In my previous Tales from the Online Marketing Crypt, I wrote about it being the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 hitting our world. I shared some of my thoughts on how much of a strain it has caused for most of us.
I also revealed how I was the victim of identity theft not that long ago, and how it devastated our lives, forever changing the trajectory of what was to come.
In fact, if it wasn’t for that insidious crime, my business would not have been formed. I would probably still be working in the corporate world. I may not have gone back to school to earn a business degree.
Sometimes the world we live in can be quite fascinating. But it can also be overwhelming, frustrating and plain old hard, especially when it comes to our business.
I’m not sure if it’s due to my drumming up painful memories of those crimes against us years ago, but truth be told, I have been struggling this week in the motivation department.
Perhaps you can relate?
One roadblock after another keeps appearing.
I problem solve one obstacle and another issue needs to be dealt with.
I have things I know I must do but procrastination has been rearing its ugly head, causing unwanted delays.
I have lots of plans, ideas and needs, but my energy level to complete them is low.
Do you ever feel that way too?
The good news is that this slump can be temporary… if you choose it to be.
Yes, it’s your choice.
Of course, I make sure everything that HAS to be done, gets done. If it means pushing myself a bit to get my urgent to-do list done, then that’s what I need to do to stay in integrity not only with myself, but with our clients and my team as well.
And if that also means not getting the new initiatives I had planned done as quickly as I wanted, then so be it.
But it also means taking a little time for self-care, self-reflection and even self-healing if that’s needed.
I thought I’d share a list of things you can explore the next time you feel this lack of motivation sweep over you. Many of these are what I did this week and already feel much better!
13 ways to get your motivation back
- Acknowledge this feeling is normal and remind yourself this too shall pass.
- Open your gratitude journal and write down all of the things you’re grateful for in terms of your business. The more you focus on the positive, the easier it will be to shift your perspective out of the negative.
- Remember your WHY. Why did you start your business to begin with? What purpose are you serving?
- Revisit your business goals or get clear on them again. Goals are great motivators when aligned with your WHY.
- Surround yourself with people who will boost you up, provide encouragement and be your cheerleader. This is one of the roles I play with my consulting clients.
- Avoid watching the news and reading negativity on social media. It’s the worst for reminding you of all that ails the world.
- Do something that will uplift your spirits. Whether going for a walk, bringing out your favourite hobby, or playing with the kids/grandkids, whatever gives you joy will get you fired up again.
- Get away for a weekend if possible. I do this every few months when I can. I love checking into a local B&B and taking the time to recharge my batteries. I like to choose B&B’s and boutique inns as it feels good that I’m also supporting small businesses.
- Use the mornings to your advantage and take care of the critical things on your to-do list then, before the weight of the day starts to get you down. Mornings are when most people are most productive, so instead of scrolling through social media with your morning coffee, focus on the tasks at hand and skip the possible negative influence that could affect the rest of your day.
- Take care of yourself by eliminating sugar and high carbs from your diet. Get some exercise, practice Intermittent Fasting, and get a good night’s sleep. I know this is a loaded suggestion but very much worth the effort. For me, my brain fog is gone, and I feel better than I have ever in my life since I started eating low-carb and focusing more on my health. Check out some of the resources below to help.
- Give yourself a personal reward for doing one thing each day this week that will help your business. Maybe that’s following up with leads, posting some value-filled posts on social media with a strong call to action to contact you or sending out a newsletter. Whatever it is, set a goal that comes with a reward.
- Read an inspirational book. Who are the heroes in your life that have inspired you to get into business and fulfil your purpose? Reconnect with that inspiration by reading up on them.
- Read client reviews and reflect on what it was like working with that client. Remember how wonderful it felt knowing what an impact you’ve had on them.
I hope this list has inspired you to find a way to get and stay motivated in your business. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has gone through the same thing as you.
Yes, you will have moments of doubt. We all do! But you have the choice to either focus on the doubt or push that distraction aside and keep going. You’ll be amazed what you can accomplish!
By Susan Friesen
About the author: Susan Friesen, founder of the award-winning web development and digital marketing firm eVision Media, is a Web Specialist, Business & Marketing Consultant, and Social Media Advisor. She works with entrepreneurs who struggle with having the lack of knowledge, skill and support needed to create their online business presence.
