Motivation

Honestly, I think its built in passion. Am as passionate about the biz as I was 6 years ago.

I agree with the "to do" lists, big fan of those, also short, medium and longterm goals keeps life interesting. Always a buzz when you hit a goal. Might be a sales target, traffic, new dividend etc.

Like you, big fan of reading about other success stories. We live in a naturally doom and gloom world, so those that can keep optimistic, will succeed.

Personally, as I work from home, short exercise breaks definitely help to give me a second wind in the afternoon, when I start to feel a bit 'meh'!
Focusing on my 'big' goals, the ones that really excite me, also helps, as I think it's easy to get bogged down with the annoying everyday tasks and forget about the big picture.

I like to think; literally about anything business or non-business related. Thinking generally allows me to process all of the inputs in the business - whether it be employees, products, customers, markets, whatever.

Thinking in my opinion helps make better decisions though there will be contrarian views that will prefer to be more direct.

All your points plus 2 more.

I like to discuss my ideas with my wife and my father. Although my wife has been nothing but supportive in all my 'schemes' she simply can't see the 'vision' as I can and my father is the most negative person I know.

Arguing my case with them is a great way to get fired up.

The other way is what I call the stick. I had a business go down the tubes during the last recession in the '90's and the resultant misery was unbearable. If I find myself losing focus or momentum, I remember how my family suffered then and it always motivates me to work harder.

Yes good points Kerri b. It is good to hear success stories and sometimes you can learn something as well.
A to- do list is vital for me.
I also like to have a regular "tidy up" of my desk and paperwork and inbox to make sure I can see the wood from the trees.

Keeping goals in mind (both short term and long term) - planning and visualising how you will achieve that goal and then celebrating the achievements and learning from the mistakes.

I like to focus on what I'm doing and why, I try to think about this a lot. When you think about it, your business needs to get you up out of bed early every day, and need to keep you in the office until late at night. It needs to make you take risks, and do things you've never done before.

In this respect, you need to be constantly question what you're doing and why.

Hey lads and ladies, below is how I motivate myself:

1. I attend the gym every morning. I believe achieving physical goals puts you in the "winning" state of mind to achieve business goals.

2. Keep photos of my family on my desk. When the chips are down I take a look at them and they remind me what I'm doing it all for, A better life for my family.

3. Photo's of the things that I want. My computer desktop background is a picture of a Porsche Caymen (My dream car). Plus images of Luxury homes and other possessions I would like.

4. The final point is a bit of a funny one. I simply have 100% confidence and belief that I'm on the right road and I will make it. If you don't have this belief it will be hard to make it.

Rich

I agree with the others here. Setting goals and reminding yourself of them and taking note of your progress helps keep you motivated. It's nice to see and remind yourself how close you are getting to your goals everyday. It's also important to take breaks and reward yourself when you reach short term goals or when you have accomplished a difficult task. Recreation is important to staying productive. Reading motivational books also help. These books help keep you motivated not just in running your business but also in improving yourself as a person which increases your confidence and morale.