When we work on our own, or outside the traditional employment system, it’s difficult to allow ourselves rewards

When your boss gives you a bonus, it’s a great boost to your ego and of course the bank balance. It is also confirmation of a job well done.

But what happens when we are that boss, and we don’t get that validation? 

Or we are on working as freelancers, on our own, as a contractor, working hard, but out of sight at home.

Extrinsic Motivation

That’s the technical name for doing a job to get a reward. I don’t think it is that mercenary. I don’t just work to get rewards, but I think they help us stay motivated along the way. 

I’m not doing the work purely to get stuff, but it’s a happy consequence I’m in control of.

Why bother?

I don’t know all the psychology behind it but I am driven by visible results. I like to see what I have achieved, and that isn’t always possible when you work online or remotely. 

If my coaching client achieves a breakthrough I know about it, I see the shift but I don’t have a physical manifestation of that result. That’s where a personal reward for a job well done can really help.

The hustle is real

We are hustling and constantly striving without allowing ourselves the pleasures of simple things like a day off. It’s not sustainable and people are falling by the wayside. Don’t be that person. 

The hustle is getting a load of bad press right now, and I think much of that publicity is because we have forgotten to give ourselves rewards along the way. 

If you own a small business, especially in the early days, it’s hard work. You won’t get those six figures by watching TV and only working a few hours a week. I know the click bait says you will, but mostly you won’t. It’s graft time.

So how do you stay on track?

Why?

Simon Sinek helped so many of us by simplifying business down to our ‘why’ and you definitely need that touchstone. 

I think there is another simple way to stay motivated and enthusiastic about your work and results.

Give yourself rewards

Allow yourself to celebrate minor victories. In fact, I’d say you not only can choose to, but you should. An informal reward system can sit alongside your strategy of knowing when you have enough.

It is something you can implement when you work with others, be that VA’s, contractors, employees or clients, but most especially you. 

Small rewards along the way help you balance that constant striving with the results and acceptance of a job well done.

What should it be?

A member of my Facebook Group asked me what rewards would be appropriate. It’s a personal thing. Focus on making your rewards not only relevant but also memorable. 

A visible or tangible item, so on bad days you can look at it, touch it, remember it and as a result stay motivated.

Buying a new suit, frock or piece of jewellery could be a great reward for acquiring a new client. 

A book sale or deal = a new pen or that software to help with editing.

A video result = a new camera accessory or zoom outfit.

Small wins = a bunch of flowers or organic soap.

A mindset shift = a journal or an hour of indulgence in a new book (you can never have too many) 

I love to see the result of my labours. I may not ‘see’ the benefits of a new business connection, but I can hold an investment piece like a Star Wars model. 

Buy Less Stuff

I’m moving to a minimal lifestyle so material rewards are less important to me. 

The extra day off, the donation to good causes, crafting time, a small but higher risk investment you wouldn’t normally consider, a wholesome meal. Buy less, but better quality. You can still live a rewarding lifestyle as a minimalist.

Not convinced? 

Being generous with your time, knowledge or success is one of the best marketing tools in the world. Be kind, help others up and share your good fortune.

What would light you up and make you smile every day as you sat down to work?