SELF EMPLOYMENT: MOTIVATION OF THE SELF EMPLOYED

The phrase self employment is enough to cause heart attack to many people who only sees obstacles and difficulties that are associated with one being self employed.


Unknown to this category of people is the fact that we are all self employed irrespective of what we do. This assertion is based on simple logic “we do all that we do because of the following reasons:- we set goals, we accept the responsibility for executing the goals, and we make enough commitment to do so.” If you doubt it, do away with these 3 qualities mentioned above and see yourself back on the street.

Qualities of self employed people

A research I carried out revealed to me that all self-employed individuals (entrepreneur) has seven (7) things in common

• They set goals

• They are punctual

• They are self starters

• They take responsibility

• They are goal getters

• They are committed

• They are resourceful

The combined forces of the above seven (7) qualities gave birth to motivating factors that gets self employed individuals motivated and kept them motivated. Those factors that ignites the motivation (encouraging factors) within all entrepreneurs – which you are one; are listed and briefly discussed below:

EMOTIONAL FEELINGS

Emotions are the strongest factors that motivate people. love for instance is one emotion that is capable of making someone move mountains. The reason behind this is not far fetched- people want to impress their loved ones. Most successful entrepreneur that I have ever spoken with plainly told me that their emotional feeling contribute greatly to their success.

Other emotionally controlled feelings that motivate self employed people are: pity, hate, jealousy, feeling of revenge, etc.

PRESSURE/ CONSTRAINT

Another factor that motivates those in self employment is pressure/ constraint. A friend of mine once said that he thinks better and smarter whenever he is under pressure or is constrained by prevailing situation. An entrepreneur with limited capital for instance gets motivated to go out looking for sources of finance.

THIRST FOR RESULT/ PRODUCTIVITY

On the average, people are generally motivated into action if they hunger for result or are eager for productivity. As you already know, self employed people are result oriented people therefore are motivated to get results even when the situation seamed hopeless.

OPTION-LESS SITUATION

Self employed individuals realise that they have no choice in their dealings when to success. The fear of being faced with the ugly consequences of not performing their duty as at and when due as entrepreneurs acts as a motivating factor that catapult them into greater height. This is one situation where I encourage people to leverage from the positive effect of fear.

The quest to protect their self image and ego drives most self employed person to do the extra ordinary.

As entrepreneur, you need motivation on a constant basis. Instead of looking motivation where they are not, I encourage you to allow the points raised and discussed in this article are followed with passion.