“Startup is an organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model.” – Steve Blank

Startups are “optimal” vehicles to validate and bring new innovations to the markets. Especially more disruptive innovations. Startups encapsulate all but only relevant things for what’s needed to build new innovations with minimum “wasted resources” combined with maximum drive & motivation.

​Often, when entrepreneurs make the bold leap from employee of a corporation to leader of their own business, one of the first challenges they face is no longer having a person or group of people above them to set goals, deadlines and incentives. The responsibility of inspiration becomes a task of self-motivation.

This can be a challenge for many, especially when the experience is new and the entrepreneur is consumed with working in the business rather thanBeing working on it. Any lack of self-discipline and organization can also affect personal development and family, which are often the first to be put on the back burner.

Entrepreneurship is the creation of a new business venture by an individual who comes up with an innovative idea, organizes resources and sets up shop. People become entrepreneurs for various motives that include generating wealth, a vision of transforming people’s lives, autonomy and a sense of accomplishment.

So, how does an entrepreneur maintain focus on the business while also staying motivated to become a better person and business leader? The answer is simple: It requires time, dedication and practice — just as you would expect from a business.

Here are some ways get yourself motivated and working toward your business

1.Passion

 The passion you feel as an entrepreneur – for the startup life, for your company, for your vision – is all-encompassing. You’re driven to succeed, to experience everything a startup has to offer, and to make things happen. Passion is a prerequisite to starting a business, and it’s also a huge motivator, because through your startup you fuel your passion.

2.Make a plan

Just as in business, a mission statement is useless without a plan to execute on it. You too should develop and write down your personal and professional plan, including short term and long term goals. This plan will not and should not be penned and framed, as it is organic and will change as your personal and professional circumstances change. The purpose here is to have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish personally and how you will achieve it.  

3.Enjoy your work

If you are having a tough time staying motivated as startup founder, it might be because you are not enjoying what you are doing. You must value the complexities of the tasks being worked on from an analytical point of view.

The completion of work must be enjoyed like an accomplishment similar to that of striking off the items from a certain to-do list. It is important to ensure that you bring out ways to enjoy your work despite the challenges of the business you are building.

4.Connect goals with a higher purpose

As already mentioned, goals and targets may be necessary but they tend to narrow our focus and can inhibit the wide-ranging thinking that leads to innovative and proactive solutions. Rather than drilling the ‘what’, emphasize the ‘why’ by linking goals back to the company’s mission.

5.Run effective team meetings

When communication is lacking, it can lead to a break down in connection. Ensure you have the right meetings in place to ensure effective communication in all directions.

Though difficult, your success depends on training your mind to see the excitement and good in your daily work. Focusing on the negative causes stress, anger and worry that wear you down mentally and physically with dire consequences: heart disease, chronic anxiety and heated outbursts with your friends and family.

When you see the excitement and the positivity in the mundane you recognize you have a life that you can be proud of.