Tips for Staying Motivated When You're Self-Employed

As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats. You're the CEO, the accountant, the salesperson, the janitor...the list goes on. It's a lot of work. However, being your own boss comes with a lot of perks. You make your own hours, you call the shots, and you're in control of your own destiny. But it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is staying motivated when there's no one else to hold you accountable.

 Here are a few tips to help you stay on track.

One way to stay motivated is to set goals for yourself—both short-term and long-term goals. Write them down and put them somewhere you'll see them every day. That could be a whiteboard in your office, the front of your fridge, or even just a sticky note on your computer monitor. Seeing your goals every day will help remind you what you're working towards and why it's important to stay focused. 

Another way to stay motivated is to build a support network of other self-employed individuals who understand what you're going through. Whether that's joining an entrepreneur group or simply finding friends who are in the same boat as you, having people to commiserate with and bounce ideas off of can make all the difference. 

Don't be afraid to give yourself a little pep talk from time to time. Sometimes all you need is a reminder of how far you've come and what you're capable of. So stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eye, and tell yourself that you're amazing and you can do this!

Last but not least, make sure you take time for yourself both inside and outside of work. That means setting aside time each day or week to pursue hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of work—whatever helps you relax and recharge. It could be going for walks in nature, reading books, taking yoga classes, or anything else that brings you joy. And inside of work, make sure you take breaks throughout the day too. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or do some stretches at your desk. Also, that means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and making time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Taking regular breaks will help improve your focus and productivity when you sit back down to work again.  If you're not taking care of yourself, it'll be that much harder to keep up the motivation to do your job well.

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‍Bottom Line

Self-employment can be tough, but it's also rewarding in ways that traditional employment can't compete with. By setting goals, building a support network, and taking care of yourself both inside and outside of work, you can set yourself up for success...no matter what industry you're in.

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