Eddie Cantor once said, “It takes twenty years to become an overnight success”. In the internet age, entrepreneurs can shorten this window considerably, however, the fact remains that long hours and significant effort are required prior to the launch of a new on-line business. During this pre-launch phase, ebbs and flows in energy levels will have an impact on our overall enthusiasm. One day, euphoria around breathing new life into what was once just a concept. The next day questioning whether the countless hours will ever result in eventual revenue. True entrepreneurs somehow find the self confidence and perseverance to forge ahead until their goals become reality.
How is it that some people seem to be destined for success from an early age, while others are not? The answer is easy – it has everything to do with maintaining a positive mental attitude. Napoleon Hill found his life’s work in interview the most successful business people of his day so that he could educate future generations of the success habits of the ultra rich. His conclusion what that people who maintained a positive attitude could literally Think and Grow Rich. For those on the path to success (however defined), the concept of failure never crosses their mind. They have a fundamental need to prove something to themselves, and the self-confidence to believe themselves capable of handling any situation.
Having the ability to remain positive in the face of adversity is critical, or in the words of Napoleon Hill, Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure. All entrepreneurs will find themselves, at some point, questioning whether they want to continue with their business ” whether their efforts are meaningful. Ultimately, those who choose to remain positive will be successful. This is not always easy, so here are 10 ways to find motivation when your enthusiasm begins to wane. This list starts with the easy suggestions and becomes progressively more difficult.
Basic Strategies
1. Find small ways to motivate using positive reinforcement. For example, scribble your goals on your bathroom mirror, or post pictures of inspiring images in places where they can be seen several times each day. One trick that I find useful is to give my email a meaningful ringtone – with every email I receive, I hear the sound of a cash register ringing.
2. Visualization Techniques ” If you have ever seen the 2006 movie The Secret, you may remember John Assaraf describing his use of Vision Boards. Initially I was skeptical, however, 6 months after creating her first Vision Board, my wife completed her first half marathon. To create a Vision Board, Assaraf suggests that you gather pictures and quotes that either inspire you or represent your goals and dreams. Glue each of these images to some poster board, then hang the poster in a place where you will catch your eye frequently throughout the day. My first vision board was a PowerPoint slideshow which I turned into a screensaver. I found that this kept my goals top of mind’, which meant I made decisions each day that allowed me to accomplish my dream.
3. Keep a list of the movies, books or quotes that provide you with inspiration. My all-time favorite quote is from the 1989 movie “Dead Poets Society”: “They’re not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they’re destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? – - Carpe – - hear it? – - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary. ”
4. Adopt your own personal mantra. Words can be inspiring and hold incredible power, so choose your words carefully. Make sure that your personal mantra includes positive, affirming words that resonate with your ultimate goal. Some people prefer short, primal mantras (“Its go time!!!!”) while others prefer more holistic statements (“I am powerful whole and complete within myself). Put this mantra in a place where you will see it throughout the day, like in your wallet or on your computer monitor.
5. Try meditation. Take 10 minutes out of your day and find a quiet place that has no distractions (no cell phone, email, twitter, etc). Sit still, close your eyes and focus only on breathing in and breathing out. If your mind wanders, consciously tell yourself to focus on your breath. In the beginning, 10 minutes feels like an eternity, but with practice you will improve. The mental clarity and ability to focus after meditating is fantastic. As well, taking a small mental break will provide you with a better ability to prioritize various tasks.
6. Get outside and reconnect with living, breathing people – during the start-up phase, online entrepreneurs can spend quite a bit of their time alone. Re-establishing contact with old friends can be encouraging. To lift the spirits a little further, findan hour and help somebody else with a problem they are facing.
7. Don’t check your AdSense account more often than you brush your teeth. This is really a weight-loss technique that I have adapted for this list. If you weigh yourself frequently when trying to lose weight, you will become unnecessarily discouraged every time the scale is not giving you positive reinforcement. Frequent checking of your AdSense account (or Chitika, or Kontera, or Amazon, or … you get the idea) is both a waste of your time and provides you a small let-down if the balance has not moved. It is best to check the account no more than once a day.
Advanced Strategies
8. Surround yourself with inspiring, positive and motivational people. Cutting toxic relationships from your life is a necessary step as you move toward your eventual success. Whether you care to admit it or not, all people tend to be a reflection of their peers. Make sure you associate with people who bring out your best qualities.
9. Be authentic – this is easier said than done. Genuinely positive people are not conflicted with who they really are and whom they think others want them to be. Finding your own voice and making yourself vulnerable takes courage and is often-times a long, slow journey of self acceptance that can be easier for some than others.
10. Maintain balance in your life. Starting a new business will consume all of your time and attention. Eventually, a business plan will emerge, and the initial burst of euphoric energy will subside. At this point, it is necessary to establish boundaries with the business, otherwise other parts of your life (family, friends, health) will start to slip away. Maintaining balance also gives you a chance to reflect on your goals – these will shift over time. Without this introspection, you may find yourself climbing the metaphorical ladder leaning against the wrong wall.
Ryan’s blog, How To Earn Money Online HQ, is dedicated to teaching online entrepreneurs the ethical strategies, techniques and internet business ideas to generate a lifetime of passive income.