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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CuriousFox
WR Officer
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🦊
I kinda like having a roof over my head so...
DwightsEgo
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BDR Manager
Was going to point to my mortgage haha 
AlecBaldwinsHairline
Valued Contributor
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Head of Sales Development
Not being homeless is nice.
Ace
Arsonist
3
CEO
Haha, that's one way
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
The ultimate motivator 
Salespreuner
Big Shot
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Regional Sales Director
Ultimate
KnightKingORL
Valued Contributor
15
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
2
CEO
This is really good. Thanks a lot @KnightKingORL . This really pumped me up! 
KnightKingORL
Valued Contributor
1
Account Executive
Glad I could help! 
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
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Director Sales and Market Development
Well said 
Salespreuner
Big Shot
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Regional Sales Director
Perfectly said 💯
AlexT
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Account Executive
Think about the money, think about the money, think about the money.....
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Money surely will be one of the factors!
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
But it won't print itself. Gotta put in the work 
cw95
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0
Sales Development Lead
Mullar Mullar Mullar
AlecBaldwinsHairline
Valued Contributor
10
Head of Sales Development
Have two kids...life changes real fast.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
HAHAHA
SiliconBBQ
Politicker
1
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
1
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
6
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
0
CEO
Yes this is message I've been gleaning from this thread
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
Director Sales and Market Development
Day at a time, or an hour at a time, sometimes a minute at a time. 
MS1
Praised Answer
3
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
0
CEO
Okay so having personal goals basically. Aligning my goals to the company's goals
MS1
Praised Answer
1
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
0
CEO
That's great @Max. Thanks for letting me know! I'll try it for sure
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
Director Sales and Market Development
Simple and key! 
BossMan
Fire Starter
3
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
1
CEO
Thanks a lot for the good, honest motivating words. This really helps
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
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
2
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
1
CEO
Thank you so much @SADNESSLieutenant. This mindfullness technique is really great! I will try it
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
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
0
CEO
Do you follow some technique for meditation?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
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
0
CEO
Oh wow this is amazing! Thank you so much brother
MrEffWord
Opinionated
2
Regional Sales Manager
Not getting fired 
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
That helps too
Wolfof7thStreet
Valued Contributor
2
AE
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
1
CEO
Blocking time sounds like a great idea. What do you do in that blocked time?
Wolfof7thStreet
Valued Contributor
0
AE
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
0
CEO
Perfect, that's a great idea. So focused time capped activity. Got it!

Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
I try and workout during my time block. Great mental refresh 
Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
2
Director of Business Development
I keep myself "empowered" so that my "alignment" is "synergizing" with my "actionable goals"
Salespreuner
Big Shot
2
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
1
CEO
That sounds good. Time is running!
Salespreuner
Big Shot
1
Regional Sales Director
Indeed
GlenRoss
Politicker
1
Account Executive
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
1
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
1
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
1
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
0
CEO
I'm kind of into sales as its my startup. Have to do it kinda deal lol
iworkinchonies
Politicker
1
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
0
CEO
This is a great strategy! Thanks a lot
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Such a wonderful thought and Strategy put up
curd
Opinionated
1
AD
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
0
CEO
Breaking the goal down to smaller, less intimidating goals. Nice!
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Smaller achievable goals - so true
draculina
Fire Starter
1
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
0
CEO
So you performed better under pressure?
draculina
Fire Starter
1
process development specialist
I am not gonna say better, because it was soooo unhealthy. But my purpose felt like managing that pressure. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Oh got it. That makes more sense. I feel you!
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
Kids need food
Black
Member
1
Client Punching Bag
Simply understanding... Everything. Will. Be. Okay. and then just doing the work
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Simple yet very effective.
Rupert_Pupkin
Contributor
1
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
1
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
1
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
0
CEO
That's awesome. Do link us to anything that you've composed to played :)
elboombino
Old School Bravo
1
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
0
CEO
Dependability surely acts as a great motivator
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Superb point made
fujidale
Big Shot
1
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
0
CEO
This is beautiful. Thanks a lot
Adslanger1
Opinionated
1
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
1
CEO
This is gratitude on steroids!
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Gotcha!
NeildeSaaSTyson
Contributor
0
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
0
CEO
Oo thats awesome. Tying "why" with "accountability" will be ideal for motivation
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
0
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
1
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
0
Digital Business Associate
100%. Sometimes there isn’t an easy way. Just do it.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Absolutely, appreciate it!
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
This community is already proving to be so helpful with so many amazing fired up people out here!
Saleslyfe
Good Citizen
0
Director
Dig into my competitions #s, instant fuel!
NoSuperhero
Politicker
0
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
0
CEO
This is awesome. Thanks a lot!
TheLaughingWolf
WR Officer
0
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
0
CEO
That's a nice little motivation. 
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