Ace

CEO

Arsonist

Politicker

Valued Contributor

How do you keep yourself motivated under pressure? Yes, I've heard of the usual responses like "finding your why" & "aligning yourself", etc. But I just want to get to the meat of the solution. Are there any specific tactics you guys use to keep yourselves motivated?

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115 comments

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CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I kinda like having a roof over my head so...

DwightsEgo

Politicker

BDR Manager

Was going to point to my mortgage haha

AlecBaldwinsHairline

Valued Contributor

Head of Sales Development

Not being homeless is nice.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Haha, that's one way

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

The ultimate motivator

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Ultimate

KnightKingORL

Executive

Account Executive

Remind yourself it's only temporary but you are there for a reason. Sales isn't the end all be all, it's the start of mastery of one of many skills that will help you be a complete baller later in your professional life. Work on being a really fucking good salesman and then be ready for the opps that come next

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is really good. Thanks a lot @KnightKingORL . This really pumped me up!

KnightKingORL

Executive

Account Executive

Glad I could help!

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Well said

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Perfectly said 💯

AlexT

Politicker

Account Executive

Think about the money, think about the money, think about the money.....

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Money surely will be one of the factors!

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

But it won't print itself. Gotta put in the work

cw95

Politicker

Head of SDR

Mullar Mullar Mullar

AlecBaldwinsHairline

Valued Contributor

Head of Sales Development

Have two kids...life changes real fast.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

HAHAHA

SiliconBBQ

Politicker

The Metal Rooster

have one right now....my quota gave me a beating the first year of her life for a multitude of reasons, some home related but the corp. was killing off the product and marketing, although it took a while to play out. then covid hit.

holding off on that second kid at this point.

AlecBaldwinsHairline

Valued Contributor

Head of Sales Development

Yeah that's tough - thanks to remote work we could virtually live anywhere we wanted to and still get that SaaS pay!

Mugatu13

Director of Sales

If you're not naturally motivated, I think it can still be learned. The key is to break each day into chunks such as hour. Put a plan together to maximize just that hour. It could be something as simple as making 10 prospecting calls. Whatver it is, as soon as you complete the task, you have the rest of the hour to do whatever else you want. Over time you'll build a lot of efficiencies and naturally find success along the way. Once you do, it'll become a habit and motivation will occur naturally.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Yes this is message I've been gleaning from this thread

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Day at a time, or an hour at a time, sometimes a minute at a time.

MS1

Praised Answer

Strategic Account Executive

Yeah, I always see the same BS, cliche answers. The thing that always helped me was just having some Short term or Medium Term goals that don't have to do with your company. Examples might be, saving x amount of dollars by an x date or having some kind of monetary goal that is outside of "being the best salesperson" at your company. Helps me focus on something I actually care about.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Okay so having personal goals basically. Aligning my goals to the company's goals

MS1

Praised Answer

Strategic Account Executive

Yeah pretty much, its just nice to have some kind of personal goal that has nothing to do with "making myself a better employee" or "making the company more money" but my performance at the company can actually help me reach my goals outside of it. At least that helped me in sales.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

That's great @Max. Thanks for letting me know! I'll try it for sure

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Simple and key!

BossMan

Fire Starter

Director of Sales

I always remember what my short-term and long-term goals are. "Am I happy? Is this making me better at what I really want? Does this provide for my family?"

Also knowing that you can't be 100% gung-ho every day, and you will have bad days is half the battle. You're human, accept it. Then go close some business.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Thanks a lot for the good, honest motivating words. This really helps

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Looking outside of work, albeit not what this post is about is important too. Work to live don't live to work.

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

Meditate, spend time with yourself to learn what is bugging you, what you want, and what you can do better, then go back to your life and apply those changes gradually and your center will come back <3

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Thank you so much @SADNESSLieutenant. This mindfullness technique is really great! I will try it

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

I got you B! try it at the end of every month too as a ritual I heard works well, I tend to do it every day to some extent, like becoming more of yourself; by learning what excites you/motivates you & what doesn't then 'pivoting' lmao

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Do you follow some technique for meditation?

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

not neccesarily, but my best times of reflection or meditation have been at mountain tops, seated underneath a tree, focusing on my breath with long breaths and just observing things around me, you'll be looking at a sparrow come over the summit gradually and all of a sudden feel a memory or a thought come up that is something very important and you almost get nudges to do things.

With that being said I do appreciate taoism, the book: the wisdom of laotse translated by lin yutang is one of the most beneficial books on the topic, and something i consider more powerful than the bible. and something I like to bring to read through portions as I am where I like to meditate.

Here is a small excerpt:

2. The rise of relative opposites When the people of the earth all know beauty as beauty, there arises ugliness. When the people of the earth all know the good as good, there arises evil. Therfore:Being and non-being interdepend in completion;Difficult and Easy interdepend in completion;Long and short interdepend in contrast:High and low interdepend in position;Tones and voice interdepend in harmony;front and behind interdepend in company. Therefore the sage:manages affairs without action; preaches the doctrine without words; All things: take their rise, but he does not turn away from them;He gives them life, but does not take possesion of them;He acts, but does not appropriate:Accomplishes, but claims no credit. It is because he lays claim to no credit. That the credit cannot be taken away from him.

Alan watts also has some great thoughts on meditation I like to incorporate, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9mSYMH6SzI

ALSO

I have one of these. It's amazing. sit in it's sound.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/789027987/root-chakra-note-c-full-moon-singing?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=full+moon+singing+bowl+root+note&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&pro=1&frs=1

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Oh wow this is amazing! Thank you so much brother

MrEffWord

Opinionated

Regional Sales Manager

Not getting fired

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

That helps too

Wolfof7thStreet

Valued Contributor

Definitely focusing on the money and what I can get out of the situation/ how I can learn and grow. Also blocking time is huge for me when Im unmotivated, then trying to hold myself to it.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Blocking time sounds like a great idea. What do you do in that blocked time?

Wolfof7thStreet

Valued Contributor

My role is very prospecting heavy so I tend to block open space in my calendar into either "research" "call block" "email/social" or "training"- keeps me focused and I find that I get more done focusing on one task for 30 mins than breaking up an hour between two, if that makes any sense?

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Perfect, that's a great idea. So focused time capped activity. Got it!

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

I try and workout during my time block. Great mental refresh

Telehealth_2the_Moon

Notable Contributor

Director of Business Development

I keep myself "empowered" so that my "alignment" is "synergizing" with my "actionable goals"

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Imagine this is your last chance and got to make it move and turn to happen!

That's the only thing which has helped me

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

That sounds good. Time is running!

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Indeed

GlenRoss

Politicker

Director of Sales

As cheesy as it is, the “why” usually helps a lot. If you know why you are doing something and it makes sense for you then you’ll be more motivated to do that thing

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Yes I agree, I think I need to follow the vision board method so that it's always in front of my eyes.

NeildeSaaSTyson

Contributor

Senior Account Executive (MM)

@GlenRoss 100% agreed here - if you are in sales just to "survive" that motivation will become harder and harder each time. If you have a good "why", ideally aligned with what you are selling or company goals - that can really help anchor you in tough times.

AnchorPoint

Politicker

Business Coach

Interesting question... typically, it is when people are NOT under pressure (not busy) that motivation becomes an issue. Serious question: why are you in sales?

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

I'm kind of into sales as its my startup. Have to do it kinda deal lol

iworkinchonies

Politicker

Account Executive / Chronic degenerate

It really depends on what motivates you personally. For me, pressure IS motivating. I thrive under being held personally responsible for a number but not everyone does. I'd say you have to think about the three things you value most in this world and figure out how hitting your number (or not hitting your number) will impact those three things you care about most.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is a great strategy! Thanks a lot

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Such a wonderful thought and Strategy put up

curd

Opinionated

Focus on individual tasks and get away from the big scary goal. You may not be able to hit your quota but you can make a phone call. Start there.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Breaking the goal down to smaller, less intimidating goals. Nice!

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Smaller achievable goals - so true

draculina

Fire Starter

process development specialist

I’m (or used to be) a workaholic with adrenaline addiction. I shattered under pressure, but the minute that pressure was gone, I was lost. That spikes of happines when I got the job done... that was why I was doing that job tbh.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

So you performed better under pressure?

draculina

Fire Starter

process development specialist

I am not gonna say better, because it was soooo unhealthy. But my purpose felt like managing that pressure.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Oh got it. That makes more sense. I feel you!

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Kids need food

Black

Member

Client Punching Bag

Simply understanding... Everything. Will. Be. Okay. and then just doing the work

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Simple yet very effective.

Rupert_Pupkin

Contributor

Account Executive

I find sometimes it's easier to stay motivated under pressure. Feels like I'm in the mix, solving problems, collaborating, etc... I'd be interested to hear when you're not under pressure, how are you staying motivated for stuff like pipe gen

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

I guess I try to get into the zone. I've a playlist of symphony music that I put on and just get in the zone. Recommend war themes and other symphonies. Stay away from lyrics as they can be distracting

ABGConnect35

Partner Sales Manager

I always remember that unless I'm an owner of a company, I'm always at risk to be unemployed. My motivation is protecting myself and family. Also, my biggest hobby is writing and playing music. if I have a rough day, I normally just listen to music and vibe out.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

That's awesome. Do link us to anything that you've composed to played :)

elboombino

Old School Bravo

Senior Customer Success Manager

I just think if I continue to fail, how will I feed myself and those who lean on me to feed them.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Dependability surely acts as a great motivator

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Superb point made

fujidale

Big Shot

Account Executive

Learned recently about a feeling called 'languishing'. Even Adam Grant has days where he stays on his bed past 7am playing games on his phone.

That helped me empathize with myself that it's human to not feel like I want to crush it daily.... even when I have clarity on my Why and I do my best (in the moment) to live up to my core values.

But sometimes you just need to squeeze out that mojo. Tapping on to things that bring me true joy helps:

- Speaking w/ and interviewing existing customers
- Learning new topics related to the industry/account/market that I can teach my buyers
- 1-1 w/ reps I look up to
- Break a sweat
- Recite the serenity prayer with intentions
- Sharing my worries to a trusted friend/mentor/journal and figuring out actions I can take to not give in to the pressure but to focus on things I can change

Insightful read on that meh feeling Covid has got us experiencing:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is beautiful. Thanks a lot

Adslanger1

Opinionated

Senior Account Executive

Fuck the “why” I focus on my “wont’s”.
i won’t fail I won’t ever be ungrateful I won’t stop closing dialing or smiling I won’t put my head through my wall since I’m the one who has to fix it I won’t let this prospect outsmart me especially since he picked up the phone seeing this out of state number I won’t stop selling I won’t stop counting on myself. Y’all get the point.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is gratitude on steroids!

Salespreuner

Big Shot

Regional Sales Director

Gotcha!

NeildeSaaSTyson

Contributor

Senior Account Executive (MM)

I like to have a short-term goal (monthly/quarterly) and a long-term goal (year-long +), typically something material or that you need the extra cash money for. When I'm coming down to the wire I focus short term for the extra motivation, when things are running as they should it's easy to stay in the long term world!

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Oo thats awesome. Tying "why" with "accountability" will be ideal for motivation

Bittersweet0326

Politicker

Digital Business Associate

Stop thinking about the pressure and just get the job done. The task becomes 1,000 times more difficult when you are also worrying about getting something done to pay bills, stay afloat, keep your job, or whatever. Sometimes tunnel vision is critical.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is really good! Thanks a lot. Being in the zone, kind of a flow and putting in your 100% becomes imperative during times like these!

Bittersweet0326

Politicker

Digital Business Associate

100%. Sometimes there isn’t an easy way. Just do it.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

Absolutely, appreciate it!

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This community is already proving to be so helpful with so many amazing fired up people out here!

Saleslyfe

Good Citizen

Director

Dig into my competitions #s, instant fuel!

NoSuperhero

Politicker

BDR LEAD

Bring yourself to physical struggle, run a mile, do the spartan work out, join a jiu jitsu gym, go hike a mountain, go hunt, whatever it is it must suck at first, like A LOT. And do it as often as possible.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

This is awesome. Thanks a lot!

TheLaughingWolf

WR Officer

Business Development Manager

The biggest reason for me to stay motivated is so I don't have to go back to working in Northern Canada in - 60 degrees in the winter. I like this working inside gig I got going.

Ace

Arsonist

CEO

That's a nice little motivation.