Recently, I was dealing with not being motivated to do anything for my business. It's a very bad place to be in and it may make you want to give up everything you have worked so hard for.

I decided to do a post on how I went through my lack of motivation which went on for almost a year! Yeah, that long. In this post, I am also sharing tips on how I got out of it and bounced back again.

How to Re-boost your Motivation as an Entrepreneur

The 'lack of motivation' syndrome

Let's describe how it feels to not be motivated by your business.

You wake up in the morning and you know what you should be doing but you don't want to do it. That's just the basic feeling when you lack motivation. Then you feel drained of energy even before you start a task. Also, you are discouraged and ask yourself what's the point everytime you are working on a project. Honestly, I felt so much better not thinking of my business at the time because of the guilt I had for not making any efforts in that domain of my life.

I used to be extremely motivated and managed to get things done no matter what in the past. And later it was the total contrary.

My lack of motivation scared me. Yes, it did! I thought it was never going to end, considering how long it lasted. But it's back now and I feel as charged as I used to be to achieve my business goals!

The Cure

So moments like these should not scare you that much or get you to think that you can't make it. It's a phase of your entrepreneur life and you will experience many of them, just that the intensity will vary.

My lack of motivation was severe as I went for almost a year without producing nor planning for my business. Aside the fact that I was a student and school was taking my time, I didn't feel motivated anymore. All I did was to wish for things to happen or wish to be motivated once more.

And yes I lost customers. You know that is the thing with being a sole proprietor. Everything depends on you and everything you do affects your business (reminds me of my secondary school economics lessons on the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorship).

When my motivation came back, it was like starting afresh. That was not so long ago. I'm now working on getting new customers and building my brand again.

I have had other periods when I lacked motivation recently and this has been mostly because of the discouragement from not having desired results after putting in so much effort.

Here are my tips to deal with a lack of motivation as an entrepreneur.

1. It's OK to feel discouraged.

If you feel discouraged and not motivated, it's OK! You can't be motivated all the time. You are human to feel bad when things don't work out as you want or expected. So accept your present mood and remember that you are just being human.

2. Take a break.

Give yourself a break. It's a break to not think about your projects for even just a day. Don't try to force things or you may keep getting more discouraged and disappointed since you are not putting in your best and you can't think more objectively.

3. Find out the problem

You could no longer be motivated because you overworked yourself like in my case. It could also be because you don't feel skilful enough to do things. You may also lack motivation because you are afraid of not doing things right or not being able to meet expectations. It could also be a lack of support from friends and family or negativity from your customers in relation to your goods or services.

You need to find out the source of your discouragement to know how to deal with it.

4. Adress the problem

Face the reason why you lack motivation.

- If they are negative customers accept the critics that are true and decide to work on them.

- If it's lack of support from family and friends then talk to them and ask for their support or give them a reason to support you by working even harder to achieve your dreams.

- If you don't feel skilful enough then start researching and learning. You can also find someone more experienced to help out with what you can't do. Remember that you can't know and do everything.

- If you are discouraged as a result of overworking yourself, a break will be nice for starters. You can try to take a short holiday so that your mind relaxes as well.

5. Consume motivating content

Read, watch and listen to motivational write-ups, videos and speeches. This will do you a lot of good. There is nothing more comforting than to know that our case is not different and someone else is or has been through what we are experiencing. You may find someone who's wording will uplift your spirit and your desire and motivation will start building up once more. So feed yourself with positivity. As much as you can get.

6. Self-motivation talk

Talk to yourself and face your fears that have discouraged you. Tell your lack or motivation self that you are only going through a phase that will soon be over. Also, tell yourself that you can get back to how motivated you used to be because you are working towards it.

7. Take steps to go back to work

Talk is good but it still doesn't get things done. You need to make little plans and enjoy the feeling of accomplishing little tasks.

Take baby steps towards working on your business again. Take it slow and don't pressure yourself. I hope you get your motivation back soonest.

Markets, where Okrika is sold in Cameroon, are not the most organised so you have to dress for the situation when going there. You will most probably be standing or bending down to find the best clothes and shoes all by yourself (yes oh, that's why it's called 'bend-boutique'). It could be sunny or rainy, muddy or dusty in the market.

From my experience, here are some tips to help you when you go to a Cameroonian market to buy Okrika.

How To Dress When Shopping Okirika (Thrifts) In A Cameroonian Market

- You need to dress comfortably.

Wear flats! Sandals or slippers, but let them be flats. You wouldn't want to walk through the market in heels and uncomfortable shoes because it will be tiring. You may also be standing for long hours trying to select the best items from the heaps of clothes and shoes. Let your clothes be free and flexible too.

- Don't dress or look too expensive to avoid being overcharged.

It doesn't mean that if you look shabby and unkempt they will begin to give you things for free. But looking too dope and stylish may influence the price of the goods you will buy because you may be charged higher than others (since you look capable). Just try to dress simple or average.

- Your dressing should permit you to try on clothes in the market

You may need to try a few clothes so do wear clothes like slim pants, long skirts or gowns that will enable you to easily try on something on them or under them without necessarily undressing.

NB: Always ask the vendor before you try things on because not all of them will let you do so.

- Protect yourself from the sun/rain

Wear long sleeves, sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sun. When the weather is too hot go for white or brighter colours or you may bake in the heat. Take an umbrella and an extra pullover if you are in the rainy season. There might be some unpleasant stormy surprises.

The best outfits to consider wearing are jeans, maxi gowns or skirts.
I hope these tips are helpful to you when you go shopping Okrika.

Cameroonian markets can be so crowded at times. The major markets in Cameroon can get so crowded that thrifting or Okrika shopping can become risky.

These crowds can be full of all types of people and pickpockets are no exception. It is necessary to protect your property and make your experience in the market safe. One can never be too careful.

So here are some tips to keep you safe while buying Okrika in a Cameroonian market.

- Don't put all your money in one place.

Separate the money especially if it is a huge amount so that you don't lose it all in the case of theft.

- Never put your wallet, purse or money at the back of your pocket.

If you do put it in the side pocket, make sure your hand never leaves your side in crowded places.

- Hold your bags and purses close to your body.

Let the end of the zip of your bag be at your front and not behind to prevent your bag from being opened without your knowledge.

- Always take out or separate your transport fare 'to and fro' from your shopping money to avoid using up all the money and trekking home.

Trust me, you don't want to run into a shortage of money and become stranded in the market.

- When boarding taxis go for ones with a valid car number or work badge (or any other public document they should normally possess and make visible).

Observe and take note of such details to help avoid being robbed or possibly help you to recover your stolen property in case of robbery. Car number plates are orange in colour in Cameroon and taxis are yellow though there are other taxi services like Grey Cab which have grey taxis.

- Pickpockets may use tricks like pushing, rubbing themselves on you and try to act like they are in a hurry and need to go ahead.

If you notice such movements around you, stop for a while, check and hold on to your valuables well.

- Watch out for distractions and walk away from them.

It may be a trick to steal from you.

- Another trick is to hold a handbag but put your money elsewhere.

This may divert the attention of pickpockets who may go for searching your bag instead. My friend and I were fond of doing this especially in very crowded markets like Mokolo market in Yaoundé. A pickpocket was spotted by a taxi driver trying to search the bag and called our attention. We were more relaxed because the bag had no money. It served as a distraction.

Having good looking skin is not only about applying products to your skin. It also requires other actions that will accompany the products that you use.

Sometimes we don't always need to use the very best and expensive products because our skin problem could be as a result of some internal problems. That is a problem coming from inside our bodies. Here are some tips on how to help your skin to be healthy inside and glow outside.

5 Tips for a Healthy Skin

1. Drink lots of water

Flavoured, mineral water or tea? This is the number one rule for your skin to look good. No matter what you put on your skin, it will not work well if there is not enough hydration for your body.

Your skin needs water to spread evenly and transport the products and skin treatments you apply. So drinking water is helping your skin absorb and make use of the things you nourish it with.

2. Workout

When I workout I sweat and I noticed that with time my skin actually looks better. Now, this is what happens: sports helps to strengthen your skin and makes it firm so you look younger.

Read: Why I started jogging 6 months after my C-Section

It also helps eliminate toxins from the skin and body through sweating. So it's necessary to work out not just for weight and fitness but also for glowing healthy skin.

3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins that your skin needs to regenerate and maintain itself. When it's possible, eat them raw and make sure they are well washed. Just like any other part of your body, the skin lives too.

Your skin needs to develop and grow with the help of vital nutrients. To get these nutrients, you need to eat well and be balanced.

4. Stay away from the sun

Unless you are getting vitamin D from it, stay away from the sun! It's sometimes inevitable but being conscious of the fact that direct sun rays are not good for your skin should make you cover up especially when you don't have any sunscreen applied on your skin.

5. Use sea salt

Sea salt helps smoothen, soften and bring out the glow of your skin. It is natural and contains lots of minerals that penetrate your skin and gives you a younger look.

Those are your five tips for beautiful and healthy skin.

Taking care of your hair could be really costly at times. That's why sometimes I reduce costs by treating my hair at home. I use natural ingredients that are easily found at home. These products nourish and strengthen my hair and events it from breaking easily.

So today, I am giving you some hair treatments that can actually make you skip going to the hair salon and save some money for those shoes, that dress or that bag... that you've been wanting to buy (wink).

3 Money-Saving Hair Treatments To Do At Home

1. Honey and Lime

Honey is a natural conditioner. It makes hair soft and also makes hair grow by making the scalp healthy and stimulating the hair follicles. It is antibacterial and helps to prevent moisture loss from the hair.

Adding lime to honey will help in strengthening your hair and make it shine.

How to use honey and lime hair treatment

- To use this treatment, wash hair with shampoo thoroughly.

- Squeeze the lime and mix with honey.

- Let the quantity of the honey be more than the lime.

- Mix and apply to hair for at least 20 minutes.

- Put on a shower cap to keep it warm because it works better when warm.

- Rinse with just water and no shampoo, dry and oil generously.

2. Avocado, Eggs and Lime

Avocado helps to moisten your hair scalp and promotes strong and healthy hair growth. Eggs prevent hair loss, frizz and make hair smooth. Both of them combined with lime guarantee less hair breakage and more hair growth.

How to use avocado, egg and lime for hair treatment

- Wash hair very clean

- Peel and mash avocado, squeeze lime and beat egg.

- Mix them all.

- Apply to hair and wait for 30 minutes at least. Keep it warm in a shower cap.

- Rinse thoroughly and dry.

- Apply hair oil generously to the hair and scalp.

3. Garlic, Honey and Lime

Garlic is great for hair growth. It strengthens and it also fights against hair loss.

To use garlic, honey and lime for hair treatment

- Peel and grind garlic.

- Squeeze out the juice from the paste.

- Mix with honey and lime.

- Apply to hair and leave it for at least 20 minutes.

- Use a shower cap to keep it warm.

- Rinse and dry hair.

- Oil hair and scalp generously

These products are quite cheap and efficient. Regular use once a week will make your hair very healthy. You can also switch between these methods every week to benefit more from the goodness of all the ingredients.

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )

featured Slider

The Effects of Negative Self-Talk

Be Your Own Cheerleader!

The 'lack of motivation' syndrome

The Cure

Here are my tips to deal with a lack of motivation as an entrepreneur.

1. It's OK to feel discouraged.

2. Take a break.

3. Find out the problem

4. Adress the problem

5. Consume motivating content

6. Self-motivation talk

7. Take steps to go back to work

From my experience, here are some tips to help you when you go to a Cameroonian market to buy Okrika.

- You need to dress comfortably.

- Don't dress or look too expensive to avoid being overcharged.

- Your dressing should permit you to try on clothes in the market

- Protect yourself from the sun/rain

So here are some tips to keep you safe while buying Okrika in a Cameroonian market.

- Don't put all your money in one place.

- Never put your wallet, purse or money at the back of your pocket.

- Hold your bags and purses close to your body.

- When boarding taxis go for ones with a valid car number or work badge (or any other public document they should normally possess and make visible).

- Pickpockets may use tricks like pushing, rubbing themselves on you and try to act like they are in a hurry and need to go ahead.

- Watch out for distractions and walk away from them.

- Another trick is to hold a handbag but put your money elsewhere.

The Best days to Thrift from Markets in Cameroon

Saturdays

Wednesdays

Fridays

5 Tips for a Healthy Skin

1. Drink lots of water

2. Workout

3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

4. Stay away from the sun

5. Use sea salt

Here is why I cherish spending time with ma self

It's time for me to recharge and reboot

It's time for me to get creative

It helps me relax and meditate deeply

It helps me make better decisions

3 Money-Saving Hair Treatments To Do At Home

1. Honey and Lime

How to use honey and lime hair treatment

2. Avocado, Eggs and Lime

How to use avocado, egg and lime for hair treatment

3. Garlic, Honey and Lime

To use garlic, honey and lime for hair treatment

Life is all about change

Romantic songs to set the mood for Valentine's Day

Romantic songs to play while spending some chill quality time

1. Jamais jamais - Mr Leo

2. Ololufe - Flavour and Chidima

3. Strings of love - Richard Bona

4. Slow Jam - Usher and Monica

5. Everything I do I do it for you - Brandy

6. Oyi - Flavour and Tiwa Savage

7. After all is said and done - Beyoncé and Marc Nelson

8. Mad over you - Runtown

9. One love - Kaysha

10. Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams

11. Ballerina girl - Lionel Richie

12. Hello - Lionel Richie

13. Endless love - Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

14. I love you just the way you are - Peabo Bryson

15. Tonight I celebrate my love for you - Peabo Bryson and Robert Flack

16. You are everything - Marvin Gay and Diana Ross

17. Reunited - Peaches and Herb

18. No one else comes close - Joe

19. All that I am - Joe

20. Every time I close my eyes - Babyface

21. Said I love you - Babyface

22. Seven seas - Babyface

23. Back at one - Brian Mcknight

24. For you I will - Monica

25. Heaven sent - Keysha Cole

Romantic songs to play in the bedroom

26. Anointing - Mr Eazi

27. Dive In - Trey Songz

28. Do like that - Korede Bello