Summer! The season for sunshine, barbecues, and beach days. For business owners, it is also the season where entrepreneurial drive takes a siesta, soaking up some rays becomes priority–and productivity meanwhile takes a dip. Even though entrepreneurs might rather be poolside cooling off, most businesses do not get a summer break. So here are a few tips to keep motivation hot through those dog days of summer.
Revisit your “Why?”
The downside to being your own boss is that sometimes you will have to be your own boss. It is up to you to keep yourself and your team motivated. When motivation is waning ask yourself: why did you start your business in the first place? Why do you believe in this venture? Why did you want to be an entrepreneur? What value are you offering? Getting in touch with the core purpose and value of your business and the reasons for wanting to be your own boss can respark motivation.
Adjust and Set Goals for the Season
After reconnecting with your purpose and mission, think about what you are doing and what you hope to accomplish. Take time to revisit your plans and goals. If there is seasonality to your business, then adjust your expectations to be appropriate for summer. Even better, set goals ahead of time unique to summer. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable ones, and establish rewards for achieving them. Setting goals, deadlines, and even celebrating milestones and mini achievements along the way can help you stay focused when thoughts of cold drinks by the water start to distract you.
Take Advantage of Slower Seasons
In many industries, there is a slow season—oftentimes summer. Though slow seasons are frustrating to entrepreneurs, they also offer opportunities for other pursuits that boost morale, motivation, and productivity later. A slow season means more time for strategic planning, team-building activities (preferably outdoors or away from the normal workspace), philanthropic worth, skill-building, and community outreach. All can offer personal fulfillment and boost motivation, and will yield positive results later.
Take Intentional Breaks
Entrepreneurs everywhere understood when Lori Grenier of Shark Tank said, “entrepreneurs are willing to work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week.” Bootstrapping, multitasking, and long hours are all part of the entrepreneurial gig; especially in the early days. Still, is it possible that you are due a break?
Before balking at the idea, consider the numerous studies showing how taking time to recharge actually boosts productivity afterward. It need not be anything extravagant, but a proper vacation, a long weekend or personal day, or even grabbing an ice cream during an extended lunch break can all go far in helping a business owner regroup.
Prioritize and plan for such breaks, notify key contacts of your absence, and, when possible, hire help to manage things while you are away. Be intentional about how you spend that time away to maximize the benefits. Indulge in a hobby, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply get some decent rest. You - and your company - deserve to have you at your best.
Get Moving and Get Outside
After being cooped up all winter it is hard to stay focused and motivated when the summer weather is showing off. When possible, take work outside. Set up a workstation at a park or sidewalk cafe and enjoy the sun and change in scenery. And if work demands you to be indoors, take your breaks outdoors. Go for a short walk or run. Eat lunch al fresco. Just don’t forget some sunglasses and good sunscreen! A bit of sunshine, exercise, and fresh air can do wonders for your mood and energy!
The work of owning and running a business has to be done even in the summer, but it doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. A combination of planning and TLC can go far in reviving entrepreneurial spirit. And though it may not be a day at the beach, running your business with restored motivation and purpose can at least feel as refreshing as a cool breeze on a summer day.