Being an entrepreneur is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. You have to deal with challenges every step of the way and sometimes motivation is difficult to come by. This article is dedicated to entrepreneurs who’ve just started their journey and are looking for sustainable ways to stay motivated.

We mention the word “sustainable” because some forms of motivation are fleeting and will only fuel your drive for a short period of time. What you need is a lasting motivation that comes from inside, and we’re going to share with you a few tips on how you can achieve that.

The key to lasting entrepreneurial success is to achieve a balance between your business pursuits and your personal growth. You need to have an inner hunger and ambition that will sustain you throughout those long and challenging times in your business. However, most important of all, you must have the will to continue regardless of the obstacles. You must never give up and always keep moving.

Here are 4 simple way to stay motivated as an entrepreneur:

1. Make Time for Yourself

One of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face nowadays is the inability to find the “off” switch. Entrepreneurs work harder than most people and can spend all of their day in meetings, corresponding via email and text, while making sure the operation side of things is intact.

Unlike employees who go home to forget about work at the end of the workday, entrepreneurs tend to take work home. It’s so easy to continue responding to texts and emails and study documents well into the night, without realizing that working non-stop without sufficient rest is a recipe for disaster.

The only way to get it all done and maintain balance is to take regular breaks from it all. Set aside a few minutes each day so you can just be alone to reflect, whether it’s through exercising, meditation or taking a hot bath and reading a good book before bedtime. Also, don’t be shy to take a vacation, even if it’s for two weeks out of the year, just to recharge and recalibrate.

Taking short breaks like this will go a long way in fueling your inner drive and motivation while helping you to avoid burnout. Realize that the world won’t come to an end just because you’ve decided to take some time for yourself.

“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.” – Spanish Proverb

2. Find Inspirational Sources

Unless you’re Gary Vaynerchuk or Casey Neistat, there will be many moments where you feel utterly unmotivated. This is called “being in a funk” and the best way to overcome a funk is to find sources of inspiration to refuel you. This could mean subscribing to an online magazine or blog that inspires you, watching inspiring videos and listening to motivational podcasts. Try to find great online mentors who put out content that resonates with you.

3. Network with Like-Minded People

You know how entrepreneurs often refer to their businesses as their children? Well, it takes a lot of people to build a good business. It’s imperative that you start building a network of associates or hire a virtual assistant early on who will help you with the day-to-day as well as the strategic execution of your vision.

Of course, having a mentor is very important as well, because you can learn a lot from someone who’s been there and done it. The important thing is to create a support system of people who’re willing to lend an ear or offer valuable advice whenever you need it.

“You become like the five people you spend the most time with. Choose carefully.” – Jim Rohn

4. Your Mission Should Be Bigger Than Just a Business

If there’s one thing that brings a business together it’s a clear vision and mission. Ideally, your mission and vision should encompass more than your immediate goals. It should be a far-reaching and inspiring goal that will be the driving force behind your business.

At the end of the day, your business vision should be larger than life and go beyond just making money. It should be about making a change in the broader community and making an impact in the world. Holding this vision will sustain your business through the hard times and it will make it so much easier to wake up and take action every day.

Remember that as an entrepreneur, you’re a trailblazer. You’re someone that’s choosing an unconventional path in order to make the world a better place. Whether that be through selling a product or service, it should be in service of a bigger vision and mission.

We know that staying motivated while going through the rigors of entrepreneurship can be tough. But as long as you keep your vision firm and remember your “why,” everything will be fine. Keep in mind the four tips we shared in this article as well, and use them to sustain you when you’re feeling low.

How do you stay motivated through challenging times? Share your thoughts and advice with us below!