The “it” is self-motivation.
Self-motivation is a necessary tool for any success, but especially for the freelancer, the solopreneur, and the entrepreneur. There are days when you wonder if you’re ever going to get your idea off the ground, if anyone is ever going to notice you or if anyone will ever buy what you have to offer.
Those are the days when your self-motivation will get a huge work-out.
So how do you stay motivated?
By keeping your eyes on the prize.
What is your ultimate goal? Why do you want to be a freelancer or a start-up? Here are some common reasons:
- Creative freedom to run your own business the way you see fit
- Scheduling freedom that allows you to work at your peak productive times, whether that may be at 4 AM or 11:30 PM
- Life balance that comes with self-employment, enabling you to attend your child’s extra-curricular activities without getting “dinged” by an employer
- Build a strong business, hire individuals, make a profit and eventually sell it
- The opportunity to make money doing what you really love to do
Are any of yours in there? Mine are 1 and 5.
During the drudgery parts of building your business, it’s important to think about why you’re doing it. Keep yourself motivated by reading articles (such as this one about Richard Branson) books, and visit websites that have motivational stories. Fight the fear and create your art.
Write inspirational quotes on index cards and tape them around your home. Get books on tape and listen to them while driving. (I often listen to inspirational podcasts such as I Love Marketing) Whatever you do, surround yourself with positive messages and relationships. Passion has a way of infusing itself into our lives through others.
I love Sir Branson’s attitude. He’s 63 years old and for those who may wonder if he’s getting a little long in the tooth to keep churning out new ideas for exploration, he has a simple response.
“Screw it, let’s do it!”
Preach it, Sir B!
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Photo credit: Alfred Hermida / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
