Finding Motivation as an Entrepreneur: Embracing Cycles and Staying Accountable
For nearly 10 years, my husband and I have been on the entrepreneurial journey, and one thing has become clear: if you want to work for yourself, you need to be self-motivated. There’s no manager checking in, no deadlines except the ones you set. You’re responsible for keeping the engine running, even when no one else is holding you accountable.
Staying Driven When No One's Watching
It takes a lot of self-discipline to be your own boss. I’ve found over the years that one of the best ways to stay motivated is to ask myself, "What’s worse? The pain of doing this task right now or the disappointment I’ll feel if I don’t get it done?" For me, the fear of letting myself down always wins. It’s a powerful motivator.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned: motivation comes in cycles. There are periods when I’m firing on all cylinders, and there are times when things slow down—and that’s okay. I used to feel guilty during those slower periods, like I wasn’t pushing hard enough. Now, I’ve come to embrace them as a natural part of life and work.
Planning is Key
One of the best tools I’ve found for self-motivation is planning. When you’re running your own business, you need a plan for the next day before your head hits the pillow. I like to keep my to-do lists realistic—too many items, and I end up feeling disappointed if I don’t cross everything off.
It’s also about balance. Some days are for pushing hard, and others are for slowing down. And that’s the beauty of being your own boss—you can take those slower days when you need them without feeling guilty.
Embracing the Cycles
I’m a project person. When a new project lands on my desk, whether it’s building a website for a client, a growth project for my own site, or even a personal renovation project (like the one my husband and I just completed on our home in six weeks!), I throw myself into it. Those are the times when I’m up at 3:45 a.m. with ideas buzzing, unable to rest until I’ve made progress.
But in the quieter times, like when clients are reviewing their sites or I’m between projects, I’ve learned it’s okay to slow down. Recently, I had a revelation: you can sit down with a coffee and just drink it. No multitasking, no emails, no Instagram posts, no trying to read with your child or do your makeup at the same time. You can simply sit—and it’s fine! At 37, this was a huge realisation for me.
Tips for Staying Motivated as an Entrepreneur
For anyone thinking about going into business for themselves, here are a few things that have helped me stay on track:
Routine and Early Starts: Start your day with a plan. I always recommend rising early and doing something physical, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. It gets you out of the house and sets a productive tone for the day.
Prepare the Night Before: Having a plan for the next day is essential. Write out a realistic to-do list and prioritise the hardest tasks first. You’ll feel so much better once they’re done!
Work Smarter, Not Harder: It’s important to shake off the idea that you need to clock in a 40-hour week just because that’s what’s been drilled into us. The truth is, as long as you’re making money and getting things done, it doesn’t matter if you worked 20 hours one week and 60 the next. The goal is to streamline your work and focus on what truly matters.
Change Up Your Environment: Working from home can get monotonous, so don’t be afraid to mix things up. Whether it’s co-working spaces, cafés, or just taking regular breaks, it’s important to keep your work environment fresh.
Balance Work and Socialising: Schedule time for friends and clients. Social interaction is important, and breaking up your day with meetings or social coffee breaks can keep you motivated.
Take Breaks and Enjoy Life: If you’ve finished a project, go outside with your cup of tea, or spend the afternoon in the garden. Life is for living, after all! I love that I can be there for my child, go on school trips, or simply take a day to reset when I need it.
The Entrepreneurial Privilege
I’m grateful every day that I’ve built a life where I work for myself. It’s a privilege to set my own hours, be present for my family, and know that I can take time off without asking for permission. Some weeks are packed to the brim, but other weeks, when the deadlines are lighter, I get to embrace a slower pace—and that’s perfectly okay.
Life is a cycle of motivation, feelings, wins, and moments of stillness. No matter where you are in that cycle, just know that 'this too shall pass.' So, enjoy the ride!
