Ok, so what are the two important things to stay motivated, creative, and productive?
First -- exercise! Yes, you heard me right. How many times have you put off that run, or bike ride, or the trip to the gym because you have too much work to do? Ahhh.... such a mistake. I've found that I am actually working best when I am exercising. This is the only time that the mind is free from the paperwork clutter and the computer distractions. When the adrenaline is pumping from a cardio workout and the mind is free of other distractions, my best marketing ideas are born and solutions to lingering problems found. I can "write" an entire press release while running, or come up with a fantastic new way of reaching my target audience. Best of all, the natural high and motivation lingers well after the workout, carrying over back at the office where work then suddenly gets cranked out. So, next time you think you don't have time for exercise.... remember, it will probably be your most productive work of the day!
Second....get out of the house and be involved with others!!! Again, it's easy to think you don't have time to go to a conference, a networking event, presentation on a topic of interest, or even a local cocktail party. I have found that when I am sitting and listening at an interesting conference, I automatically start getting flooded with new ideas to implement in my own business. Sometimes, they are not even ideas at all related to the conference I am attending. However, something about hearing other people speaking and being away from the normal routine frees up the brain to think outside of the daily box. I'll leave a conference or presentation with an entire outline of new ideas to implement or people, places, and things I need to follow up on that maybe previously got pushed to the bottom of the to do list or a re-prioritization of what needs to happen now tactically and what needs to be implemented strategically to grow the business. Additionally, meeting with other motivated individuals helps keep the drive alive. People truly feed off the energy of others. I would also say that some opportunity or other comes out of 99% of the things I attend.
The bottom line -- sometimes you may think you are not working if you are not at your desk, but as a highly driven individual, don't worry, your mind is still working and the other activities will ultimately make you more productive!
An upcoming event in Chicago may be of interest to all of you entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. On December 9th and 10th, Social Tech Pop and Fly Over Geeks are sponsoring a highly motivating conference, "Rocked the Recession: Startup the Nation". This event will bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations that are not only thriving; they’re Rocking! I will be speaking on day one of the two-day conference with some of Chicago’s best entrepreneurs and thought leaders. There will be two days of discussions to explore innovative companies that balk at the idea of bailouts. All are ready to Rock 2011! For more information, go to http://2010rock.com/.
SocialTechPop.com is Chicago’s premier popular culture and technology blog. SocialTechPop communicates its vision of establishing Chicago as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest, reporting on emerging digital technologies, start ups,incubators, events, and society. SocialTechPop detects, uncovers, and explores the fabrics that tie our society together in this emerging digital age. Society, technology, and popular culture. They all impact one another, and they cover them all at break neck speed!
