By Andrew Draayer

When people hear that I work for myself, they often imagine total freedom: sleeping in, calling the shots, and working when I want. And sure, there’s a lot of freedom that comes with being your own boss—but here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: staying motivated without anyone holding you accountable is tough.

There’s no one checking in to see if you started your day. No manager breathing down your neck to hit goals. It’s all on you—every day, every deal, every decision. Over time, that can either make you stronger or make you stall out.

I’ve had to learn how to keep my fire lit—especially on the hard days. If you’re self-employed, running a business, or even thinking about making that leap, let me share some real-world tips on how I stay motivated when I’m the only one in charge.

Set Clear Goals (And Write Them Down)

One of the biggest things that keeps me moving is having clear goals. Not just “make money” or “grow the business,” but real, specific targets I can aim at.

I write down:

• Daily goals (What do I need to win the day?)
  
• Weekly goals (What progress should I see by Friday?)
  
• Long-term goals (What’s the big vision I’m chasing?)
  

Writing them down helps me stay focused. When you know where you’re going, it’s easier to take the steps to get there. And checking off small wins builds momentum.

Create a Routine That Works for You

Freedom is great—but without a routine, that freedom turns into chaos. I’ve learned that discipline creates freedom. I start my day at the same time every morning, whether I’m busy or not. I have a rhythm to my day—work time, workout time, family time.

Having structure means I don’t waste energy deciding what to do next. It helps me stay sharp and on track, even when motivation is low.

Remember Your “Why”

Let’s be honest: some days you just don’t feel like working. Maybe you didn’t sleep well, maybe the last deal fell through, or maybe you’re just tired. That’s when I go back to my “why.”

For me, it’s my family. I’ve got three amazing kids and a wife I love. I’m building something that gives them a better future and allows me to be present in their lives. That’s what keeps me pushing.

Your “why” might be freedom, impact, or financial security. Whatever it is, keep it front and center. It’s the fuel that gets you through the rough patches.

Find People Who Push You

Being your own boss doesn’t mean doing it alone. I surround myself with people who challenge and support me. Friends, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs who are also on the grind.

We share wins, talk through struggles, and hold each other accountable. Having that network keeps me motivated and inspired. When you see others making progress, it lights a fire in you to do the same.

Celebrate Wins (Even the Small Ones)

One thing I’ve learned is that small wins matter. If you wait to celebrate until the big milestones, you’ll burn out. Every time I close a deal, hit a goal, or make progress, I take a moment to appreciate it.

Celebrating keeps the energy up. It reminds me that I’m moving forward, and that progress is being made—even when the big picture feels far off.

Stay Physically and Mentally Sharp

Motivation isn’t just about mindset, it’s about energy. When I take care of my body, my mind follows. I stay active, eat well, and make time for rest. I still play in a men’s basketball league and I’m obsessed with golf—not just because I love it, but because it keeps me sharp.

Mental health matters too. I read, pray, and spend time with my family. That balance helps me stay grounded and ready to face whatever the day brings.

Embrace the Grind—But Know When to Rest

There’s no getting around it: being your own boss means embracing the grind. No one’s going to hand you success. You’ve got to chase it, day in and day out.

But I’ve also learned that burnout kills motivation. You can’t run on empty forever. When I feel myself dragging, I take a break. Whether it’s an afternoon off, a weekend away, or just a few hours unplugged, that reset helps me come back stronger.

Keep Learning and Growing

Staying motivated also means staying challenged. If you do the same thing every day with no growth, you’ll lose interest. I make time to learn—whether it’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or learning from other successful people.

Growth keeps me excited. It reminds me that there’s always more to achieve, more to discover, and more ways to improve.

Final Thoughts: Motivation Starts With You

At the end of the day, no one else is going to do the work for you. Motivation isn’t magic—it’s a daily choice. And when you take ownership of that, you can build something amazing.

Being your own boss is one of the most rewarding things out there. But it takes discipline, purpose, and a mindset that doesn’t quit. I’m not perfect—but every day, I get up, show up, and put in the work. And that’s what it takes.

So if you’re out there hustling on your own, remember: stay clear, stay disciplined, and stay driven. You’ve got this.