Working Solo: How To Push Yourself

The vast majority of my time is spent working solo.  I’m fortunate that I’ve always enjoyed a very low need  — or desire–  for social stimulation.  I quite enjoy my own company.  =) Therefore, the loneliness and isolation that plagues many entrepreneurs isn’t an issue for me.

Truth be told, I hear a lot of talk about it… and even nod my head in active listening mode when others discuss it.  But I really just don’t get it.

One common question among solopreneurs — one that I TOTALLY get —  is how to push yourself.

If you struggle with missing deadlines and opportunities, consider these tips for keeping yourself moving forward, rising up, and taking new ground in your business:

• Create and live by a strict calendar.  DO NOT settle for a list of to do items. Schedule them in.  Make and HONOR appointments with yourself.
•  Consider an accountability partner or group.  Women Who WOW meets once monthly — virtually, to accommodate our national member base — to “work together” for 4 hours. We check in at the beginning of that 4 hours and again at the end.  It feels different when you know a whole bunch of people are working with you.  You can also simply have a 15 minute check in at the end of every day with an honest friend or colleague.
• Wake up expectant and excited. Always have a plan for the following day, so you wake up knowing that you have an agenda.  Ideally — you know, since you are the captain of this ship — it’s an agenda that gets you excited! (Not EVERY day is full of excitement, but if every day is full of drudgery, change something.)
• Reflect on how EACH day went.  I used to “grade” myself at the end of each day.  Now, I reflect at the end of each day…. what went well? what am I most excited about for tomorrow? what was accomplished today? What could I have done better?
• Reward yourself with something that motivates you.  Do you love massages?  Reading a great book? Visiting the beach?  Lunching with friends?  Schedule this stuff into your calendar. Cancel if you’ve been slack with your effort.  Go and enjoy if you’ve been killing it and keeping your own agenda.   Simple fact: When i am ruthless about my time IN the office, I can enjoy MORE time out of the office.

I hope this helps answer a question I get so often.   Have something to add?  Make a comment below.
xoxo