Do you ever lie in bed and contemplate your upcoming workday?
You think, "I'm going to call that new customer after I
have my first cup of coffee." Then you decide the call can
wait, and you hit the snooze button a few more times. We all want
to be more productive and achieve success. But at times, we find it
difficult to motivate ourselves to take action--especially first
thing in the morning.
Some people view motivation as something of a conundrum--they
don't understand how people can always be energized. Getting
started has less to do with whether you have the energy and more to
do with your desire and willingness to accomplish any given
task.
As an entrepreneur, you are passionate about your business. Once
you dig in, start a project and see the results of your labor, you
become even more galvanized. Stop delaying your success, and begin
your day with enthusiasm by taking action.
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1. Start your day the night before. At the close of your
business day, congratulate yourself on what you have accomplished.
Do not judge the size of your accomplishments; appreciate that you
have moved your business forward. Feeling good about what you
completed during your workday sets a positive foundation for your
next day. Say to yourself, "I love my business and will create
even greater success tomorrow."
2. Create an outcome-oriented task list for the next day.
Goals provide focus for your workday and clarify what you are going
to achieve. State the payoff associated with completing each
task--recognizing the outcome of your hard work increases your
motivation. After defining your goals, choose which task to work on
first. E-mail your list to yourself, or put it on your desk. Then
relax because you have now created a great head start on your next
business day.
3. Take time to invest in yourself before the start of
your business day. As an entrepreneur, you are your business's
greatest asset. You must take care of yourself. Choose a morning
activity you enjoy so you can appreciate the beginning of each day.
Whether it's a morning walk around your neighborhood, a quick
breathing exercise or an intense physical workout, decide on
something that helps you transition into your workday. Change your
morning activity on a weekly basis to avoid getting bored with the
same routine.
4. Visualize your achievement. Review your action list
and concentrate on the outcomes you stated. Imagine the success you
will achieve with each completed task. For example, envision your
customers becoming happier and/or healthier after using your
product or service. It may even spark some marketing ideas. Setting
your brain on positive mode allows you to stay enthusiastic
throughout the day.
No single day makes or breaks your business. Plateaus are a
natural part of life and of growing a business. If a bad day
occurs, don't despair. Become energized by your freedom to be
your own boss and your ability to make changes. Your goal is to
continually learn and realize that having your own business is more
play than work.
Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The Kick
Start Guy," is the author of Kick Start Your Dream Business.