Staying Motivated While Running Your Own Business

Written by Zac Johnson
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Working online, especially on your own is a job in itself when it comes to staying motivated and going in the right direction. So much so that recently procrastination has played a huge role in my day to day schedule. I’ve had a short break from affiliate marketing whilst working on something else, now that’s in the beta stages I want to pick up where I left off getting various campaign ideas off the ground.

That’s the first problem, I have so many ideas I want to actually do I never seem to move forward. I’m a big fan of a notepad and sticky notes, if you could see my desk you would have to wade through paper just to get to the keyboard to begin work. Don’t get me wrong you should write down all of your ideas down so that you can keep on working fluently but the main issue I’m having is starting a campaign and then having a ‘aha’ moment for another that probably would do better – instead of sticking to the half complete campaign I just switch to the next. Before you know it your still making no income and never given yourself the chance to.

A solution I’ve just started using which is working (and simple) is to write each idea down on paper as a to-do list – pick one and just grind until it’s complete and up and running but put the list out of sight in a draw or wherever until you are ready to get onto the next thing. Often when you have completed something you will have to wait for it to get approved on whatever traffic source you have chosen so you can begin on the next to save just sitting at your computer doing nothing. I guess my problem was the fact I could constantly see it on my desk so I was never 100% focused on the task I was working on.

Everybody’s different so you will have to find the balance between having too much on your plate and just sitting around doing nothing. I’ve yet to find the perfect number out myself as I’m concentrating on PPV a little more so I can bang campaigns up fairly quickly depending on how I’m approaching it and should be able to manage a fair few at the same time.

When it comes to motivation you have to find what makes you tick, whether it’s to quit your 9-5, get a new car or just pay off your mortgage each month. Be sure to write down your goals and have them visible for a constant reminder. I’ve only just been able to say no to my mates when they want to go for a game of pool or have a drink – I’ve got my mind set and I’m not stopping until I reach it.

I highly recommend taking frequent breaks, even if it’s just to read a blog or something to take your mind off what you’re working on briefly. It gets to a point where all I think about is work, even when I’m done for the day and trying to get to sleep. I often find myself jumping out of bed to jot some notes down for the morning – keep a notepad close by at all times you never know when you will have a burst of inspiration.

What are some of your methods for staying motivated and not getting lost in new ideas and unfinished tasks?

This guest post was written by Richard Bonner, a successful affiliate marketer and blogger at RichardBonner.net.

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15 Replies to “Staying Motivated While Running Your Own Business”

  2. Very good post, Zac !
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  4. I am working on a system to blogging for business that is just a simple checklist for people to work from to do the necessary daily maintenance. Think it will make a great free gift/report for opt-ins?
    My recent post Day 8 – Progress Report

  5. I always read your post especially the ones pertaining to work and success. I so much agree with you Zac, I also use stick notes notes–but not on my desk, but rather on my wall so I can immediately see them when I wake up. I believe that a person needs to have be organized, along with some sense of motivation, which is the main fuel you have for running a business. I had worked with various affiliates in the past, some are gifted with great talents but they are not hardworking enough. That's sad, cause no matter how talented you are, but if you are not motivated enough to use your gift, then an average inspired person can reach far better than you.

    My recent post super affiliate marketing

  6. hey! You have really motivated with your article, and you are absolutely right. Positiveness & motivations is very necessary for running business specially online. Thanks for sharing your valuable thoughts here.

  7. For me it can be hard to stay motivated. I too get distracted by many things I want to work on and end up getting little done on any of them. Similar to sticky notes, I open up many tabs in firefox to remind me of things I need to do. This can get pretty messy as I end up having like 20 tabs open and my computer begins to slow down. Thanks for the guest post Richard.

    – Robert
    My recent post Day 4 P90x Workout

  8. Well I hope all these tips hold true for us bloggers being inspired all the way to success.
    My recent post Blog Promotion- why to use press release to promote your blog

  9. This Post Spoke To My Soul!

    I Had The Hardest Time & Still Have A Hard Time With Focusing On One Thing! "I Have So Many Ideas!" Is Right, To Many Ideas I Get Nothing Done! I Learned One Thing Through The Pain, Your Ideas Are Not Going Anywhere!

    Great Post! Just What I Learned! Just What I Need To Hear Over And Over Again!

    I Will Share This With My Twitter Followers If You Don't Mind! LOL!

    -Alexander-

  10. its really hard when you are working at home. there is a very big tendency that you will procrastinate. since our home is full of temptations and distractions..
    My recent post White Collar Season 1 Episode 14 – Out of the Box

  12. Great post. I often find myself procrastinating more than usual, knowing that I have work to do. Even while I have my notepad open with things I need to accomplish. But knowing that I don't have to do them right away or even at all … lingers the progress. I have to sometimes go to a cafe where I see others doing work (for inspiration), or just find a different location in the house to "wake" myself up and get some work done.
    My recent post 2010 Business Trends

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