. It’s not easy. Anybody who tells you it’s easy is either lying, or extremely lucky. Working hard is much easier when you are motivated.
What do you do to stay motivated?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post. Focusing on the prize always works for me, it gives you that unexplained boost that gets you going.
I loved this post. I find it extremely difficult to stay motivated for an extended period of time, so I will try and implement some of these tips! Thanks a lot! Love your blog!
@Kyle – Yep, money is a huge motivator, especially the younger generations. Thanks for stopping by.
@Josh – I think a lot of people have the same problem. Small goals/projects hold your interest, but after completion, motivation is lost. Try to implement them and see how it goes! Thanks for the kind words.
GReat Post! My biggest problem is staying motivated for the long term projects. Short term motivation comes and goes but staying motivated for the long term kills me. I also can’t stress enough #6 just for the fact thats it’s nice to be able to turn to people when you get stuck and a rut and can’t figure something out.
Josh – Great points. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck on something so I ask one of the contacts I have made and it seems to work itself out.
Thanks for stopping by!
Very Great post! I am very inspired with this post. It’s hard to stay motivated when i feel i am getting no where in my goals. It feels like i never get close to my goal and i only waste lots of time. I need these tips to get through my motivation problems. Thanks a lot.
Wijaya, I am glad this post was motivating for you! I hope you can continue working hard and achieve your goals. Start small and continue growing, success will come with hard work and determination.