How to Stay Motivated in Your Job When Your Hustle Has Your Heart

If you’re anything like me, the start of a new month is both insightful and inspiring.  We gain insight as we reflect on the results of our work in the previous month while also being inspired to make greater progress in the current month.  

In January, I intentionally limited my “showcase” of results.  I didn’t want to be like the majority  who hit the ground running in the first month of the new year only to come crashing down shortly after.  I strategized and spent my time building habits and routines to reinforce my desire for growth, personally and professionally.  In doing this I found myself more driven and creative in actualizing my plan for 2022. 

Yet before I knew it, I found myself more invested in my pursuits of entrepreneurship and less motivated in the job that maintains my lifestyle and serves as the cash flow and capital for my business.  

Like most entrepreneurs, I am starting my journey employed full-time in corporate America.  My love for life long learning has led me to my current role as a higher education administrator in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) space.  However, in the past few years my pursuit of entrepreneurship has driven my excitement for the day.  Admittedly, I struggled managing both a job and “my work”–the call to my community of influence.  I knew resigning from my employer wasn’t an option so it became my mission to infuse motivation between my job and my work.  Let’s see this exchange in action.  Keep in mind, perspective is key.    

Discipline is the difference between success and failure.

I realized the balancing act between my job and my work was more of a blessing than a burden.  According to National Business Capital, nearly 38% of entrepreneurs attributed their success in business to their ability to implement self-discipline.  Considering the necessity of maintaining quality work between both responsibilities, I was encouraged to excel in this area.  By practicing self-management now, I am preparing myself mentally for the seasons of late nights and long hours as the sole “employee” of my business.   

When you get access, walk through the door. 

I’ve learned being an entrepreneur requires research.  Some research includes clarifying my industry (goods and services) and niche, identifying my target audience, monitoring my competition and developing market strategies.  Though Google Academy and YouTube University are great resources, the legitimacy and accuracy may be questionable.  However, as an employee I get access to credible resources and education for free or at a very low cost.  This is especially motivating when professional development is heavily encouraged.  

Let your experience work for you.  

As I ebb and flow between the worlds of job and work, I see transferable skills in my tasks.  For example, I was recently approved to move forward with a project, on my job,  for which I’d take lead in transitioning a program from infancy to maturation.  In other words, I’d be responsible for project management to include delegation, communication and endorsement of activities.   These same skills are necessary in executing a business plan while managing multiple priorities.  Not only does this demonstrate my credibility to set and meet goals but also highlights my authority in my area of expertise.     

Connections are essential to your expansion. 

Over the past few years, my current employer has broadened my understanding, experience and perspective of mentorship, allyship and advocacy. The results, authentic relationship building, enhanced communication skills, an appreciation of collaborative diversity and strategies for goal attainment.  In a nutshell, it's motivating to be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed and excel.  When applied to my work, this outlook enhances my ability to network with others, discuss ideas, barter services or goods and create partnerships to strengthen growth potential.     

Water the asset and it will grow.

And finally, the most impactful motivator is regular, consistent income.  Under the umbrella of income I include benefits– vacation, sick time, healthcare, retirement and insurance.   Though employment by a corporate entity is not the ultimate financial security, it's the means for regular cash flow and capital to invest in my business.  Particularly, my salary is funding my business endeavors.    

Ultimately, I’ve changed my perspective to consider these motivators as valuable to my work.  When I feel the urge to call it quits, I’m reminded that my hustle needs help.  Until my work can fund itself, my job will be my primary investor.  The key to motivation is taking advantage of the resources offered by your employer, especially those aimed to expand your influential reach in multiple areas. If I can do it, so can you.  And if you need strategies to broaden your perspective, give me a shout!.