28 Tips to Stay Motivated as an Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur and dream chaser, it's very easy to lose focus and feel down during difficult times. Chasing your dreams is one of the hardest things you can do in life, especially considering a variety of economic factors and the many obstacles life may throw at you.

Today is actually my 28th birthday and since I am the co-founder of my own company, I began to reflect on my personal journey as an entrepreneur. There have been many ups and downs, but I've managed to persevere and establish a successful business. 

With this in mind, I wanted to share with you 28 Key Strategies that are guaranteed to keep you motivated as you continue to follow your own personal journey and dreams as an entrepreneur:

1. Remain Positive at all times

I can not stress how important it is to stay positive and concentrate only on positive thoughts. Reflect on all of the positive things that are occurring in your life and always look at the glass half full. I don't allow any negativity to affect my attitude and I don't let any negative thought cloud my judgement.

2. Establish a small support system

Keep a circle of friends and family that will encourage and push you during hard times. Developing a support system is critical to staying motivated. They will give you the emotional fuel you need to succeed. I contact everyone within my circle every day and I give them random updates all the time. Their feedback really helps me.

3. Stay Healthy

Good health is key to improving your overall quality of life. Eating healthy, stretching everyday, and remaining active will also give you the extra push and natural energy you need as entrepreneur when working long hours.

4. Be Active in your community

Giving back to those in need is such a rewarding experience, that it is vital to your success. Make time to support the people in your community. Focusing on others will enhance your mood and foster self-efficacy. Because I've been successful, it's my duty to give back.

5. Travel as much as possible

If you haven't been on vacation in awhile, put it on your schedule and just go. You need to get away and experience new places. Taking a break from work will keep you fresh. When you come back from vacation you will be ready to work as well.

6. Settle down

Being in a committed relationship will give you the extra stability that you may be lacking, the daily love you've been missing, and the glue needed to stay motivated on your dream.

7. Read motivational books

Continue to immerse yourself with positive content. Motivational books will stimulate your mind and provide insight on how to achieve your goal. Ask people that you trust for book referrals. I read a book earlier this year that changed my life and still keeps me motivated.

8. Listen to motivational podcasts

Podcasts are great because you get to verbally hear people's personal perspective on topics. Speakers on podcasts usually go more into detail as well. Podcasts are just another way to regurgitate positive content. I listen to podcasts during the day and while I'm at the gym.

9. Ask for advice

When stuck with a challenge that is demotivating, don't be afraid to ask for advice. Turn to the people in your support system or people that you trust on how to handle situations. Also, I've found that just talking about your problems with others can be therapeutic

10. Talk about your dreams constantly

Always talk about your dreams and where you are headed! Talk your goals into life. I'm a strong believer in positive affirmations. Let everyone and anyone know what you have planned and what you will achieve.

11. Develop a Hobby outside of work

Great way to stay motivated is developing a hobby outside of work. I enjoy sports and follow my favorite teams closely year round. I also frequent the gym and enjoy improving on my health. Hobbies will take your mind off of work and will keep you stimulated.

12. Listen to music that inspires you

There is nothing better than listening to music that gets you going and keeps you inspired. Develop a solid playlist to listen to that is guaranteed to keep you motivated. (By the way: I recently bought some high quality headphones to enhance my music experience and they really help me while I am working at night)

13. Study success stories of other entrepreneurs in your industry

Read about other entrepreneurs during your spare time. Learn about the obstacles that they had to overcome. I personally watch videos and read stories at alot. In my mind, I always think" If they can do it, I can do it!"

14. Subscribe to industry specific magazines

Reading about current market trends really motivates me. I recommend staying up on what's going on in your industry, so you can see how well things are going holistically for your business.

15. Review historical data on your company

During challenging times, go back and review how far you have grown! Look at where you were last year and compare that to where you are now. I guarantee that you are at a much farther place than you expected. I always use this tactic to provide me with the motivational fuel I need.

16. Solicit positive feedback

Take advantage of your support system and ask them to give you positive feedback. When I am feeling demotivated, I make it a point to voice it to my family and friends. I tell them when I need some positive feedback and always give me the feedback that I need.

17. Get adequate amount of rest - Sleep!

This might be the most important tip of this list. You can not be effective and sustain a positive aura when you are always tired. Get some rest and make this a priority. Sleep will keep you energized and motivated.

18. Vision yourself reaching your goals

Literally envision yourself in the position that you want to be. Vision yourself achieving your goals everyday. I sit back everyday and think about where I am headed and all of the things I plan to achieve.

19. Surround yourself around positive people

Outside of your support system, find ways to surround yourself around positive people. Go to conferences, events, schedule meetings and lunches with positive people, and interact with those who are positive.

20. Be kind and generous others

Donate and distribute love as much as possible. Being generous and spreading love is very addictive. It will motivate you to do more and keep you centered.

21. Work on your passion/goal each day

Do something every day towards reaching your goal. E-mail that customer, edit that web page, redefine your goals, write a blog. Again, work on your goal each day. This will give you the daily motivation you need

22. Smile and laugh, as much as possible

It is very hard not to be motivated when you are smiling and laughing. Find the funny in everything and don't take everything so serious.

23. Set Daily Goals

First thing you should when you start work each day is to physically write out a list of goals. Mark out each goal that you achieve throughout the day and reflect on how many you hit. Transfer any items that you didn't hit to the next day. It feels really good to look back at the end of the day and see how much you achieved.

24. Take time off to reflect

Sometimes you need to take time off and just reflect on certain ideas like "How can I get better?" or "What should I be doing differently?" I recommend scheduling time to reflect on your business strategically.

25. Share your journey and dreams with others

Motivating people can be very rewarding for yourself and others. Share your story with anyone willing to listening. You will be surprised at how impressed people will be with your journey.

26. Have Fun

This one is pretty simple. Have fun with your work. Have fun with your life. Enjoy everything that life has to offer. It's hard not to be motivated while having a good time.

27. Exercise each day

Being an entrepreneur is very stressful at times and can really take a toll on your mental and mind. Exercising everyday will give you that physical boost and release that you need. Also, it will take your mind off of work and can be a healthy distraction at times.

28. Work Hard

Working hard is the secret ingredient for success and motivation. The harder you work, the more motivated you will be. Nothing gets me going more than thinking about someone out working me. As Will Smith mentioned in an interview once:

“The only thing that I see that is distinctly different about me is I'm not afraid to die on a treadmill. I will not be out-worked, period. You might have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier than me, you might be all of those things you got it on me in nine categories. But if we get on the treadmill together, there's two things: You're getting off first, or I'm going to die. It's really that simple, right?"

Just wanted to share these tips with you on my birthday. I hope you these motivational tips keep you inspired as you chase your personal journey!

You can learn more about my wood watch company, SPGBK Wooden Watches, here at www.springbreakwatches.com or follow us @woodwatches.

Kwame Molden

Co-Founder, SPGBK Wood Watches

www.springbreakwatches.com