Guide to Staying Motivated

Make a schedule

If you're self-employed, chances are good that you could benefit from some structure. Don't just wake up and work when you feel like it, for instance; instead, set a regular start and stop time for your workday. Having a daily agenda will help you get things done.

I recommend: Stay on schedule with the help of business calendar software. Try Microsoft Outlook with FranklinCovey’s PlanPlus or Mozilla Sunbird. Or, for a simple, budget-friendly alternative, consider using an online calendar tool like Google Calendar or Yahoo! Calendar.

Set goals

Make daily, weekly, monthly and annual checklists of things you want to accomplish; then, cross them off your list as you achieve them. Doing so will give you a sense of accomplishment that is sure to motivate you when you're feeling sluggish.

I recommend: Visualize your goals—literally—by putting them on paper. Collect magazine clippings, quotes and images that represent your goal and display them on a bulletin board for inspiration; you can find a variety of display boards at Blick Art Materials. Or, go the high-tech route with Picasa and make a digital slideshow or collage of goal-oriented photos for your computer.

Embrace variety

Stay productive and avoid boredom by mixing up your work routine. Rather than doing eight straight hours of the same task, make sure you fill your workday with a variety of projects designed to hold your interest and stimulate your creative muscles.

I recommend: If you’re stuck in a workday rut, take a break to exercise your brain. Do the New York Times Crossword Puzzle or try one of the many puzzles and brainteasers linked to at About.com. A little play might be all you need to find your muse again.

Be social

When you work from home, it's easy to get tired of your own company. Maintain contact with the outside world by seeing your friends, volunteering or joining a local sports team—anything that gets you out of the house long enough to recharge your batteries.

I recommend: When you own your own business, there’s no water cooler to gather around with co-workers. You still need a support system of peers, however, to motivate you when things get rough. Join a Small Business Meetup to network and socialize with other entrepreneurs in your area. Or, consider finding a business mentor by registering with Advance Mentoring.

Be professional

When you spend your days working in front of the television in your bathrobe, your coffee table serving as a makeshift desk, it's easy to lose sight of your business goals. Maintain a professional environment—complete with a proper home office and a respectable dress code—in order to remind yourself that you have a job to do.

I recommend: It can be hard to stay focused and motivated amid chaos. Avoid clutter by organizing your home office; The Container Store has a number of solutions for the home office.

Reward yourself

Work can't always be fun. When you're overwhelmed or annoyed, keep yourself going by planning rewards for yourself, such as a nice dinner or a weekend getaway.

I recommend: Reward yourself with regular breaks and an occasional vacation. Sam’s Club’s Business Members can take advantage of special travel discounts while Expedia Business Advantage members get access to exclusive, business-friendly travel rates.

Take care of yourself

Keep your mind fresh by keeping your body strong. Embracing a routine that includes good nutrition, regular exercise and even habitual powernaps will go a long way toward refueling both your personal and professional tanks.

I recommend: Visit Entrepreneur.com’s Health and Fitness section for tips on keeping yourself—and your business—healthy.

Stay positive

If you've lost your business mojo, get it back by actively searching for encouragement, ideas and advice. When you hear what you need to hear, you'll see that there is, in fact, light at the end of the tunnel.

I recommend: Try to always be optimistic, even when the going gets tough. Redirect your negative energy in order to avoid slides and slumps; affirmations, such as those on products from Successories, can help.