Starting a new remote business is an exciting time, but it can be difficult to stay motivated once the initial enthusiasm has worn off, especially if you encounter unexpected problems and setbacks. Before starting your business venture, it’s important to take some time to think about your motivations and how you can stay focused on your long-term goals. Here are four tips for staying motivated when starting a new business.
Develop a Vision
Developing a vision for your business helps to provide a clear goal for the future. First, you need to define what your long-term goals are. For example, if you are setting up an online store, your goals may include securing returning customers and earning a substantial profit. To create a vision, you need to think about your motivations and how different your life will be when you achieve your goals. Perhaps you’ll be able to afford to buy a new house, or maybe you’ll finally feel that you’ve mastered your profession. Visualizing the results and benefits you will gain from achieving your goals can be a powerful motivator.
Additional Resources:
Your story reveals your big business vision. Here’s how. by Nikki Groom
3 Steps to Creating Your Vision by Craig Ballantyne
7 simple steps for defining your company vision by Ben Kulakofsky
Create a Symbol
One of the best ways to stay on track is to create a symbol that will remind you of your vision. You might choose to use a photograph of something you want to buy, see or experience when you’ve achieved your goal. Alternatively, you might choose a simple symbol that prompts your mind to recall your vision. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to keep your symbol in a place where you will see it every day, such as on the bathroom wall, in your wallet or as a screen saver on your computer. Associating a meaningful symbol with your vision gives your mind a potent combination to focus on.
Watch or Listen to Encouraging Speakers
Video sharing platforms, such as YouTube, are brimming with videos of motivational speakers and inspirational stories that can give your flagging motivation a boost. Inspirational stories can be found on almost any aspect of business, life and self development. Try searching for talks and seminars given by people you admire or those who have already achieved your goals. Make notes or write down any quotes that resonate with you and then pin them up on the wall.
Additional Resources:
Gary Vaynerchuk’s YouTube Channel
The Fizzle Show – A Podcast for Entrepreneurs
Take a Break
Working hard to succeed in business can gradually chip away at your motivation, especially if you are neglecting other areas of your life, such as your family and social life. If you are struggling to find the energy to keep moving your business forward, try taking a break for a while. Spend some time with your family and friends, do something you enjoy or develop a new hobby. When you return to your business activities, you will have a new perspective and may be able to come up with creative solutions that you hadn’t thought of before.
Additional Resources:
Why Everybody Needs to Take a Break From Work by Jacob Morgan
3 signs you need to take a break from work by Kasturi Shrivastava
Staying motivated when starting your remote business can be difficult, particularly once the initial excitement has worn off. However, there are several ways to keep the momentum going. Having a clear vision of where you are going is the single most important aspect of staying motivated, as it reminds you of the benefits you will reap once you’ve achieved your goals.