Unlocking the Secrets of Inner Drive: Proven Strategies For Business Owners About Overcoming Procrastination And Achieving Important Business Goals

Let’s talk about motivation – you know, that elusive unicorn that somehow manages to disappear right when you need it most, usually around Monday mornings or when that big project deadline is looming. As business owners, we’re supposed to be these perpetually driven, coffee-fueled machines of productivity, right? 

Right?

Well, surprise! We’re human too, and sometimes our motivation meter reads about as high as a snake’s belly. But here’s the thing – understanding and mastering self-motivation isn’t just some feel-good corporate buzzword; it’s the secret sauce that separates the “I’ll do it tomorrow” dreamers from the “watch me crush this” achievers.

 “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

The Brutal Truth About Motivation (That Nobody Wants to Admit)

Let’s get real for a second: motivation isn’t some magical fairy dust that successful entrepreneurs sprinkle on their morning coffee. It’s more like that gym membership you got in January – totally useless unless you actually do something with it.

Motivation as a GPS System

Think of motivation as your business’s GPS system. Without it, you’re just driving around aimlessly in circles, probably ending up at the drive-thru instead of your intended destination. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there, haven’t we?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Why Your Brain is Being a Drama Queen About Motivation

You know that voice in your head that says, “Let’s scroll through social media for just five more minutes” when you should be working on your business strategy? Yeah, that’s your brain being a total drama queen. But here’s the plot twist: you’re not alone in this eternal battle between productivity and procrastination.

Research shows that even the most successful business owners face motivation slumps. The difference? They’ve just gotten better at telling their inner drama queen to take a seat.

The “Oh-So-Simple” (But Not Really) Guide to Self-Motivation

1. Pick ONE Thing (Yes, Just One, You Overachiever)

“Chase two rabbits, catch none. Chase one rabbit, post about it on Instagram.” – Ancient Proverb (Okay, I made that last part up)

Stop trying to juggle seventeen different goals while riding a unicycle and brewing the perfect cup of artisanal coffee. Pick ONE distinct goal and channel your inner laser beam. It’s like dating – things work out better when you’re not trying to pursue multiple relationships simultaneously (trust me on this one).

Imagine you’re at a buffet, my friend, with an endless array of culinary delights spread out before you. Do you attempt to sample every single dish in sight, risking indigestion and a messy explosion of flavours? Of course not! You strategically select a few choice items that truly tickle your fancy. The same principle applies to your goals. 

Trying to chase after too many things at once is like attending a party where you know no one and end up awkwardly sipping soda in the corner. Instead, pick a single goal, treat it like your soulmate, and shower it with all your attention. It’s like a dance – you move in perfect harmony, weaving and twirling until the music ends. Embrace the beauty of singular focus, and watch as your goal transforms from a distant dream into a tangible reality.

2. Find Your Inspiration (No, Netflix Doesn’t Count)

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

Looking for inspiration? Great! But scrolling through #MotivationalQuotes on Instagram for three hours isn’t exactly what we mean. Find real inspiration that kicks you in the pants and makes you want to conquer the world – or at least your to-do list.

3. Focus on the Prize (And Make it Juicy)

Remember why you started your business in the first place? Was it for:

• – Financial freedom
• – Creative independence
• – The ability to work in your pyjamas
• – All of the above or something else

Whatever your “why” is, keep it front and centre. It’s like dangling a carrot in front of yourself, except the carrot is your dream life, and you’re not a rabbit. (This metaphor got weird, but you get the point.) It must be visible and vivid; more than anything, it must be achievable and rewarding for you.

4. Spill the Tea (AKA Share Your Goals)

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Here’s a fun fact: telling others about your goals makes you more likely to achieve them. It’s like posting about starting a diet on social media – suddenly, you can’t sneakily eat that burger because Karen from accounting is watching your Instagram stories.

When you share your goals with people you trust and care about, it creates a sense of perceived and accepted accountability. Perceived accountability refers to the pressure you feel to achieve your goals because you know others are aware of them. This pressure can be motivating, as it adds an extra layer of responsibility and encourages you to stay focused and committed. Accepted accountability, on the other hand, is the willingness of the people you’ve shared your goals with to hold you accountable. They may offer support, encouragement, and gentle reminders to keep you on track. This type of accountability can be incredibly valuable, as it provides a safety net and a source of motivation when you need it most.

5. Build Your Cheer Squad

Nobody climbed Mount Everest alone (well, technically some have, but let’s ignore that for the sake of this analogy). Surround yourself with people who believe in you, support you, and aren’t afraid to tell you when you’re being ridiculous. Think of them as your personal board of directors, minus the boring quarterly meetings (I don’t like them; it doesn’t matter the format). 

The Cheerleading squad must be honest; that’s the imperative. No lying, no hiding. They must tell you how it is while remaining supportive. 

6. Master the Art of Bouncing Back

“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett

Let’s talk about setbacks, shall we? They’re like those plot twists in a movie that you didn’t see coming – except this is your business, not the latest Netflix series. The key isn’t avoiding setbacks (good luck with that); it’s learning to bounce back like a rubber ball on a sugar rush. 

You know that old Murphy’s law, aren’t you? 

“If anything can go wrong, it will!” – Murphy’s Law (E. A. Murphy) 

Setbacks in business are akin to unforeseen plot twists in a movie. They catch you off guard, disrupting your plans and throwing you into a whirlwind of uncertainty. It’s as if the script of your entrepreneurial journey suddenly takes an unexpected turn, leaving you questioning your next move (and confused in the process).

If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which something can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop. – Murphy’s Law (E. A. Murphy) 

These setbacks can take various forms, from economic downturns and market fluctuations to technological advancements that disrupt your industry or even personal challenges that impact your ability to lead your team. They can be daunting, causing discouragement, doubt, and frustration. It’s like hitting a brick wall when you least expect it, leaving you unsure how to proceed.

However, the key to success lies not in avoiding setbacks altogether (because, let’s face it, that’s almost impossible in the ever-changing business landscape). Instead, it’s about developing the resilience to bounce back quickly and effectively. It’s about learning to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Wake Up, Kick Ass, Do What It Takes, Repeat

Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash

Like a rubber ball bouncing back with renewed energy after each bounce, you must cultivate an unwavering ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones. This requires a combination of mental toughness, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to your goals. I don’t know any other way.

So, embracing a growth mindset is crucial. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or what went wrong, look for lessons within the setbacks. Experiment often. Analyse what led to the challenge, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to your strategies. Be active, responsive, and never stubborn. 

Things get easier when you handle them together (joint effort, collaboration, brainstorming, etc.). That is why building a resilient team is essential. Surround yourself with individuals who share your vision and values and are willing to work together through challenges. Foster a culture of open communication, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than grounds for blame.

Remember, setbacks are an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. The accurate measure of your success lies not in how often you stumble but in how quickly and gracefully you get back on your feet. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and use them as fuel to propel your business forward.

The Ultimate Truth Bomb About Motivation

Here’s the thing about motivation that most “gurus” won’t tell you: it’s not about feeling motivated 24/7. It’s about pushing through even when you’d rather be binge-watching cat videos or reorganising your sock drawer for the third time this week.

In the realm of personal growth and achievement, we often encounter the notion that motivation is a prerequisite for action. While it’s true that enthusiasm can ignite our drive, it’s crucial to recognise that motivation isn’t always a constant companion. 

There will be moments (more often than not) when the allure of comfort, procrastination, or self-doubt may tempt us to abandon our aspirations. In those instances, it’s imperative to remember that success doesn’t magically materialise from thin air; it’s forged through our consistent efforts, even when motivation seems elusive. 

Setbacks are an inherent part of any journey worth taking, and they serve as opportunities for growth, resilience, and learning. Embracing this philosophy allows us to transcend the limitations of momentary feelings and cultivate a mindset of perseverance, understanding that while setbacks may be temporary and serve a purpose, giving up is permanent and dream-crushing.

“The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” – Marvin Phillips

Your Action Plan (Because What’s a Motivational Post Without One?)

If you develop a better one, please do it your way. These are just my honest observations and some logical points around what we have covered so far.

Start with this list: 

1. Stop waiting for motivation to strike like lightning. It’s not Zeus, it’s a muscle you need to flex.

2. Pick your ONE thing for this week. Just one. I’m watching you.

3. Find your real inspiration (still not Netflix or TikTok).

4. Keep your eyes on the prize (and make it something better than a participation trophy).

5. Tell someone about your goals (preferably someone who won’t laugh) but don’t reveal it all. 

6. Build your support squad (quality over quantity, people).

7. Learn to bounce back (with style). Persist. \

The Grand Finale (because we are changing gears after this post)

Remember, motivation isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being persistent. It’s about getting up one more time than you fall down, sending one more email when you’d rather not, and pushing through one more challenge when Netflix is calling your name.

 “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” – Anonymous

So, dear business owner, as you navigate the wild seas of entrepreneurship, remember that motivation isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about doing good, being better, and occasionally treating yourself to that extra cup of coffee (because let’s be real, caffeine is life).

Now, get out there and show the world what you’re made of! And if anyone asks where you got your motivation from, just wink mysteriously and say it’s a secret (then send them this blog post).

P.S. If you’re reading this while procrastinating on something important, this is your sign to get back to work. Yes, right now. Go on, shoo!