Deciding to run your own business can be a complicated experience. While having complete control over your own schedule is a wonderful thing for many, it also means that you no longer have a boss or group of people around to tell you what you need to get done, and when. This means that it can be all too easy for you to end up getting distracted by other issues in your life,

The question is when you don’t have anyone else to push you into keeping your online company running smoothly, how can you stay motivated, and focused on your goals? The following tips could help to keep you on the right track.

1. Start with a Goal and Mission Statement

When you first start running an online business of your own, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that you have a goal in mind and a mission statement that you can hold onto as you pursue your future. Every business, no matter how big or small should have its own vision or mission statement – something that describes the broader goals of your company and helps you to get to the bottom of your core values.

It’s often useful to write your mission statement down so you can read it when you need a reminder of the direction you should be heading in. This will help to keep you focused on your purpose for becoming an entrepreneur.

2. Ensure You Have a Routine

Running an online business means that you may do a lot of your work from your own home. This means that you need to have a routine place to keep you focused when you might feel as though you’d rather watch television or meet up with friends on their days off.
Even if you have a distinct plan of action in place, it’s important to invest in a good routine to help you get started each day. You should begin every morning with a solid routine that helps you to activate your mind and body and focus on the tasks ahead. Ideally, try and get out of bed at the same time each day, as this will make it easier for you to fall into a pattern.

3. Schedule Reminders

Even with careful planning, it’s sometimes difficult to stick to a routine. Therefore, it’s a good idea to develop a habit of setting regular reminders throughout the day. Use the alarms on your phone to remind yourself of the things you need to do.
You could also help yourself to manage your time more efficiently with a process called “time blocking” this is when you give yourself specific durations of time where you focus on certain projects or tasks.

4. Set Aside Time for Yourself Too

While it’s important to stay focused if you want to run your own successful business, it’s also worth noting that some entrepreneurs end up getting so caught up in their business that they forget to give their health and wellbeing some much-needed attention. During the day, make sure that you give yourself plenty of flexibility to go for a walk and clear your head, or even exercise if you need to.

Additionally, make sure that you’re eating properly, drinking a lot of water, and getting the right amount of sleep – all these things will help you to stay focused.

5. Give Yourself Rewards

The human brain is naturally wired to crave incentives, so it’s a good idea to think about ways that you can reward yourself for accomplishing something great. Seek out opportunities for rewarding and recognising small victories in your day – such as when you complete a task on time. Running a company is hard work, and there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back at times.

6. Inspire Yourself

Sometimes, it’s important to look beyond your regular routine for sources of inspiration and motivation. When you’re struggling to keep focused, think about ways that you can inspire yourself by listening to a podcast from someone that you admire, or watching a TED talk in a space that’s related to your industry or business.

7. Be Positive!

Finally, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to motivation, or running the perfect business. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to keep yourself feeling positive every day as you consider your future in your new venture. Find ways to keep smiling, and it will be easier to push through the rough patches in your company.