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.
Have you ever wondered what distinguishes the truly successful entrepreneurs from everybody else? Starting a business is difficult, yet Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and others have achieved a level of success that is well beyond the wildest dreams of 99.9% of entrepreneurs. These men have several traits in common, perhaps the most significant of which is an unwavering believe in their ability to get the job done. Napoleon Hill interviewed the most successful business people of his day and concluded that the ultra successful had an ability to "Think and Grow Rich".
Although oftentimes overlooked, the mental fortitude of an entrepreneur is the primary indicator on whether a new company will be successful. This is critical because eventually the company will experience adversity. In times of stress, the entrepreneur's commitment to the business can be called into question. As Napoleon Hill concluded from his interviews with over 500 business people Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure. Choosing to perservere can be difficult, so here are 10 ways that entrepreneurs use to find motivation. This list starts with the easy suggestions.
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. Create a Vision Board - In the 2006 movie "The Secret", John Assaraf described how he used visualization techniques to help with his goal setting. Although I was skeptical, my wife gave this technique a try and six months later she completed her first half marathon. Creating a Vision Board is quite easy - make a collage of inspiring pictures, images and quotes that represent different aspects of your ultimate goal. Make sure that these images inspire you - for me, I have a picture of a Maui beachfront house, a porsche and my family. Hang your Vision Board in a place that will frequently catch your eye during the course of your day. As I am frequently in front of my computer, my first vision board was a series of PowerPoint images that doubled as both the wallpaper and screensaver on my laptop. Keeping your goals "top of mind" helps you make small choices that will bring you closer to your ultimate goal.
3. Keep a list of the books, movies and quotes that inspire you. Whenever I need a boost of energy, I play a clip of Robin Williams character John Keating 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. Do not over monitor your progress. If you are trying to lose weight, is weighing yourself several times a day helpful? Probably not. It is distracting, counter-productive, and has the potential to cause a sense of discouragement. For the online entrepreneur, frequent checking of their AdSense account or Affiliate Sale is just as counter-productive. Checking your stats daily is more beneficial than checking them hourly.
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. Ensure there is complete alignment between your core values and your business goals. If your goals are at odds with your 'true self', your subconscious will find ways to derail your success. Finding authenticity is easier said than done, but is a distinguishing character trait amongst highly successful individuals.
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.
Have you ever wondered what distinguishes the truly successful entrepreneurs from everybody else? Starting a business is difficult, yet Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and others have achieved a level of success that is well beyond the wildest dreams of 99.9% of entrepreneurs. These men have several traits in common, perhaps the most significant of which is an unwavering believe in their ability to get the job done. Napoleon Hill interviewed the most successful business people of his day and concluded that the ultra successful had an ability to "Think and Grow Rich".
Although oftentimes overlooked, the mental fortitude of an entrepreneur is the primary indicator on whether a new company will be successful. This is critical because eventually the company will experience adversity. In times of stress, the entrepreneur's commitment to the business can be called into question. As Napoleon Hill concluded from his interviews with over 500 business people Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure. Choosing to perservere can be difficult, so here are 10 ways that entrepreneurs use to find motivation. This list starts with the easy suggestions.
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. Create a Vision Board - In the 2006 movie "The Secret", John Assaraf described how he used visualization techniques to help with his goal setting. Although I was skeptical, my wife gave this technique a try and six months later she completed her first half marathon. Creating a Vision Board is quite easy - make a collage of inspiring pictures, images and quotes that represent different aspects of your ultimate goal. Make sure that these images inspire you - for me, I have a picture of a Maui beachfront house, a porsche and my family. Hang your Vision Board in a place that will frequently catch your eye during the course of your day. As I am frequently in front of my computer, my first vision board was a series of PowerPoint images that doubled as both the wallpaper and screensaver on my laptop. Keeping your goals "top of mind" helps you make small choices that will bring you closer to your ultimate goal.
3. Keep a list of the books, movies and quotes that inspire you. Whenever I need a boost of energy, I play a clip of Robin Williams character John Keating 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. Do not over monitor your progress. If you are trying to lose weight, is weighing yourself several times a day helpful? Probably not. It is distracting, counter-productive, and has the potential to cause a sense of discouragement. For the online entrepreneur, frequent checking of their AdSense account or Affiliate Sale is just as counter-productive. Checking your stats daily is more beneficial than checking them hourly.
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. Ensure there is complete alignment between your core values and your business goals. If your goals are at odds with your 'true self', your subconscious will find ways to derail your success. Finding authenticity is easier said than done, but is a distinguishing character trait amongst highly successful individuals.
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.
About the Author:
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.
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