I always find this time of year really interesting. For all the talk of New Year, New Me, goal setting and a renewed focus, I always think there are as many people who are sitting there feeling a little demotivated. They might have had some time off over the holidays and are just finding it really hard to get themselves going again so I thought I’d look at some ways to help anyone feeling in a bit of a January slump to get back into the land of the living!
We all understand that as business owners our mindset is really important, as is consistent action for driving success so here are some practical steps you can take to help you to find your motivation.
Reconnect with Your Why
Motivation often wanes when we lose sight of the bigger picture – and sometimes when we take a break and reflect we might feel that we’re not we wanted to be.
Take some time to revisit the reasons you started your business in the first place. What are your goals? Who are you doing this for? What impact do you want to make?
Write down your vision or create a vision board to get the clarity you need and to create some excitement about the future.
Remind yourself how far you have come and take a moment to celebrate that. When you do these things you should find that you get your passion back and can refocus your energy.
Break It Down
The start of the year often comes with a long list of resolutions and goals. This is a great practice to get into but it can also feel overwhelming.
Remember to break those large goals down into management tasks and focus on setting 90-Day goals to help you to manage this process.
What do you want to accomplish by the end of the first quarter? Break these goals into weekly and daily actions. By creating momentum with small, consistent wins, you’ll find your motivation steadily returning.
Prioritise Self-Care
Being well rested and feeling good is another way to get us motivated. Christmas is the one time of year where most people’s routines get disrupted and that break can make it really hard to reestablish the healthy habits.
Three key habits that will help you to take care of yourself are:
– Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough rest to sustain your energy.
– Exercise: Physical activity is a proven mood booster and stress reducer.
– Reflection: Use tools like journaling or mindfulness to clear mental clutter and keep focused on your goals.
When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of your business.
Leverage the Power of Community
One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is to surround yourself with the right people. Connect with peers, mentors, or a business coach who can provide accountability, encouragement, and fresh perspectives.
Your network can inspire you, challenge you, and help you see opportunities you might have missed. Whether it’s joining a mastermind group, attending a workshop, or engaging with your team, community can reignite your drive and push you forward.
Celebrate Small Wins
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next and forget to celebrate how far you’ve come.
Recognise and reward your progress, no matter how small.
Take a moment to list your achievements from last year. What went well? What are you proud of? Reflecting on these successes will remind you of your capabilities and fuel your determination for the year ahead.
Moving Forward
Finding your motivation after a break is about reconnecting with your purpose, creating a plan, and taking intentional steps forward.
Remember, motivation doesn’t have to come in a burst. Often, it’s about taking small, consistent actions that lead to big results.