Ugh! I don’t want to…

A blog post about Motivation vs. Self-discipline

Don’t want to what?

I really don’t want to sit down and write this blog post. I don’t want to sit and try to think of something adminny to write about. Ugh!

I could write a lovely little blog about music, that would be fun for me. I could even write about the book I'm reading, or the week I've had, either would be way more interesting. But no, this is a business blog and my business is admin so admin it must be.

If you don't want to be here then why are you here?

Look, I’ll level with you. I’m here because my business needs regular blog posts on my website. I need people to find my website easily and so I need my SEO on point, but none of that really floats my boat y’know? I don’t find it motivating.

Writing is a passion of mine, but writing about being a VA… BORING! I mean, how many things can you think of to write about admin? And yes I know, there is loads of stuff I could write about, lots of little titbits I could share, advice and tips to help you keep on top of your admin so let me reframe that question.

How many exciting things can you think of to write about admin?

Ha! Not as easy as it sounds is it? And I’ll be honest with you, it stumps me too. Regularly. Me! Someone who really does love to do all things admin and who has chosen to do it every day for a living finds it difficult to write about admin in a fun and exciting way. And that’s why I sometimes find my blog a chore. Like now.

Couldn’t you just put this off until you’re motivated to do it?

Oh, absolutely I could do that, but that wouldn’t make me a very good businesswoman now would it? You really can’t rely on motivation for productivity. Motivation is a fleeting, fickle friend and yes, when it is here and pushing you to do things, it’s amazing, it’s effortless, you LOVE what you do, but when it isn’t here – which let’s face it, is around 80-90% of the time – then you need to rely on self-discipline.

Self-discipline is what makes me a good businesswoman and VA. It's what gets me out of bed in the morning, washed, dressed and ready to face the day (believe me, I'm way too fond of my bed to ever be motivated to get out of it!). And self-discipline is what helps me provide and maintain an excellent service to my clients. Self-discipline is the much underrated, unappreciated friend of the business owner.

I believe Epictetus says it best:

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”

And I say to myself that I will be an excellent VA and business owner so I will do what I have to do to make that happen. Including sitting here on a Saturday afternoon writing a blog I am not motivated to write or even feel like writing.

If self-discipline is something you struggle with when it comes to your admin, then why not book a call to see if I can help with that.