How you motivate your self to keep on going in this business?

48 replies
I guess one of the most important thing in this business is to keep yourself in good mood or motivated to face of the hard work at home? how do you deal with that? who said that work at home is easy?
#business #motivate
  • Profile picture of the author Jacksprat
    One of the big secrets is to keep busy. Set yourself a list of tasks every day and make sure you get through them. I find its easy to get distracted and the uncertainty settles in when you're doing nothing. So, get busy!
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  • Profile picture of the author babushka99
    Banned
    I agree - set a task for yourself, one that you will achieve / attain at the end of the day. Keep yourself busy. The thing about working from home is you can get distracted easily. When working - close all your IMs. Even close your email. Just concentrate on what you have to you. If need be, open a notepad and write in large fonts "Peter, you need to be working on ....." - digress and you will have problems.

    Whilst at the same time, learn to take a break, stretch, walk in the garden for 5 minutes, get out of the room. 5-10 minutes and then hurry back. Sunshine always helps keeping you alert.
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Nishio
      Originally Posted by babushka99 View Post

      set a task for yourself, one that you will achieve / attain at the end of the day.
      I couldn't agree more. And when you have everyday goals, they take you little-by-little to your big goal. Staying too focused on the big goal can distract you and prevent you from progressing because it seems too faraway. It can easily discourage you. This is why it's important to have smaller goals that slowly pile up. And when the smaller goals pile up, what happens is, the big goal gets fulfilled by itself. In the end, the big goal is just a collection of smaller goals.

      So focus on completing your smaller, daily goals. When you have a clear goal for each day, you know exactly what you're supposed to have done by the end of the day, and that's what keeps you going. Focus on each single day individually. One day at a time.
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  • Profile picture of the author conners88
    there isnt much sunshine in england right now
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  • Watch your small successes. I keep motivated by watching my site climb up a spot in the SERPS, when I get clicks from my articles, when I get HOPS - It keeps me wanting more.

    Also, something as simple as getting a "THANKS" here on the forum boosts my motivation 100 fold.
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  • Profile picture of the author mjhbiz
    I learned recently in productivity training that a 52 minute focus one to two times daily is moving my business forward. The sense of accomplishment is liberating.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bart Loos
    Originally Posted by smartclick View Post

    I guess one of the most important thing in this business is to keep yourself in good mood or motivated to face of the hard work at home? how do you deal with that? who said that work at home is easy?
    Actually those are NOT the most important things at all.

    Getting in a good mood and trying to motivate yourself will fail.

    It seems almost everyone gets it backwards. ... "People want motivation"..

    And this is what keeps them stuck, because they are trying to fix a symptom and not the cause.

    Actually focusing on the symptom is just a distraction to not have to handle the real problem.

    They need to get the crap out of the way first and this perceived "lack of motivation" will NEVER be a problem

    crap: doubt, insecurity, fear of failure, perfectionism, not decided where to go, no commitment... the list goes on..

    People who get things done, don't have any of the above standing in their way.

    Have fun

    Bart
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    • Profile picture of the author cjjohn
      Originally Posted by Bart Loos View Post

      Actually those are NOT the most important things at all.

      Getting in a good mood and trying to motivate yourself will fail.

      It seems almost everyone gets it backwards. ... "People want motivation"..

      And this is what keeps them stuck, because they are trying to fix a symptom and not the cause.

      Actually focusing on the symptom is just a distraction to not have to handle the real problem.

      They need to get the crap out of the way first and this perceived "lack of motivation" will NEVER be a problem

      crap: doubt, insecurity, fear of failure, perfectionism, not decided where to go, no commitment... the list goes on..

      People who get things done, don't have any of the above standing in their way.

      Have fun

      Bart
      This is EXACTLY what my problem is.

      I've been trying to fix a symptom when what I need to do is look at the cause. My crap list is mostly about disillusionment and despair as a result of perfectionism, doubt, a distinct LACK of success and stuff like that.

      *sigh*
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      • Profile picture of the author Bart Loos
        Originally Posted by kitfanc View Post

        This is EXACTLY what my problem is.

        I've been trying to fix a symptom when what I need to do is look at the cause. My crap list is mostly about disillusionment and despair as a result of perfectionism, doubt, a distinct LACK of success and stuff like that.

        *sigh*
        Hey Kitfanc,

        What is it that you want to be able to do?

        Cheers

        Bart
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    • Profile picture of the author anwar001
      Originally Posted by Bart Loos View Post

      Actually those are NOT the most important things at all.

      Getting in a good mood and trying to motivate yourself will fail.

      It seems almost everyone gets it backwards. ... "People want motivation"..

      And this is what keeps them stuck, because they are trying to fix a symptom and not the cause.

      Actually focusing on the symptom is just a distraction to not have to handle the real problem.

      They need to get the crap out of the way first and this perceived "lack of motivation" will NEVER be a problem

      crap: doubt, insecurity, fear of failure, perfectionism, not decided where to go, no commitment... the list goes on..

      People who get things done, don't have any of the above standing in their way.

      Have fun

      Bart
      Excellent advice. Thanks
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      • Profile picture of the author Bart Loos
        Originally Posted by anwar001 View Post

        Excellent advice. Thanks
        Thx Anwar.

        Glad you liked it.

        Sometimes it's hard to acknowledge what the real problem is.

        People should realize that laziness, procrastination, lack of motivation are symptoms of the problem

        They are NOT the problem to change.

        If people would deal with their often unconscious limiting beliefs and emotions. (ie: i'm not good enough, fear, doubt, uncertainty, i'm weak, i'm less, ... ) symptoms like lack of motivation, procrastination and stuff will evaporate.

        Sadly enough they rather keep dreaming of a red bike :rolleyes:

        Have fun

        Bart
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  • Profile picture of the author rocketmail009
    Motivation is a rather complex subject so in this post I'm going to talk about just one motivation tool that I use, namely other people. Heroes, role models and rivals are three types of people that keep me focused.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeStrides
    I find it very helpful to create time blocks where NO distractions are allowed. I currently work in blocks of 120 minutes. For that duration, my phones are on voicemail, my family knows better than to disturb me during that time (unless it's an emergency) and most certainly, all email, IM, etc is off. I use a timer set to 120 minutes -- and once it goes off, I stop working.

    Try it out, you may be pleasently surprised at what it does to your productivity. Of course, this presupposes that you have a viable gameplan for your business and have well-thought-out priorities on what you want to achieve.

    Best,
    Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author dsanchez
      In my case, being organized; knowing exactly what tasks are to be taken care of every hour.

      Dagmar
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Cabo
    I have a daily mind map..
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    • Maintain my motivation is very simple.

      I removed from the dictionary, "I hope that I will achieve it" and replaced with "I will achieve".

      Work is the most effective medicine for no motivation. Action is a tool that will help you stay motivated. Inactivity is a choice.
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      • Profile picture of the author SeaofSuccess
        In all of the various resources out there, I have come across one recently...
        I remember most, one point that struck me by differentiating motivation and inspiration, as if in a push / pull relationship...

        My understanding:
        Tis better to discover and focus on what is "inspiring" to you and pulling you toward action,
        Than to hunt for a "push" of those things which are considered motivating.

        ...Some food for thought.

        Don't recall the source of this particular lesson, yet the message left me identifying those passionate aspects of my work that naturally give me drive.

        Let's say that I am motivated by the inspiration.

        So remember to find the "fuel, and not just the tool" to kick yourself into gear.

        If all else fails... just know that... if you are here, and reading this, then you have everything you need to succeed already.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnpetrov
    Here's the BIG secret:



    1. Write down all the things you want to get done for the day. (writing, creating content, planning your next project, customer support, etc..)

    2. Assign a specific time to each task or group of tasks. Anything from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

    3. Select a task, start a timer, and focus on nothing but accomplishing that task. This means you don't answer the phone, you don't get up for a drink, you don't log onto Facebook, clckbank,etc - none of that. You remain focused on the task-at-hand!


    That's it
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    • Profile picture of the author mbrig
      [QUOTE=johnpetrov;1387602]Here's the BIG secret:



      1. Write down all the things you want to get done for the day. (writing, creating content, planning your next project, customer support, etc..)

      2. Assign a specific time to each task or group of tasks. Anything from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

      3. Select a task, start a timer, and focus on nothing but accomplishing that task. This means you don't answer the phone, you don't get up for a drink, you don't log onto Facebook, clckbank,etc - none of that. You remain focused on the task-at-hand!

      All very true, the sooner that we all realize that we are literally in a minute by minute struggle with our own internal resistance, we can start to . When we realise that all the distractions are coming from within ourselves,
      we at least have our enemy out in the open.

      Your resistance is the little voice that say's "hey let's take a break" when you are just getting going and look like making some progress.

      Agree with the shorter sharp bursts, you will crack if you set your little timer for 8 hours later. It's very difficult to remain focused and productive for those sort of time spans. As stated It's not easy working from home. If you honestly recorded the productive time spent on task, you might be shocked!

      Good luck everyone

      mbrig
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  • Profile picture of the author abdhamidmatsain
    Originally Posted by smartclick View Post

    I guess one of the most important thing in this business is to keep yourself in good mood or motivated to face of the hard work at home? how do you deal with that? who said that work at home is easy?
    I find having a coach/mentor is extremely essential in keeping my affiliate marketing steam and momentum going and growing.
    Regular contact eg.weekly webinars is very important.

    cheers
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    • Profile picture of the author kozmotm
      I watch some Eben Pagan stuff (marketing or advanced dating) and that does the trick.
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  • Profile picture of the author janmck
    I always remind myself that there are other people who I need to help so that's why I need to be successful in my career and online business. :
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  • Profile picture of the author sandra.IMqueen
    There is some really great help here.

    However, for myself when I feel demotivated (ususally because I am doing a task that I feel has no relevance).

    I STOP and just get back to the vision of where I am going, I visualise the future I am creating and when I have that vision clearly in my mind I really immerse myself in it, and enjoy it and imgine myself truly living the life I was born to.

    20 minutues later even the most mundane task will be a joy to undertake because I can remind myself that it contributes in it's own way to keeping me on track towards my future vision.

    Hope that helps
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  • Profile picture of the author SandraLarkin
    Banned
    Well, I wouyld not have any money. That is pretty good motivation, plus the lifestyle, I love it..
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  • Profile picture of the author Home Easy Earn
    Like someone else has already mentioned I also write down what i need to do each day but I put one or 2 items at the top of the list that are very important for me to do that day. I then make sure they get done no matter what.

    Some times I will not even break for a coffee before I have ticked off the things on top of my list. One thing I do to keep me motivated is real belief in knowing I will make it in IM, But what you really need to do each day is do something each day that moves you forward, even if it is just writing one article and posting it.
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  • Profile picture of the author bmitch213
    The best way to motivate yourself in business is. Not to see things as they are but as they can be. I never let scare tactics (People crying about recession, The economy's down, ect.) or anything else make me doubt my business. I write down my desire and everyday I say it to myself 50-100 times a day to keep it fresh in my mind.
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  • Profile picture of the author ksburgess
    My kids and the knowledge that my success at this is going to be what builds my dream house to raise them in.
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  • Profile picture of the author SuzukiE
    Originally Posted by smartclick View Post

    I guess one of the most important thing in this business is to keep yourself in good mood or motivated to face of the hard work at home? how do you deal with that? who said that work at home is easy?
    Keep a notepad by your laptop/computer and break your week down into mini-goals to achieve per day. Consistency is the key. If taking 5 steps toward your goal per day is too much, break it down into 3. Practice accomplishing those 3 things per day toward your goal. Once you are able to do that, you'll feel great about the progress you've made. For me, I have to keep it small and simple in order to not get discouraged. I fear discouragement because it causes me to want to give up and not move forward and breeds inaction. I do whatever it takes to not allow myself to get discouraged.
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  • Profile picture of the author SEOProGuy
    If I want to motivate my own business, I would rather recall what I have learned since I was in college about business, marketing and finance. I have to go over these again so that I can motivate my business very well.
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    • Profile picture of the author Peter Nguyen
      Keeping busy with a consistent approach to your action plan is a good way to keep going, I always like to see what others are doing in my market, so I view a number of my competition's website to help me motivate myself to make my sites better than theirs. Listening to motivational/inspirational speeches and videos is a pretty good way to continually strengthen you mentally and spiritually. When I have been working long hours on internet marketing, I sometimes go out for walks or go to the park and shoot some hoops just to clear up my mind and get rid of stress . Even listening to motivational and uplifting music can help too.

      Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author vitto
    I stay motivated by checking things off of my task list as mention before. the task list is vital to your business. I also stay motivated by rewarding myslef & family every time we reach a new financial or company goal. reward doesn't have to be big, could be dinner, movie and or massage etc. I also stay motivated by reading business books like wealth attraction for entrepenuers by dan kennedy
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  • Profile picture of the author SuperSmartEbook
    be around like-minded people. Get a partner or somebody who is interested in achieving the same goal and work your way up together.
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  • Profile picture of the author csongi12xme
    Go into a shop with not really cheap gadgets and work hard to get money for a gadget you like from there.
    It works for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author dobbs
    Motivation is the least of my worries. I accept the fact that there is gold in routine and discipline. Turn everything into a positive particularly the failures. Head down and tail up and one day it will all fall into place as long as you don't get distracted by anything negative. Love to live and live to love. Being alive and present is more important than anything and funnily enough it will lead to your golden fleece.
    See you there.
    Dobbs
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  • Profile picture of the author managepro
    Starting a Business is not easy, but the easy way to do it is stay calm and take one step at a time.

    Meditation helps in staying calm and gaining clarity, also the usage of affirmations helps significantly in boosting morale.
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  • Profile picture of the author JRok
    I like to use a simple 3x5 index card with a few tasks the need to be completed for the day. Also, trying to reduce email to twice a day. I haven't implemented everything from Tim Ferriss' 4HWW, but it has some good points to follow.
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  • Profile picture of the author downloadvyp
    telling myself that i will succed afteral
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    • Profile picture of the author Desh
      Make a BIG goal.
      Break into into smaller parts.
      Make still smaller parts.
      break it up a bit more...

      Then go about completing all the tiny bits till the BIG goal is reached.

      Rinse and repeat
      Signature

      Hmmmm....

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  • Profile picture of the author Arinal
    Definitely writing things down and then getting them done. I heard it from doctors. Definitely gets people going.
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  • Profile picture of the author AwesomePossum
    There's been a lot of great advice here so I'm not going to repeat the daily sub-goals.
    These are a few tricks I've learned that have really helped when I need it most

    1)Write out why you are doing what you're doing. Why do you want to run a home business? What are the benefits? Why did I choose this business over everything else? Just sit down and let if flow(free-writing!) This helps keep me trucking along when I need it most.
    2)Reward yourself! If you struggled to get through a day but you still accomplished all of your scheduled tasks then you deserve the reward of that "guilty" pleasure you have whatever it may be(Just try to keep away from the sex and drugs(alcahol included) as your reward : 0).
    3)Visualization: Imagine yourself easily accomplishing all of the tasks you set yourself for the day and how rewarding the gratification of a job well done is.

    These work for me when I seem to have no motivation for the day. These are the days that finishing your goals/tasks are the most gratifying. There's nothing else like it. This is where discipline is built and this is one of the very few things that separate the best from the rest.
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    • Profile picture of the author mello
      Awesome Possum
      55 posts in less than 3 weeks of joining ... that's Awesome, possum From NZ?

      SmartClick
      It's easy to spin wheels and become demotivated. For me, mapping out a really clear plan works and having a stepping stone of what has to be achieved this month/week/day to get results ie revenue!

      Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author theohanden
    recite your goals every day and look for short term success as small as it might be and use failure as a resource
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Dailly
    the big thing for me is knowing your not alone out there with what you want out of life. I found forums like warror; help keep me motivated when you are feeling down, or out of ideas
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  • Profile picture of the author joedwi1
    i have a wife and daughter i have to give food for them thats why i always motivated because we must stay live
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  • Profile picture of the author Mili_D
    Working from home for me was a dream come true, being my own boss and waking up any time was one of the reason I wanted to work from home. It all came tumbling down when I started off on the internet as new. It was hard no sales and bills to pay for, most of the time I would sit and think about going back to a full time job. It then came to me I should get up and motivate myself. But how! I then found a solution which was visualizing, mediating and writing my goals down and setting a date next to every gaol. I even started thank god for every think I had and then everything fell in to place. So just keep believing and taking action.
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  • Profile picture of the author antiquenh
    What motivates me are the positive results that I usually see after a few weeks of hard work. It's a nice feeling that your efforts have finally paid off.
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