If you are anything like me, sometimes there are times when we have our good days and our bad days, or the ones where we feel tired, drained and deflated. As a business owner, we still have our businesses to run and customers to keep happy, so how do we increase our motivation and energy when we fall into a rut and potentially feel like throwing in the towel?
Motivation is not something that just happens spontaneously. We need to find ways to re-build it. I honestly think that the pandemic has created many long-term problems over the past two years. The closure of businesses for long periods of time, the changes in routine and the lack of opportunity to network with others have all played a major part in how we feel. One thing is for sure, doing nothing about it is not an option.
You've probably heard this many times... get back to nature and move that body!
Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. It is very easy to say that you are too busy to go for a walk or join an exercise class, but by simply giving yourself time to get some fresh air and recharge your mind and body, you will see one of the biggest boosts in motivation and energy levels.
Getting our dog Mylo was one of the best things that we ever did, as he became our 'excuse' to go for a walk every day, come rain or shine. He is also our "office dog." Office dogs are known to help reduce employee stress, boost office morale, promote productivity, help improve communication, encourage a healthier lifestyle, improve employee retention and the workplace can appear more attractive to prospective employees.
Simplify your to-do list
When you start to feel overwhelmed, pick three things that you want to achieve that day. Write them down, then make those three tasks your top priority and dedicate your focus to those alone. Cross each of them out once you have completed the task... I can assure you that it will feel great! List them in order of importance – which are going to make the most positive difference to your business?
Get inspired
Listen to an inspiring podcast. It could be about business, personal development, or something you are passionate about. This is a great way to reconnect with the ‘why’ of your business.
I often listen to podcasts when I am walking; I like to listen to social media and Canva inspired podcasts, and this really helps me to keep up to date with the latest trends and ideas!
Check out the Qualatex Inspiration pages on Qualatex.com. These pages are really a great resource.
Trend & Themes
Tidy your workspace and desk
You may have heard the phrase “a clean space equals a clean mind!” Having a clear workspace can really help to keep your mind focused and gives you the opportunity to focus on those things that are important, rather than being distracted by what is termed as visual pollution! Cell/mobile phones are often the biggest distraction, taking up hours of our attention each day (I am very guilty of checking my phone way too often!) Try putting your phone on silent or even Do Not Disturb mode while you’re working on a particular task - only if possible, I know that taking orders is very important too!
I am just about to move into a fantastic new studio, which will be a huge improvement from working from a home-based space. Over the past few years - yes I mean years, I have allowed my space to get very messy and disorganised. Although I know that it is going to be a huge task, I am really looking forward to getting organised and tidy once again, I am sure that it will inspire me to be creative once more.
Meet up with others whom you have something in common with
This could be other small business owners and definitely other balloon professionals! Make friends online. Find other small business owners to connect with online. They can be from the balloon industry or within your local community. Follow them on social media (from your company’s account) to show interest in their business. Even better, mention their business or product in a tweet or Facebook post. This creates goodwill among other entrepreneurs, and they might return the gesture in your favour.
Join your local trade Chamber of Commerce. A chamber of commerce is an organisation of business owners and entrepreneurs who promote the interests of their local business community. Chambers of Commerce provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products.
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Attend industry events and networking days
There is nothing more beneficial than attending an industry event, such as a training course or balloon convention to give you a huge boost of motivation. I know from my own experience that when I have attended events as a delegate, I return home completely recharged, motivated and ready to take on the world (well almost!)
Networking groups are also a great way to talk to other ballooning professionals on a regular basis. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss problems that you may have encountered or to ask for advice from fellow professionals. This is quite simple to do, when you go to an event and meet up with other business owners suggest that you 'meet' up on a monthly basis using one of the online video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams (there are others.)
Build in the occasional 'Play Day'
Sometimes it is fun to play for playing sake and not because you need to come up with something for a customer! Get those creative juices flowing, test out new ideas and techniques that you have seen, you never know, you might create your new best selling design!
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Be kind to yourself!
Every day, carve out some time for yourself and do something that brings you joy. I really enjoy playing with CANVA and creating new post ideas! Unless I actually need something specific, I classify this as "me time" and permit myself the time to play!
Treat Yourself, I am not suggesting that you need to get retail therapy on a daily basis, but maybe once a week you go out for breakfast or lunch.
If you are feeling demotivated and really not enjoying what you are doing, then it is time to do something about it, and only you can do it. Make small but positive changes that will have an impact on your personal and business life.
Whenever you feel demotivated, look at how far you’ve come. Recognise and celebrate your success so far – you’ve earned it! And remember: success isn’t about perfection, but progression.
Seeing just how far you’ve come will give you a real confidence boost, and get you believing in yourself again.
Happy Ballooning!
Sue
Follow me @suebowler
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