Those inspirational quotes from successful people may motivate you for business. Some are practical, some are thought-provoking, and some rhyme like a poem. But do they actually help? Help, as in, ultimately to increase your sales?
Reading many quotes one after another will unlikely to help me grow my business, but it certainly keeps reminding me where I'm at. Working from home is a pretty lonely job after all. No one else is going to make sure that my mindset is at a steady level at all times.
#1 Keep Your Brain Happy
Think about your brain as a friend who loves new experiences. When you’re always doing the same tasks, it gets bored. And a bored brain isn’t a happy one. So, how do you keep it entertained? Mix things up! Try tackling your tasks in a different order or change your working environment. Even something as simple as working from a different room or a cafe can give your brain the change of scene it craves.
Also, give your brain some fun challenges. Outside of work, engage in activities that you find interesting and stimulating. Could be puzzles, learning a musical instrument, or even cooking exotic recipes. These activities keep your brain active and happy, and this positivity spills over into your work life.
A happy brain is more creative and efficient. When you're enjoying what you do, you're more likely to come up with innovative ideas for your marketing campaigns. So, make it a point to do things that delight your brain – both in and out of work.
#2 Set Personal Deadlines
When you're running your own show, creating personal deadlines is a straightforward yet powerful tool. It's all about giving yourself clear, specific dates to aim for with your tasks. This method helps bring structure and a sense of urgency to your work.
I'd like to set my goals realistically. Setting a goal is easy but how you work around it is important, you know? It's great to believe in positive thinking and The Law of Attraction, and I do believe in those. But I have to find a smart way to get to the goal, and will have to work hard on it.
Imagine you have a project. Instead of seeing it as one huge task, break it down into smaller parts. Assign a deadline to each of these smaller tasks. This breakdown makes your work more manageable and less overwhelming. It also helps keep your motivation up, as completing each small task feels like a win.
Sticking to these deadlines is crucial. Treat them as if they were set by a strict manager. By respecting these self-imposed deadlines, you're training yourself to be disciplined and focused. This practice can lead to improved work habits and better overall productivity.
#3 Get Your Body Exhausted for More Stamina
It might sound a bit odd, but getting your body tired out through exercise can actually boost your stamina over time. Think of it like training a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So, how about adding some physical activity to your daily routine?
This doesn't mean you have to start training for a marathon right away. Start small. Maybe a brisk walk in the morning, a bike ride, or a quick workout session. The key is to get your heart rate up and get moving. Over time, as you stick with it, you'll notice you can do more and more without getting as tired.
Building up your physical stamina has a sneaky way of boosting your mental stamina too. When your body feels stronger and more energized, your mind tends to follow. You might find yourself able to focus better and work longer without feeling drained.
And let's not forget the mood-boosting benefits of exercise. Working out releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can help reduce stress and lift your spirits. So, not only are you building stamina, but you're also setting yourself up for a happier, more positive mindset.
#4 Trust Your Intuition
Your intuition in business is like a personal advisor, built from your experiences and knowledge. In many situations, especially in uncertain or unfamiliar ones, this intuition can guide you in making decisions.
Trusting your intuition means listening to your inner voice when making choices. It's not about ignoring facts or data but rather adding your personal insight to the mix. Think of it as a balance between what you know intellectually and what you feel instinctively.
Developing trust in your intuition involves acknowledging and valuing your experiences. When faced with a decision, pause and consider what your instinct is telling you. Often, this instinct is a result of your subconscious mind processing information based on past experiences.
Using intuition effectively doesn't mean always going with your first instinct. It means considering that instinct as a valuable part of your decision-making process. Balancing rational thought and intuition can lead to more well-rounded and often more successful business decisions.
#5 Upgrade Your Work-Related Stuff as a Reward
When you hit a big goal, like smashing your sales target, why not treat yourself to an upgrade in your work gear? It’s like giving yourself a high-five for a job well done. For instance, if you’ve been eyeing that latest MacBook, reaching your goal could be the perfect reason to get it.
Think about it: upgrading your tools isn’t just about the thrill of having something new and shiny. It's also about giving yourself the best tools to succeed. A faster, more efficient laptop means you can work more smoothly, handle more tasks, and maybe even explore new software that could boost your business.
This practice of upgrading your work stuff serves as a tangible reward for your hard work. It’s a way of acknowledging your efforts and success. Plus, it keeps you motivated. Knowing there’s a cool reward waiting at the end of a tough project can give you that extra push you need when things get challenging.
It could be a new ergonomic chair for a more comfortable workday, a better webcam for those endless video calls, or even just a new set of noise-cancelling headphones to help you focus. The point is to make your workspace better and your workday a bit more enjoyable with each achievement.
#6 Change Your Scenery
Sometimes, all you need to get a fresh burst of motivation is a change in scenery. If you’re feeling stuck or just a bit bored with the same old routine, moving your workspace can make a world of difference.
You don’t have to go far for this change. It could be as simple as setting up your workspace in a different room, or if you can, heading to a local coffee shop for a few hours. The new environment can give you a new perspective. It’s amazing what a different view, a new set of sounds, or even just a change in lighting can do for your mood and creativity.
If you’re someone who usually works from home, this change of scenery can also mean a break from the solitude. Being around other people, even if you’re not interacting with them, can make your workday feel more lively and dynamic.
And don’t forget the benefits of nature. If it’s possible, try working outdoors for a bit. A dose of fresh air, a bit of sunlight, and the tranquil scenery can be incredibly refreshing. It’s a simple way to break the monotony and give your brain some much-needed stimulation.
Changing your scenery is about more than just a physical move. It’s about giving your mind a fresh start, even if it’s just for a few hours. It’s a straightforward yet effective way to reignite your motivation and see your work in a new light.
#7 Having a Big Dream Doesn't Always Work
In other words, be realistic.
True story. I had a close friend who invented some computer chip (I never knew what it was about!) For over 30 years he believed it would sell one day and he'd be a millionaire. His goal was to make a million. Not a thousand. He was never interested in any jobs or products that he could possibly earn "thousands of dollars". Because his one and only goal was to make a million dollars.
He never made it. He was always devastatingly poor, and he died.
Bless him, and how sad is that? While I think it may be a good idea to "think big", but that's just not for me. I like to set a realistic goal and scale it up, step up in my good time.
#8 Dress Up (Reasonably) Smart
Working from home means you can work whatever way you want. You can work in pyjamas, on your bed with your laptop, munching away... Without creating a work environment. Sounds good, right? But there's no motivation factor in that kind of "no boundary" working lifestyle.
A motivation needs a preparation that's suitable for its purpose. Working on your bed means you're motivating yourself to sleep. You should create the right environment, i.e.
Get dressed reasonably
Work at your desk properly - that's the office you're generating your income at.
Take a break every few hours just like Healthy & Safety crap tells you to! And do something else at your lunch break - I take my dog for a walk.
#9 Handle Failure with a Cool Head
When things don't go as planned, it can feel like a big setback. But here's the thing: failure is part of the game. It's not a reflection of your worth or your abilities. Think of it as a teacher. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn something new.
When you face a setback, give yourself some time to feel disappointed – it's natural. But don't stay in that headspace for too long. Instead, start looking at what went wrong. Was it something within your control? What can you do differently next time? This approach shifts your focus from feeling bad to finding solutions.
Everyone – and I mean everyone – has faced failure at some point. You're not alone. Sharing your experiences with friends or mentors can provide new perspectives and valuable advice. Sometimes, just talking about it can lighten your load and help you see things more clearly.
So now what? It's time to bounce back, but with a bit more wisdom in your pocket. After analyzing what went wrong, start making a plan to move forward. This could involve adjusting your strategy, learning new skills, or simply trying again with a better understanding.
You'll start to see that failure isn't the end of the road; it's just a detour. Keep your head up and your eyes on the prize.
#10 Have a Positive Mindset in Current Times
Many people are facing challenges, right? It's a shared experience, and you're not alone in feeling the strain of current events. Maintaining a positive mindset during these times can be a helpful way to navigate these challenges.
One approach is to focus on the present and find small joys in everyday life. This could be anything from enjoying a hobby, appreciating nature, or simply relishing a quiet moment. These small pleasures can have a big impact on your overall mood and outlook.
Be kind to yourself. Understand that it's okay to have days when things don't go as planned. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer to others. This self-kindness can help you maintain a more positive and resilient mindset.
Finding ways to stay connected with others, whether through social media, phone calls, or safe in-person gatherings, can also contribute to a more positive outlook. Sharing experiences and offering support to each other can be a powerful way to uplift your spirits during tough times.
Bring on the motivational way to succeed to make business startup. I have been trying my best for a long time and now i can feel it’s coming. On the storefront I see the sign L. This is the key.
Thank you for that very insightful post. I myself do blog and I can sometimes find myself up very late night after night doing what I love to do which is to blog. It never dawned on me that I should be taking better care of my health by at least taking some sort of brain supplement. Also, I have always been an introvert and I do value my time alone. I usually work a lot better alone.
Thanks for your comment, I think it’s a great advantage for “introverts” to work for yourself alone, as you say. Sounds like you enjoy your work for staying up late every night, as long as you’re happy and healthy, that’s great. Happy blogging, and I wish you the best of luck!