As the year begins, it’s easy to get caught up in the hubbub of developing better business habits, being more proactive, earning more money, being more profitable… the list goes on with well-meaning ideas about how to make you, and your business, better. These well-meaning messages can induce a state of FOMO — Fear of Missing Out — that is ultimately unproductive. Looking ahead at the year, anything seems possible; here are 10 tips to consider, to help you stay inspired. These are serving suggestions, not have-to’s; no FOMO necessary.

1. Refill your entrepreneurial well.

Set aside an hour every couple of weeks to refill your entrepreneurial well. If you’re tired and feeling uninspired, the filter you look through will make everything else look that way, too.

2. Discover your strengths.

Take time to discover your strengths and rearrange your daily activities so you’re doing more of what you’re good at. The more you play to your strengths the more inspired you become.

3. Get support.

Joining a group of like-minded peers can do wonders for your perspective and inspiration. You can join a networking group or the Chamber of Commerce. You can hire a coach. You can also work with the Get Clients Now! Virtual Success Course for structure and accountability.

4. Give yourself permission.

Permission to lighten up, take a vacation, work more, work less, hire help, invest in a new piece of office equipment…you have permission. You’re an adult business owner, and you can do things because you said so.

5. Ask for help.

There’s something about being entrepreneurs that makes us feel like we have to do everything ourselves. If you don’t like it or you don’t have time for it, ask for help getting it done.

6. Let your personality come through.

People like to do business with other people rather than with faceless companies. Being business-y doesn’t mean acting like someone else; it’s about being the grown-up professional version of yourself, quirks and all.

7. See you and your business as partners.

Rather than feeling like you should have all the answers, ask your business what it wants. Go out to coffee and talk with your business and create the coming year together.

8. Make a list of what’s right in your business and do more of it.

When you focus on what’s working and expand on those things, you’ll naturally feel more inspired, which leads to more inspired action.

9. Build in breaks.

Remember the phrase, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? It’s true. If you find yourself in a social setting and can’t think of anything to say that doesn’t involve work, you need a break.

10. Breathe.

It’s going to be all right! No matter what state your business is in, you can handle it. You’re a clever person with talents and expertise that others need and want.

Staying inspired in your business gives you the internal fuel to keep going. This year, have fun and build the business you want, so you can share your inspiration with others!

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated for 2023.