Tough days can be even tougher when you’re lacking inspiration.
Not only tough days, but you know those days when you just can’t get going? That’s right. We all have them. You know why? Because we’re human! No one has the super human strength to stay positive 100% of the time, as much as you might try or want to. Sometimes, our bodies and our minds become that tired or overworked we just don’t have it in us.
Much like when a car starts to run low on fuel and the light starts flashing and it starts to slow down, you don’t just accept defeat and think ‘oh well’ and give up and leave the car by the side of the road. You recognise that your vehicle has needs and make your way to the nearest service station. You fill up on Diesel, and perhaps even check your tyre pressure and oil whilst you’re there. Once you’ve ticked all those boxes, your car’s back in action and you’re good to go.
As human beings, we’re no different!
The only exception here is that for us to ‘refuel’, we need to stay inspired, or top up our inspiration. Inspiration is key to succeeding, whether this be in life or in business. Inspiration allows you to maintain a sharp focus and keep moving forward, which is exactly what you need to be a successful entrepreneur. For me, there are 6 things that help me to stay inspired, and they all begin with R.
Here are my personal 6 Rs to stay inspired as an entrepreneur:
Read real motivational stories
Sometimes, you feel like you’re the only one on this journey and in a way, you’re right. You’re the only one on YOUR journey, but many, MANY others before you have led a similar journey to success. A good way to inspire yourself is to find out more about these people and their experiences. If you read real motivational stories from other business owners, celebrities, moguls, etc, you’ll find yourself wanting more – just like they did.
Remind myself of motivational quotes
It sounds cliché but something as simple as having an album of motivational quotes in your phone or in your diary can keep you on track and inspired. If you feel like you’re having a moment of self-doubt or weakness – have a flick through them. Remind yourself of what you’re doing and why – “live a few years of your life like most people won’t so you can live the rest of your life like most people can’t”
Remember why I got started
There’s ALWAYS a reason why an entrepreneur decides to go it alone and reach for the stars. There will always be a super strong motivation as to why you got started, so to stay inspired, remind yourself of this reason every single day. If you’re motivated and inspired by providing for your family, keep their pictures close to look at regularly. If you’re motivated and inspired to buy a new house or a new car, create a vision board in your office that you see at all times. Never forget WHY you started.
Rest and take some time out
One of the most common reasons that people reach a point where they lack inspiration is because they’re experiencing burnout of some description. However, burnout can be easily avoided if you make an active effort to rest and take some time out on a regular basis. Don’t forget that although you’re a passionate entrepreneur, you’re a human, and ‘stopping’ from time to time is necessary to ensure that you’re able to perform at an optimum level.
Relay progress to a mentor
With an extremely busy day to day schedule, it can be really easy to get lost and ultimately, lose your spark. At this point, you need to regroup – as do I. In order to get yourself back in check and on track, relay your progress to a mentor or coach. Regular conversation with an objective individual can be extremely valuable and allows you to progress and remain inspired by your goals, your aims, your team, and your product.
Retain focus on my goals
The most important way to stay inspired as an entrepreneur is to constantly retain focus on your goals. Combine this with the reason why you started and inspiration will not be hard to come by!
