Ever get to the stage in your business where you just can’t be bothered doing anything?
You start a task (which should take you no longer than an hour), yet you’re still fluffing around on it hours later with the completion of that activity – nowhere in sight.
However, you’ve managed to clean out your desk drawer, with all your paper clips and pens sorted and neatly stacked; you’ve re-arranged your desk a few times; and you’ve busied yourself with all sorts of things, however NOT the task you SHOULD be working on?
I know I have. On more occasions than I care to admit.
If you can relate, I’m sure we’re not alone.
This is something that even the most passionate entrepreneur can find him- or herself faced with.
So what can you do?
Here are 12 steps I’ve used (and continue to use) when I find myself in a slump, which has given me a gentle kick in the ‘you-know-where’ to reactivate my motivation and enthusiasm.
Each step uses the letters of: G E T M O T I V A T E D
Try these first six steps yourself this week, and next week, I’ll share the next six.
Get Specific
The reason so many of us lose momentum and therefore fail to reach our goals (according to Life Hacker) is because the goals we set ourselves are too broad.
- “I want to lose weight”
- “I want to get fit”
- “I want to grow my business”, and the list goes on.
Each of the above goals is too broad.
You need to get specific on what it is you DO want.
- “I want to lose 10 kilos by [deadline]”
- “I want to be able to run 5 kilometers by [date]”
- “I want to grow my income by $XXK by [date]”
As I said in my article: Your Best Year Yet: Is It Time to Recommit To Your New Year’s Resolutions? – SPECIFICITY RULES!
And, while you’re at it, remember to get specific on each of the action steps you need to take to achieve your goals, AND get it into your schedule.
Examine Your ‘Why’
What’s the reason behind this goal?
Is it to please someone else?
If you’re doing this only to please another person (and you’re not really committed to it) – chances are you’ll give up at the very first obstacle.
Identifying your big WHY and tapping into the emotion behind this goal will help keep you motivated and focused – even when you’re faced with challenges.
The following questions will help you:
- What’s the payoff of you achieving this goal?
- What’s the cost to you if you DON’T achieve this goal?
- How will you feel once you achieve this goal?
- How will you feel if you DON’T achieve this goal?
Tell Someone
There’s nothing more motivating than sharing your goal with someone who has your best interest at heart and is there to support you no matter what.
A coach; mentor; or accountability partner.
I have an accountability partner and every week send her a list of goals (intentions) that I’m going to work on. Then, at the end of the week, I send an email to let her know how I’ve gone.
There’s nothing more motivating than knowing she is aware of what I’m working on. And, sending her an email at the end of the week with Not Complete; Not Complete against items on the list – is NOT going to happen.
I’ve found there’s nothing more rewarding (and hence, motivating) than being able to send an email with Done; Done; Done next to each item.
In fact, it has been so successful for both of us that we’ve started doing this on a daily basis.
Motivation on steroids! I stay focused and get real satisfaction when I can cross things off my list.
Try it, and let me know how you go.
Minimise Distractions
Prior to getting stuck into action turn off your email, Twitter, Facebook, set your landline and smart phone to message bank, and address anything else that has the potential to become a distraction.
I’ll even have some calming music playing in the background to create an atmosphere which kick-starts my creative juices. Very helpful, particularly if I’m writing an article or working on a project that requires my full attention.
I have to admit – I’m shocking when it comes to being easily distracted, so anything that will help me minimise distractions so I can remain focused, is important.
What distractions do you need to eliminate?
Outsource Tasks
STOP trying to do everything yourself. It’ll only lead to frustration and overwhelm.
If the tasks you are working on are tasks that:
- You struggle with
- You dislike
- Are administrative in nature
- Don’t require your expertise, and
- Are keeping you from working on where you excel; that only you can perform; get’s you closer to generating income in your business – guess what? OUTSOURCE the task!
Take A Break
Taking a break from the activity at hand, especially if you have been focusing on that task for some time, can do you the world of good.
I’ll often have a cup of tea out by the pool, go for a short stroll, or read a magazine. That 10-minute or so break is just what I need to refresh and reinvigorate me.
There you have it – the first six steps to get you motivated after you’ve fallen into a slump.
I can’t wait to share the next six steps next week.
In the meantime, which steps are you going to do?
Let me know in the comments section below.
