What do you do if you're struggling to identify what motivates you in your small business?

Deep reflection is the answer, but simplifying the process is critical. First, recognize that most small biz owners go through periods of struggle mentally, emotionally & spiritually. The Six-Inch Space™ between the ears can be the most fertile soil to plant positive thoughts & ideas or a minefield of doubt & despair. Motivation is an external force, so I always start with inspiration which emanates from within. 2 questions: 1) Why did I start the biz? It wasn't just money. It was what I could do with the money. More time for family, creating legacy or perhaps a better retirement. Get granular, #WTSD (Write That Sh!t Down) & look at it constantly. Use that seed of inspiration to catalyze motivation. Sinek said it best..."Start With Why".

Your business plan not only helps you clarify your goals and strategies, but it also identifies your motivations while you're still highly motivated. When you wrote your business plan you had the opportunity to reflect deeply on what motivated you to start the business. Revisiting your business plan can remind you of your initial inspiration and reignite your passion for your venture. Additionally, mission and vision statements, crafted during this phase serve as guiding principles, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction. Investing time in creating them ensures alignment with your values and long-term objectives, helping sustain motivation and focus as your business evolves. Dust off your business plan to revisit your motivations!

I normally ask my WHY about my goals and the answer is the fuel to propel towards the pathway. After that it’s a daily reminder of WHY I am doing this keeps me on track.

You must Re-examine your why purpose and determine the obstacles that you must overcome and what must be done to push through hard times. Asking for advice and help from others in your field is never off limits. You never know who has the answers or the professional skills that your business might need to succeed.

Be honest with yourself: if your work doesn't inspire you, you're not only doing yourself a disservice, but also to your clients. Last year, I sold my 'Golden Goose'—a finance broking and advisory business—because I no longer felt motivated by it. This decision turned out to be one of the best I've ever made. The purpose of starting a business is to gain freedom, not to become a slave to yet another employer. If you find yourself in this position, consider taking a step back. Reflect deeply on what you truly want and why you want it. Develop a clear and compelling vision for both your personal and business future. This process might even mean 'firing' yourself to rediscover your passion and direction.

If you're struggling to identify what motivates you in your small business, take a step back to reflect on your values, goals, and passions. Consider why you started your business in the first place and what aspects of it bring you joy and fulfillment. Engage in introspection, seek feedback from others, and explore different areas of your business to discover what resonates with you most. Remember that motivation can evolve over time, so stay open to new insights and experiences that may reignite your passion for your business.

As an entrepreneur you have the freedom to bring your ideas to life, to innovate and to shape our own destiny. Every milestone reached and every challenge overcome is a testament to your resilience and determination. It’s a journey fueled by passion and purpose.Running business is allows you to turn your passion in to profession, to be your own boss, and create something meaningful while making a positive impact on your community. Your business is not just a source of income; it’s a reflection of your values and aspirations. It’s about making difference, whether is in the lives of your customers, employees, or community. So keep pushing forward, stay inspired, and never underestimate the impact your small business can have on the world

1st rule of business........................take the money and bank it. All else will flow into prespective. Help others and pin point your GOALS. Write your goals down on a peice of paper and scotch tape it to the mirror you brush your teeth at every day. All else will come into fuition.

For me, my passion for what I am creating and the people I am serving are what motivate me in my small business. If my drive and motivation are waning then maybe it is time I step back and reevaluate my "WHY" for starting my business. If I cannot validate my WHY anymore, then maybe it's time I exit or pivot....without any shame or blame!

The former CEO of Progressive Insurance told me years ago, "John, what gets measure gets done. What gets measured correctly gets done correctly." I use that in my business. Metrics drive the business 240/40/5 I need 240 prospects, to get 40 interviews, to put 5 rock stars in my clients office to fill an executive position. Might be over kill because they often hire 2 or 3 of them. Still the quality matters. Because I have those metrics I can tell you how long it will take to get a hire with consistency. That is valuable for my team and clients.

Define both short term and long term goals. Short term goals progress towards bigger picture goals. Act on the short term on a daily basis and measure progress towards both on a frequent basis. Reflect on what is working and what is not as you work towards bigger goals. Adjust as needed.

Personally, I try to focus on short term goals while keeping the image of the long-term goal tucked away in my back pocket. Thinking about the big goal can sometimes feel daunting and too far out of reach. So instead, I focus on small or immediate goals: this week's meetings, today's calls, my next networking event, this quarters business benchmark.... I try to focus on task-oriented goals that allow me to check the box and feel accomplished. As time goes on, the bigger goals just fall in line and then I find the next big goal.

In setting clear goals you have to remember that every individual’s personality is what their goals have to be worked around and as a leader I must be able to help other employees set there goals around their lives and family not mine..,if they work around what fits their lives there goals will work and become a daily habit not a struggle

Evaluate your current business goals and objectives. Your main question: Are they aligned with your personal values and aspirations? Sometimes, motivations can become blurred when we set goals that are influenced by external factors such as societal expectations or financial pressures. Reflect on whether your goals truly resonate with you on a personal level or if external forces drive them. Setting goals is a cornerstone of effective business management, but blindly pursuing objectives without introspection can lead to misalignment and dissatisfaction. Assessing your goals through the lens of personal values ensures that your efforts are meaningful and fulfilling.

Goals can sometimes be seen as waste of time if you are not intentional on achieving them. Breaking them down into objectives could be a better approach. I say look at what motivates you i.e. personal, business, spiritually. It all has to be in alignment. As we know goals can be changed on a whim and can be misguided. So, take your time to evaluate and seek help as needed to talk it through. Be intentional. Remember to use effective business goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

I trust my family, friends, and professional relationships to give me feedback when I'm "stuck." However, when you do that, you need to have an open mind to accept their feedback, even if they make suggestions that you don't like or agree with. Probably the greatest value would be gained by speaking with other similar business owners in your same industry vertical. They can be a wonderful resource for you.

I find the people who are best in class in whatever I am doing and compare notes. The best people always are friends with the other best people. This gives you a flow of opportunities as well.

To seek inspiration on a day of struggling I have to step back and remember where I started and to do that I find a young entrepreneur that is just starting and take them to lunch and ask how can I help you in your growth and struggles… this helps me get recharged just by forgetting my problems and helping someone else

Here's an idea. Write a letter to your great-grandchildren (or future family members) that you may never meet, explaining to them why you have your business? What do they need to know about you?

I am inspired by the challenge of my career. When you are in an industry where most people don't last and even less of those people are women - the challenge is great. The more the odds stack against me, the harder I fight to beat them. I also think that sometimes we need to get out of our own head. It's not always about inspiration, it's about discipline. However, if you are someone who needs inspiration, look to those who are where you want to be and mirror their habits, mindset, and work ethic.

I find it beneficial to step outside my comfort zone and interact with small business owners from industries different than my own. This exposure offers a fresh perspective on how they approach problems and opportunities from their unique viewpoints. Often, if you only engage with peers within the same field, your perspective may become insular. Exploring how others operate outside your immediate industry can refresh your outlook and spark innovative ideas for your business.

I engage in a frequent basis with the widest group of my LinkedIn connections to share possible ideas that I have to despair my motivation for running a business.that has often proved to be a successful two way process. Finding connections that have a polymath approach has also been very helpful.

This will never work longterm. You may find some passion and energy again but it won't be sustainable. It's when you know your reason's why, what it does for you and those you love and your big dreams and ambitions you never stop working on it.

Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues who know you well and understand your business. Ask them to share their observations about what they perceive as your main motivations. Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed light on aspects of yourself that you may not have fully recognized. Seeking feedback is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of humility and a commitment to self-improvement. Inviting input from trusted individuals gives you valuable insights into your blind spots and unconscious biases. This external perspective serves as a mirror, reflecting aspects of your motivations that may have eluded your own awareness.

Change the perspective. Step outside the box. Take a break and actively volunteer, even for a day. Expect nothing in return. There is a deeply, satisfying intrinsic value in service. This simple shift in focus, even for a short time, can open the box. Now breathe and regroup!

This is why I love having young people on my team. They can often get me into using technologies that I hadn't adopted yet or ways of doing things. I always look to bring a mentee or apprentice in on the team. I am proud of the people I've developed over the years.

As a small business owner, I have open myself to embrace change. Learning to pivot in this forever changing environment is key. Looking forward to new opportunities and challenges is how one can stay ahead of the game. Learn as much as you can, always be willing to make changes as necessary and have vision for your future. As Nelson Mandela said. "I never lose, I either Win or learn." Be confident in yourself and your capabilities.

To understand what motivates you in your small business, focus on: Passion: Reconnect with what inspired you to start and prioritize tasks that bring joy. Values: Align personal values with business objectives for clarity. Goals: Assess short and long-term goals to drive entrepreneurial pursuits. Impact: Consider how products/services positively affect customers/community. Challenges: View obstacles as growth opportunities, drawing from past experiences. Feedback: Gather input to understand how your business impacts others. Self-awareness: Understand strengths/weaknesses to align activities with passions. Seek guidance from mentors or advisors for valuable insights if still struggling.

Change is your friend. It keeps things exciting! In the world of small business, where no two days are the same, staying open to change means you’re always ready for the next big thing. It propels you forward, encouraging innovation and adaptability. By embracing the new and unexpected, you not only stay relevant but also discover opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s about being agile, thinking on your feet, and turning every challenge into a chance to grow.

Settings goals is important, but before you lock in a goal.... be honest with yourself "why" this is a goal. The why brings the motivation .. then post it in a visible place to remind yourself.

Change is the only constant. The best companies are planning several years ahead -- they are not designing for today's market, but for tomorrow's. Those that can are not too concerned about competition because they don't care if competitors copy what they are doing today. It's what the market will be doing tomorrow. Yes, that's risky -- guess wrong, and you could sink the company. That's why you need to be on top of at all times, ready to pivot at a moment's notice when the time comes.

All businesses or vocations have some aspects that we don't like to do. Look at two keys. One is why you started this business and who do you serve. Is this still important to you. Second key is what is your frustration coming from? As a small business owner it is easy to let the day-to-day drag you away from your original mission and cost you the joy of when you originally started. If your mission is still the same and your daily tasks have not been fulfilling that, be willing to step back and create a strategy for you and your team to successfully move to where you want to be. Don't be afraid to cut out activities not aligned with your goals. Be willing to get an outside opinion from a business consultant. In the US go to americassbdc.org

Embracing change is so important - it's what allows us to grow and evolve into Gods plan that he has set before us. Personally, I feel like my life is both routine and consistently changing. Most of my days look pretty similar. I try to keep a very regimented calendar. However, I have had lots of change over my life and my career. For example, I just accepted a position in leadership at my company - which came with significant change. One of those changes will be moving from the Westcoast to the Eastcoast... Not only is my work life changing, so is my personal. One of the questions I keep getting is "aren't you scared". Yes... that's why I'm doing it. Change is scary, uncomfortable, and necessary. We grow through change. Embrace it.

Something that I’ve found helpful is to take a step back and go back to the basics. For me that’s sales. My career in business started in sales. I love the instant gratification and feedback loop of it. When I’m struggling with my motivation or just need some momentum, I hop on a sales call to help my team. For me, this is a momentum generator. Growing up I played a lot of baseball. Whenever I’d get into a slump my Dad would tell me to lay down a bunt. Sales is my bunt in business. It helps me get back to the basics and generate momentum.

It's ABC -- Always Be Connecting. You connect with every person you meet! I don't know of a single successful business person who is shy and withdrawing. The best way to connect is to get out there and meet people, and be interested in THEM. When you show an interest in them, as opposed to trying to push your interests, they are more likely to want to know you and your company. Sometimes it's difficult, and you will only really connect with one in ten people you meet -- or maybe fewer. But that's what you have to do, and you only need a few people who can really turn into a valuable resource for you.

Sharing your goals and dreams with others is essential. When we "say it out loud", it helps us clarify our intentions and think through our course of action. Also, valuable feedback and insights can be gained, in addition to shielding ourselves from the isolation which tends to rob us of motivation.

I have found it helpful to look around your company to identify its pain points and defend them. Then, examine your skills and devise a plan to help the small business. Next, meet with your key stakeholders to get their buy-in, allowing me to help them improve as a business and increase your skills. This is a win-win for you and the company.

Sometimes you can learn a lot from others in other industries and see how you can apply it back to yours. I have learned from other industries and use it as a case study for my content or to share with clients.

Join local chapters or groups within your niche to compare stories and what works or doesn’t. People are human, and like to share, and you most likely will walk away learning something new, and perhaps giving someone else a different perspective to help them, it’s a win-win!

Finding the right mentor is one of the most important things you can do as a small business owner. You want to find a mentor that has the experience and success that you are looking for. They can help you reach new goals you never thought possible. Joining a network is another great way to connect with other small business owners. You never know who will be your next ally.

I love hearing others stories or their experiences. It is good to connect with others. You can learn a lot from others. Don't be afraid to ask questions or offer some solutions or advice. We are a communal people. It takes a village to grow and to be successful. there is no "I" in "Team".

Interesting journey big downs and huge ups. Love it! Got to love it to be in it. Never say give up. Try to be positive when everyone is not. Come from people who worked for the man everyday. Hard life but noble. Didn’t what that journey. Didn’t really understand entrepreneur way but went there without knowing. What a ride. Not for everyone.

When I had my very successful consulting business after 8 years, I knew I was done. Not just tired or burned out, done. So I decided to spend a little over a year preparing my business for a successful exit, which I eventually did, selling it to KMPG for 12 X EBITDA. Sometimes, when you know, you know.

At the end of the day, we all have to feel that what we do is worthwhile. You can plan, network, hire consultants, set clear goals, hire a fortune teller… but at the end of the day if you feel that what you do creates zero purpose to your overall sense of being- move on. Life is too short to do something you don’t like, and when you run a business you are attached to it 24/7/365. I have owned businesses that I have loved and ones that I have hated. Gut feelings are priceless. For example, one business I started to hate and I wanted to sell, I didn’t due to outside opinions. I continued to hold the business and it quickly went from profitable to me loosing ALOT in a short period of time. Sometimes you need to listen to your feelings.

It’s important to remember to keep moving forward. You won’t always have the luxury of positive feelings and returns in your business, especially in the beginning. And it’s in those times that you must keep going forward. Even if you take an inch in a day, you took an inch. Every inch counts and you can’t wait until you “feel like it” to try and take one. In life many times over I have proven that it’s sometimes easier to act your way into a new way of feeling than it is to feel your way into a new way of acting. Take ground every day, whether you feel like it or not, and good things always happen.

Business isn't for everyone. There are some who stay the course and others who jump ship. There is no right or wrong way. However when it starts to become a chore then it is either time to pivot or change course completely. Don't be too hasty but don't wait too late as either of those choices can impact greatly on you and those around you. Also talk to those people around you. If they know you are unhappy, their support can give you the strength and encouragement to take that leap whichever way you choose to go.

I will go back to my Values as a Human Being and determine what really matters to Me, then check if my current small Business supports these Values. If so, I will seek self motivation to continue on this path. If not, I will seek other options that support my Values and drive new business ideas towards these new options.

Theory suggest that one of three things drive a person to be motivated. It’s based on the examples of achievement which ends up typically being materialistic in nature, affiliations of which is of a social mindset of belonging, or of power that of which is idealogical & having influence over others . But it doesn’t necessarily imply that those are the only things that will motivate a person. This space is going to present you with all the challenges you can imagine. How you deal with them ultimately will determine your direction. It’s ok to fight the fight to continue on, it’s ok to walk away with grace, it’s ok to make choices you wouldn’t have made when you planned. Listen to yourself, watch your actions and implement what is your own.

I know everyone wants some in depth answer, but the truth is just look at your bank account. Then if you're happy with what you see, you know something is going right. However, if your life is out of balance and you don't feel good about what you're doing then it's time for a change. Decide if you want to keep the business or sell it. Don't worry about finding inspiration, ether it's there or its not.

In my business, at the top of my list of things to consider are this : Are the services that I provide fully up to date ? How many people am I helping ? In order to stay fully engaged and motivated year round, the end result in my business needs to reflect purpose and meaning in my clients lives and show immediate and tangible results that impact my clients in positives ways and make their lives better than before they did business with me. A tall order ? That’s why I do what I do and what I signed up for.