What do we do when we lose business motivation? This is a question I am asked a reasonable amount of time by my business coaching clients. Lack of motivation can occur due to a number of reasons. It may be that we’ve just lost the passion. It may be that we are easily distracted. Perhaps we have been in the business so long, we are simply bored or burnt out. Possibly the lack of motivation is due to lack of success, or some other stimulus that pushes us forward in working where we should. Possibly we are feeling lonely (for the solopreneur) or just keep hitting brick walls that slow our progress, and dwindle our motivation. It may be physical, and we are quite simply not at our best physically – or possibly even emotionally. Really, I think it happens to many of us, but the depth and duration of the motivation lapse definitely do vary from person to person and situation to situation.
The following are some suggestions and don’t cover everything, but highlight a few great starting points.
Know why motivation is lapsing
First ascertain if you’re able, why the motivation is just not there. Working out the reason for the lack of motivation is a starting point to turning that around. If for example, your lack of motivation is due to poor sleep, then it makes sense to work on improving your sleep patterns. If the issue is more around distractions, then you work on strategies to eliminate or certainly reduce those distractions. I talk about this more further down.
Remember your ‘why’
Sometimes it helps to remember why you went into business in the first place. Sometimes we forget our ‘why’ and remembering that can help us get back on track with enthusiasm and motivation. I know my ‘why’ for business coaching was a love for business and a passion for helping people. If I’m feeling a little unmotivated, I will read some of the great reviews I’ve received on Google for my business coaching services – that quickly reminds me of how much I’ve helped people and the positive difference that I make.
Determine what helps to motivate you
We are all motivated by different things. For some of us, it’s money in the bank or ‘getting the sale’. For others, it’s helping people and words of appreciation. Generally, our motivation will be either emotional or fact-based. Perhaps you’re motivated by a reward (especially after a goal is achieved) or alternatively, it might be that you’re motivated by avoiding a pain. It’s often called the ‘carrot or the stick’. Do we need to be reminded of what we might be missing out on by not performing a task and getting something done, or will the carrot (reward) be more effective?
Avoid / remove distractions and remain focussed
Distractions are a big problem for business owners. It’s even harder if you work alone or are home-based, as the distractions (in my view) are just about in those environments. It might be we end up putting on a load of washing or we are drawn to the refrigerator. Perhaps it’s the TV, games on our phones, family and friends dropping in (or calling) because you’re working from home, so you’re not really working, are you? Setting clear boundaries is important, not just for yourself, but for family and friends. A good number of my friends are business owners and it’s an unwritten law we won’t ring them during business hours and not just drop in – unless it’s super critical or urgent. It’s business hours and we’re all at work – even if work is in the home.
Solve the problem
Sometimes we struggle remaining motivated because we are simply lost as to what the next step is to be taken. What’s next? How do we do it? Who should we see? So often business owners come to me with the statement “I just don’t know where to start Donna”. As a business coach, I often call myself a problem solver – the client has a problem and it’s my job to find a solution.
Get help – accountability and motivation
Whether you’re looking for a Business Coach in Australia, or an Australian Life Coach, accountability is a big part of staying motivated. There are apps you can use, or other strategies, but I know that when I talk to clients weekly and they know I’m going to ask about how they went with homework from last week – they will make an effort to do that homework. This is exactly why I don’t do coaching appointments on a monthly basis; but instead weekly. I always see a flurry of activity a day or two before a coaching appointment, so if we only spoke once a month, basically nothing would happen for about 27 days of the month. By talking weekly, it keeps up the momentum.
Maintaining momentum and enthusiasm are good ways to be motivated. When we see progress and see positive things happening, then we stay more motivated. Even 30+ years on, I still get excited when a new client comes on board. I know what motivated me is variety and problem-solving and helping people, so by being a business coach (or a life coach) then I know I’m doing the things I love, which keeps me on track, focussed, motivated and achieving forward momentum. Know why you’re in business. Learn what keeps you on track and if you’re wanting any assistance with staying motivated and would like some assistance, then give me a call or reach out via my contact page. I don’t lock clients into long-term contracts and offer a range of packages.
I’ll leave you with this quote:
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” – Confucius.
Sometimes we do fall, and sometimes we need help getting back up again. Sometimes too we need a little help in getting back up, or in climbing that next mountain. You could do it alone, but with someone helping you, it’s very likely to happen more quickly.
Read Strategy in Business: Why It’s Critical and How to Action It.
