Having a business is an appealing idea for those who don’t want to be stuck in the office grind. But the most important step — the actual act of starting somewhere– is perhaps the hardest thing to do.

Woman in White Blazer Holding Black Laptop Computer

Budding entrepreneurs have to stay motivated as they face the ups and downs of building and sustaining a business. 

Understandably so, finally starting a business can be daunting. However, a business idea will remain just an idea if it’s not put into action plan. Every single one of aspiring entrepreneurs wants to succeed, but only a few have the balls to actually go for it. 

If you have been thinking about starting your own business for quite some time now, consider this a sign to finally go kick ass. Start small— from envisioning your goal, putting it into action plan and to-do lists, as well as acquiring initial requirements to finally start the ball rolling. If you need some inside push, we’ve gathered here some of the sources of motivation of people who finally went ahead and started their own companies: 

1. Being your own boss

For Francine Kyle Casio, Chief People Officer of CaraBuilders Construction Services, what motivated her to go start her business was the idea of being at the wheel and calling the shots. When a friend reached out to become a partner, she grabbed the chance to build a construction company from the ground up. So far, the Iloilo-based construction company has already done work for a number of residential and commercial clients.

2. Freedom to exercise own creativity

Joei Christine Clemente, an architect who finally decided to start her architectural design firm, said that her motivation was finding fulfillment in spearheading and seeing her designs come to life. She also said that she liked the challenge of meeting the needs of a wide variety of clients and helping them realize their dreams through bespoke architecture.  Her firm, 29:11 Architectural Design, has been in the business for over three years and has landed contracts with residential clients as well as big companies like Aboitiz, One Serendra Condo Corp., Mineski Infinity, and Jollibee Foods Corporation.

3. Managing your own time

Joei continued that she fancied the idea that she can manage her own time. However, she learned right away that it is a myth that business owners work less. Actually if anything, entrepreneurs work more with less rest time. But she prefers the thought that she can set her hours to cater to her routine and bring more value to her clients.

4. Building something you know is yours

Joei was also set on the vision that she was building something solid that she can call her own. She noted that it’s inspiring to remind herself that there might be more hustle and hard work in maintaining a business, but at least she knows she is building something for herself and loved ones.

5. Multiple income streams

Mompreneur Aila Bustos co-founded a lifestyle brand called Jeprox Manila with friends for extra income. She shared that her employment was affected by the pandemic, and she needed a side income to cover the bills. The brand launched a line of streetwear shirts for both men and women. Aila shared that they are slated to offer bags and other accessories as well.

What’s your motivation?

At the end of the day, an aspiring or budding entrepreneur should know the real purpose of establishing a business to stay motivated. Starting a business is not as easy, and making it successful is even tougher. But if your motivation is set, nothing can stop you from focusing on your vision, working hard on it and achieving your goals.