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Motivation

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Key Term:  Motivation

Definition:

“Motivation is an inner force that drives individuals to accomplish personal and organizational goals.”

Satterlee, A. (2013). Organizational Management & Leadership:  A Christian Perspective. (2nd ed.). Raleigh, NC:  Synergistics International Inc.

Summary:

In the article, 3 Ways to Stay Motivated to Lead Your Business, author Deborah Mitchell writes about how to maintain the motivation and focus to successfully sustain your business.  In the beginning a business owner is immersed with high levels of motivation, however once the business it started the daily challenges can lead to loss of motivation. (Mitchell, 2015)  She shares three ways on how an owner can stay positive.  The first is to remind yourself of your desire to achieve.  An important aspect of this step is to have perseverance.  The second way is to set realistic goals.  Setting out to make millions in the first year might sound fabulous, but may be unrealistic.  The last step is to not forget to take care of yourself.  It is important to remember that you, as the owner, are a very important piece of the business.  Making time for yourself that is unrelated to work gives your time to reset.  (Mitchell, 2015).

Discussion:

Although there are many ways to make a business successful, Mitchell mentions three very important key elements an owner should always remember to do.  They are simple and generalized enough to be easily understood and followed.  Having a clear picture of what you desire to achieve in your business keeps on track.  Mitchell also mentions that surrounding yourself with the correct team also aids you in this focus. (Mitchell, 2015)  Having a team that shares or believes in your business can keep motivation from lapsing.  Often times we do set unrealistic goals to lead to failure because halfway through it we lose hope and the motivation to continue.  Setting smaller obtainable goals can lead to more successes.  Celebrating those successes can lead to increased motivation and self-satisfaction.  A perfect example is the goal that most of us set in losing weight.  Often times we set our goal very high at say losing 30 lb.  Three months into your weight loss plan and all you’ve lost is 5 lb. might prove discouraging with loss of motivation.  Setting smaller goals of 5 lb. in 3 months, will lead to a victory.  In addition how often are we so invested into something that we forget to take care of our-self?  This can be something as simple as shaving, sleep, unwinding, vacation, etc.  Sometimes we get so entrenched into what we are doing, we lose out on enjoying other happiness in our life such as family, friends, hobbies, or plain relaxation. 

Biblical Integration:

            Starting, growing, and maintaining a business is no small feat.  It takes lots of effort, financials, support, zealous, and perseverance.  There are many hurdles and challenges to overcome.  There is the over-arching weight on the shoulders of a business owner that says I am responsible for it all.  Bearing the brute weight of it all can be overwhelming.  However, Jesus said, “’With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matthew, 19:26, NKJV)  If we rely on God to sustain us we can become successful in all things.  Also, Galatians teaches us to “bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians, 6:2, NKJV)  Having the support of family and friends to help you succeed in your business venture is irreplaceable. 

References:

Mitchell, D. (2015, March 09). 3 Ways to Stay Motivated to Lead Your Business. Retrieved April 22, 2017, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/artical/243170

Satterlee, A. (2013). Organizational Management & Leadership:  A Christian Perspective. (2nd ed.). Raleigh, NC:  Synergistics International Inc.