4 Tips for Maintaining Balanced Motivation BIZ Experiencess crave motivation for the grueling trek from great idea to real business but, unless we use it well, what feels like motivation is risky impulse.

By Brandy Shea Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

We BIZ Experiencess are always on the hunt for our next motivational fix. We attend inspirational seminars, drink six cups of coffee a day and spend hours reading self-­help books, all for the sake of feeling that energizing, motivational high that will spur our next big "aha' moment. But what if those sporadic motivational highs are actually preventing us from reaching our goals?

Related: How to Increase Productivity, Motivation and Engagement From Your Top Employees

The true secret to success is more than just maintaining motivation. It's also about controlling the sporadic, unfocused thought­ process that often occurs during motivational highs and using that extra energy efficiently. That's the difference between impulsive and consistent motivation.

Impulsive motivation is those mornings when you wake up with a positive attitude, get to the gym early and, before lunch, check off your to-do list the 10 daunting tasks you've been avoiding for a month. This form of motivation goes hand-­in-­hand with the "Motivation Arrousal Theory" that identifies the human instinct for seeking greater stimulation. It's enjoyable while it lasts but the crash that follows typically results in exhaustion, disappointment and, ultimately, less motivation.

Consistent motivation requires self discipline and emotional stability. It allows us to maintain an even level of stimulation to accomplish tasks at a sustainable rate. While it may not be as enjoyable as impulsive motivation, it helps us to maintain a clear, level­-headed mindset for logical, rather than emotional, decision-­making.

Related: Lacking Motivation? Follow These Steps to Get Back on Track

Both forms of motivation are useful but reaching optimum productivity comes from using impulsive motivation efficiently. Here are a few tips for achieving that:

1. Acknowledge the impulses. When you feel the sporadic, energizing effects of impulsive motivation, it's important to acknowledge that it's both temporary and unsustainable. This helps resist those sporadic, unplanned decisions that could be a burden later.

2. Avoid distractions. This means closing out of all social media accounts, blogging websites, or anything that could potentially cause a shift of mental energy. The goal here is to use the energy efficiently.

3. Create a detailed to-­do list with 5 long-­term goals. A detailed list of long­ term goals is a great way to keep your mind focused during periods of impulse. Spend a few minutes jotting down a few daunting tasks that you need to get off your plate, as well as 3­-4 sub­-steps required to accomplish each task. Keep the list handy and only refer to it during those times of impulse.

4. Keep a realistic mindset. As BIZ Experiencess, we love to dream about our future accomplishments, especially when we're riding the effects of a full­-blown motivational high. However, it's important to remember that each potential, life-­changing idea has 100+ time­consuming tasks that follow. Maintain a balanced, realistic mindset by focusing your energy on the short ­term tasks rather than the long ­term fantasies.

Related: The Motivation Secrets of 8 Successful Business Leaders

Brandy Shea

Founder

Brandy Shea is a designer and founder of Mile One Creative, a design and marketing agency that specializes in building effective, online brands. She also focuses on showcasing passionate, everyday BIZ Experiencess through her nation­wide project, Quality Thrives.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.