5 Business Motivation Tips for Q1

Feb 8

Q1 is here again, and even though it’s the start of a new year… you’re already exhausted! You’ve got to get your business mojo back on track, but how? Many entrepreneurs channel their motivation by focusing on their dreams and bright futures, but not even the most invigorated business owners can avoid occasional dips in energy. And you know what? That’s OK!

When you feel your motivation slipping away, refocus your goals and decide on the best path forward. Here are a few tips to reclaim your business motivation and harness the energy you need to make a difference in your field.

1. Focus on the Big Picture

Entrepreneurs often have endless task lists and dozens of problems to solve on any given day. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when there’s so much to do. Instead of diving into your work, take a step back.

Look at the big picture and consider why you have all of these tasks in the first place. Think about who you are helping and how your work makes a positive difference in the world. Even the most arduous activities are bearable if you know that they will help you achieve your goals in the long run.

2. Set Your Intentions

Setting intentions is the process of focusing your mind on your overall goals. They can relate to your job, your personal life, or your general mindset. Before you start work each day, set aside a few minutes to crystalize your intentions. Here are a few examples:

I am going to make a positive impact on the lives of the people I work with today.
I am not going to let small details overwhelm me.
I am going to pause and reflect before I react.
I am going to take time to rest.

Some entrepreneurs set their intentions with the help of meditation apps and journaling. Others take time to ponder the day ahead when they are walking the dog or enjoying their morning coffee. Building this habit can boost your business motivation by helping you focus on the big picture.

3. Identify Sources of Burnout

A shocking number of entrepreneurs experience burnout as they grow their businesses. One study found 75% of small business owners are concerned about their mental health. You might feel burned out if you are chronically tired, unmotivated, and uninterested in other parts of your life.

Fighting burnout starts with boundaries. Set limits for when you are going to work and how much you are going to do. Sign off from your computer at the same time each night and make sure you have two weekend days to relax and recharge.

Resting after a long week is never a waste of time—your downtime allows you to be more effective when you are clocked in. Think of boundary setting and burnout prevention as a way to work smarter, not harder.

4. Release What No Longer Serves You

This concept allows you to consider what aspects of your business or personal life are holding you back. Dropping weights that take up too much of your time or have a negative influence on your life can be freeing and can give you fresh motivation to move forward. Meditate on what elements of your business no longer serve you and consider how you can release them. Here are a few examples:

One of your clients is too demanding and never happy with your work. They might be a better fit for someone else.
A service you offer is not profitable. While it is useful to clients, it is too time-consuming to continue doing.
You are not passionate about a particular service. Instead, you will pivot to more exciting and meaningful work.

It’s natural for your business to grow and evolve. You don’t have to hold on to the “old you” as the “new you” starts to flourish!

5. Celebrate Your Growth

In the same way that you want to look at the big picture before you start a new project or list of tasks on a stressful day, step back every once in a while to see how far you have come. Celebrate your accomplishments, from little wins to major milestones. You are your biggest cheerleader because no one else knows how hard you work.

These celebrations will look different for everyone. Some people celebrate at the end of each week while others set monthly goals. You can even honor little wins—like dealing with a fussy client—at the end of a long day.

Feeling good about what you have done can motivate you to move forward with confidence.

Discover Your Business Motivation With a Supportive Community

It’s natural for your business motivation to come in waves. Sometimes you will feel strong and motivated, and other times you will feel weak and worn down. Listen to your body, understand its needs, and learn to manage the natural ebb and flow.

One way to boost your motivation is to surround yourself with a supportive community. Sweet Sleep Academy offers mentorship and coaching services, along with workshops and events to help keep you soaring upwards. Motivation is contagious—especially in Q1 with a whole year ahead of you—and these programs allow you can meet other inspiring business owners who are just as passionate as you are.

Sarah Lougry