While it is great to be able to be our own boss, it is not always possible to focus solely on the things we’re strong at and on the things we love when starting out. We just have to roll up our sleeves and make it happen. But how do we keep inspired and motivated?
As women entrepreneurs we have taken the leap of faith in order to forge our own paths and play by our own rules in the business world. There’s a high likelihood that we’re starting with a very strong “WHY” and creating something that is more purpose-driven and personalised than we could have created working for someone else. We are motivated by our vision and excited to make it happen, but it can be a challenge to keep being inspired and focused on our “Why” when life tests us.
While it can be incredibly liberating and fulfilling to be running our own businesses, it can also be full of ups and downs. Let’s face it, some days can be overwhelming. We’re often having to wear so many hats when starting out that take us out of our comfort zone. There are steep learning curves and many tasks to juggle. This can take us out of our areas of strength and preference and into areas that de-energise and challenge us. There’s a myriad of distractions and decisions to be made. It’s no wonder some days feel like an uphill battle with no end in sight!
We can easily get caught up in the busyness and lose focus of the big picture
Spending too much energy in our areas of weakness is de-energising and counterproductive – not the best use of our time! We’re not operating in our zone of greatness and may not be doing enough of that which lights us up and recharges us. Spending too long in this space can open the door to self-doubt, loss of confidence and overwhelm as well as stress.
When we’re stressed and stretched, we leave the door open to the shadow side, which can lead to overplaying our strengths and feeding our potential pit-falls (do these ring a bell?…… being over-prudent and not taking action, being over-forgiving and not having the tough conversations that need to be had, overdoing the perseverance until we are spent instead of knowing when to ask for help?)
Avoid the shadow side by doing these things:
Remember to create time and space to reconnect to your innate needs and drivers, to look back and celebrate what you have achieved so far, to take stock of the present and address what’s not working and to look forward to your vision and mission, to get inspired and to see the possibilities.
Strategies for keeping motivated, inspired and happier:
- Reconnect with the real you, know your needs, what lights you up and what drains you. Use this as a compass to keep you inspired and aligned to your needs and values.
- Reconnect with your “WHY”.
- Think big. Take time to look at the bird’s-eye-view, don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Maintain a positive mindset. Focus on positive self-talk.
- Ask empowering questions, such as “What would it take to achieve a different result?”, rather than “Why does it always go wrong?”.
- Create and practice affirmations.
- Grow and learn. There is no growth without change. Overcome the fear of change by facing resistance with “why not?”.
- Be gentle on yourself. Be forgiving and allow yourself the time to achieve change.
- Practice gratitude to attract further positive experiences.
- Practice some form of meditation – create the space for calm, relaxation and introspection.
- Create daily space for focusing on something you love, even if briefly.
- Develop a support network. Consider coaching, mentoring, accountability buddies and regular contact with people who inspire and uplift.
- Make use of the support, learning materials and networking opportunities that HerBusiness Network Premium Membership offers. It is a reliable one-stop-shop – to reduce overwhelm and confusion caused by the outside noise and distractions from the shiny new offers that might be filling up your inbox.
- Find your tribe. Attend the HerBusiness Roundtables, it is an environment focused on providing tailored support around your business challenges, and also a place to get inspired and to celebrate achievements.
More resources:
Download my Free Stressors in the Workplace by Personality Type Poster here
Contact me to arrange a complimentary Workplace Strategy discussion: nada@innovativeconsultingsolutions.com.au
