[Scunizzo]

It’s time for another poll here at Young Entrepreneur!

After the record setting number of replies to our last poll I’m looking forward to hearing your responses on this one.

This time we’re asking: How do you stay motivated with your business?

Do you visualize your success? Do you read stories of famous entrepreneurs? Do you think about the money you’re going to make?

What gets you up out of bed every day to work on your business? What motivates you to keep going?

I would love to hear your thoughts so we can put together a comprehensive list of ideas and suggestions for other young entrepreneurs!

You can cast your vote by commenting below!

[Gene]

Excellent poll.

What keeps me inspired is that I see the reaching. I know what I'm shooting for, and I know that I'm going to have to take certain steps to get there. I visualize myself as already having achieved my goal(s). And I know that when I do reach my goals, that is by no means the end. I'll just go for even higher goals.

[Skipper]

The unlimited possibility of it all is what keeps me going. Nothing gets me more excited than watching an idea I've had have an effect on the business. The first time I made $20 from a website I was totally hooked. If I can make $20 I can make $200 then $2000 and on and on.

[NathanielRosa]

Originally Posted by Skipper

The unlimited possibility of it all is what keeps me going. Nothing gets me more excited than watching an idea I've had have an effect on the business. The first time I made $20 from a website I was totally hooked. If I can make $20 I can make $200 then $2000 and on and on.

I second that

[FUN-GUYZ!]

I'll actually have a "motivational" day every couple weeks. I'll stop by the local Porsche dealer, watch some of my favorite motivational movies (Boiler Room), Buy a new suit or power tie, etc.

When I sit in front of my computer for brainstorming sessions, each page on Word starts with the date, focus, and a picture of something I want to work for...house, car, boat, trip, etc.

[mthomas]

I think about those successful entrepreneurs who have obtained enormous successes just by going out and doing it. They are proof that anything is possible as long as you believe in it.

When in the early stages of starting a business, I keep myself motivated by looking for other measures of success other than profits (ie: hits on a website, learning something new, etc...).

Surrounding myself with positive people or consulting my fiancee also helps a lot when I doubt myself.

[rogercbryan]

I surround myself with people who are more successful them me. I make sure to network with people who have done what I want to do. I may never reach their level of success but it helps to see that it is possible.

[Usman Sheikh]

I will read a couple of my favorite paragraphs from "Think and Grow Rich", a couple of my favorite scenes from "The Secret" and review my goal cards. This usually gives me a spurt of energy and much needed boosts during more challenging days.

[outsourcery]

Like some of the other guys mentioned, I use small incremental targets.. and I take care to give myself a mental pat on the back.

When I first started out a few years ago I didn't do this... used to shoot for the horizon and chastize myself for not making it. This made it very hard to stay focussed and motivated in the long term... I often felt like I was bipolar... flitting from one home run attempt to the next, without a lot of real progress.

I've learned that it is far better to be balanced and positive, then to push for extreme and unlikely outcomes (although less exciting )

[hotintentions]

My kids keep me motivated, and the thought of one day being able to make money on my own without a gosh danginit boss telling me what to do and when to do it and how to do it,

[unlimited22]

Visualize the end results and read about success stories in my field in business trade magazines etc.

[Scunizzo]

Last week I asked you what you did to stay motivated through the tough world of entrepreneurship and the results have been great so far!

Here is what keeps you motivated so far:

* The responsibilities to my company the employees
* The belief that today will be a better day
* Doing something that you are really passionate about
* Reviewing my vision, business plan, goals
* Getting perspectives on how to develop my ideas
Picturing my future if I continue to work for someone else
* Reading blogs that get me excited
* Listening to podcasts about starting a business
* Looking at my current financial situation and knowing I can do better
* Reading inspirational books
* Visualizing myself reaching my goals
* Thinking about the unlimited possibility of my business
* Having a "motivational" day every couple of weeks
* Putting pictures up of things I want to work for (house, car, boat, trip, etc)
* Thinking about successful entrepreneurs
* Looking at other measures of success besides profits (web hits, learning something new, etc)
* Surrounding myself with positive people
* Surrounding myself with people who are more successful than me
* Thinking about my kids

What do you think about the list of suggestions so far? What is the best way to stay motivated as an entrepreneur?

You can cast your vote by commenting below!

[maryhaines2008]

Just keep on learning and have patience. then you'll stay motivated and get inspiration from others.

[Shadesz]

Good list, one other thing that helps are days dedicated to working on, not in, the business... where you actually get somewhere. In two words... "efficient productivity" gets me fired up... a good cycle really.

[cupbucket]

Living a good life and being healthy will make it far easier to stay focussed and motivated. Meditation is a fantastic way to keep your mind focussed! Find a meditation technique that you like and then do it!