Staying Motivated Without Deadlines

Motivated Without Obvious Reward

Staying motivated is easy when you have client deadlines and requirements. But what happens when you’ve fulfilled all commitments to others, and have only those you’ve made to yourself on your plate? Do you continue to show up every day to work on those commitments, whether they’re education, marketing or production, or do you allow yourself to slide?

One of the toughest lessons I’ve had to learn is to treat the work I love as a job where I show up every single day, no matter what’s on my agenda. I’ve also struggled with considering things like watching educational videos, attending networking meetings, or reading a book as part of my work day. The truth is, every single one of those things contribute to my business, even if, at the end of the day I have nothing tangible to show for the time I’ve spent. I’m learning to be OK with that, but it hasn’t been easy.

Staying on Task

Inasmuch as I’m task- rather than time-driven, it’s also been a struggle to justify a day when I only spent 2 or 3 hours on things I consider business related. Yet I don’t look at my work week as Monday through Friday. Instead, I perform at least one business related task every day.

Since I don’t have a set work schedule, it’s sometimes difficult to quantify my effort and achievements for the week, which leads to frustration and disappointment in myself. Most of the time, those beliefs are unwarranted once I look back at the week just completed.

In any given week, I’ll find many of the following completed tasks, though they’re often overlooked when I’m mentally evaluating my productivity;

• Research
• Education
• Networking
• Marketing
• Writing
• Editing
• Publishing

In the first place, I don’t always recognize things I do fitting into any of these categories. Yet I do a daily gratitude post and a Facebook Live every day. Though they might not be what many consider Marketing or Networking, I’ve learned showing up regularly and predictably is the first step towards building a client base.

Relatability Depends on Visibility

You have to let people know you exist. More importantly, you have to give others an opportunity to relate to you as a person before they’ll be willing to hire you as a professional. In a highly competitive world, you have to stand out from the competition, and leave a positive impression in the minds of your ideal clients.

Some might find my posts on Facebook frivolous and a waste of time. In the first place, those who do are likely not in my demographic for ideal clients. In the second, what I do simply isn’t relatable to them. There’s plenty of content others provide to which they can and do relate, and frankly, more power to them. I’ve found many who not only relate to my daily posts, but often give me feedback as well, which to me, is especially valuable.

Speaking of demographics, I’ve become especially conscious of them while watching TV, or seeing ads show up while doing research, or perusing Social Media. Lately, my first reaction is; “I’m definitely not in the demographic for this ad or commercial.” The second is “I wonder what demographic they’re aiming for.”

Defining Your Client’s Demographics

I’ve realized lately understanding where an advertiser is aiming their message is a way to learn how to better aim my own. So many border on the ridiculous, if they don’t cross the line entirely. I haven’t quite figured out the point but suspect in their minds it will make them memorable.

I know I’m not in their demographic as most of those annoy or repulse me. I find them patronizing and insulting to my intelligence. Clearly intelligence isn’t high on their list of qualities when it comes to hawking whatever product or service they’re pushing.

One quality I find lacking in the average paid advertisement is the one I value most highly; authenticity. I’m guessing the idea of selling insurance, beer, or pharmaceuticals doesn’t hinge on relatability at all. How any common folk relate to Joe Namath or Martin Sheen for health-related products escapes me. Clearly someone’s research says they do.

Making Both Message and Delivery Attractive

I’m also turned off by the immaculately dressed and coiffed woman standing in front of the camera speaking in a soothing, clinical voice about embarrassing personal hygiene items, or wrongs inflicted on innocent consumers by large corporations like Monsanto, or Southern California Edison.

I realize the message is “I truly understand your pain, and want to help you get compensated for your suffering.” Yet the person delivering the message is about as believable as a snake oil salesman.

I’ve drifted away from my original topic, but as usual, I actually have a point. If you can’t develop an understanding of your demographic, you can’t develop a message and methodology to reach them. If you continue talking to the air and seeing no response, it’s hard to remain motivated to keep showing up, staying present, and honoring commitments to yourself and your business.

Honing the Message to Attract, Not Repel

Honing the message relies on continued motivation because there’s a lot of trial and error involved. You have to be willing to see efforts fail, and be able to analyze why before you’ll find what actually works. You have to dig deep to figure out the kind of people and industries you want to attract, knowing you won’t get it right on the first try, or even the 25th.

Most of all, you have to believe in yourself and your expertise enough to keep working until you find that sweet spot where you’re attracting like-minded people who can not only afford to pay for your services, but are willing to do so. The bottom line is, if you don’t feel confident enough to stay motivated without reward, how can you expect someone else to recognize your ability to meet their requirements and deadlines?

I know for myself, I want to work with people who care about my success and progress. I expect nothing less from the people who want to work with me.

 

About the Author

Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful and help entrepreneurs touch the souls of their readers and clients so they can increase their impact and their income.

If you’d like to have her write for you, please visit her Hire Me page for more information. You can also find her on Facebook Sheri Levenstein-Conaway Author.

Be sure to watch this space for news of the upcoming releases of ” Rebuilding After Suicide” and “Sasha’s Journey”.