Keeping that fire burning: 5 ways business leaders can stay motivated during difficult times

Remaining inspired and motivated at the workplace is not as straightforward as it may initially seem, especially when faced with a set of tasks that make a workday feel never-ending.

However, this is heightened for entrepreneurs and business leaders, who aside from finding ways to stay motivated themselves, have to ensure that employees are also inspired by them, while keeping the business afloat. This added pressure can eventually take a toll on their own mental wellbeing and motivation.

Therefore, here are five ways through which business leaders can successfully remain motivated even during the most trying times, or to reignite the spark that encouraged them to join the world of business in the first place.

1. Clearly plan out your goals

Visible goals are integral to staying motivated when the going gets tough.

Business leaders can write down their main objectives on a whiteboard or a chart, before then listing the key steps needed to consistently achieve the main task. This will help in making each goal more achievable than initially thought out, also enabling them to see day-by-day progress.

It is important to note that business leaders should not only list goals related to productivity and efficiency, but also some linked to fulfilment and having a good work-life balance, as these are essentially what drive them to continue trying harder.

2. Remain open to change

Both work culture and the global business environment are constantly changing, and business leaders’ flexibility can either make or break their business.

By remaining rigid and resisting change, business leaders can risk becoming totally detached from what is going on around them.

On the other hand, being flexible allows them to be best prepared for whatever they might encounter during times of uncertainty, thus not feeling completely discouraged should something unprecedented take place.

3. Spend time and engage with employees

On certain occasions, being a leader or a boss can feel isolating, especially when part of a larger firm.

Therefore, it is crucial that business leaders integrate with their employees by participating in parties, events, and other aspects of office culture. It is important that they remind themselves that they are part of the team as well.

Aside from reenergising and motivating themselves, if business leaders take part in such team-building activities, employees will be more comfortable to share ideas and tackle problems with them in a more direct manner.

4. Always feel that you can learn more

In the hectic work environment, certain tasks may end up feeling relatively routine, leading business leaders to feel that they do not need to learn anything new.

However, this is not the case, as they need to break up the routine and find ways to keep their minds stimulated and engaged.

They can do so by possibly reading autobiographies or books about a certain individual that they admire, or else by pursuing education courses or going to seminars or conferences related to their field. Insight from those that have already done it all will help leaders refresh their minds and stay focused on the best ways to improve their business, and themselves.

5. Balance emotions and do not dwell on negativity

This might sound tough to many, but the effects that feelings have on one’s motivation are countless. Emotions can be the difference between someone achieving success, or else failure.

When it comes to leadership, motivation stems from channelling those feelings in a positive and productive way. This includes not dwelling on negativity, and instead of perceiving failure as the end of the world, business leaders can see it as an opportunity to learn more and improve.

By balancing their emotions, leaders are able to make the best possible decisions.