This final chapter on “Motivation” finishes up our #BookClub on The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson. Coaches aren’t entrepreneurs by definition, but there’s a lot of shared experiences starting with the competitive spirit, strategizing for success, and retaining then responding to feedback for improvement. Both paths will challenge sustainable motivation, and everyone is different in what drives daily productive that ultimately leads to lifelong pride in profession.
“But motivation comes in several different forms, many of which are subtle and even subconscious. As an entrepreneur, you must be keenly aware of what motivates you to ensure that your maximum effort is sustainable.” (209)
Are You Excited For Monday Morning?
How many coaches have worked outside of the gym in a traditional office or an otherwise typical 9-to-5 job? If you haven’t, the ‘Sunday Scaries’ are a real thing. Nearly two years after graduating college my first move was to Cincinnati for a college coaching opportunity. Prior to the school year starting, I took a summer job to help pay for rent. This job was a 4-day work week – unless projects were incomplete – with 12-hour shifts in a warehouse with multiple stations to put together lighting fixtures.
So, from 5am to 5pm in the heat of the summer, I was in steel-toe boots, jeans, and a uniformed shirt working the hot glue station or twirling bubble wrap around finished products to be shipped. Every week for 3 and a half months my routine was the exact same, but for some co-workers, this was just another day of life spanning over 20 years.
“As ridiculous as it sounds, I actually have a very real fear of having to work a 9-to-5. In fact, I fear it more than death itself.“ (217)
The ‘Sunday Scaries’ are real for many, but should never be an issue when the following Monday always starts in the gym.
The Maturation Of Motivation
Changes in our life shifts priorities, therefore what once inspired us in our 20’s may no longer be a motivation in your 40’s or 50’s. Potential factors listed to motivate the early entrepreneur also can drive the first-time head coach:
- Money
- Be The Boss
- Prove Competency
- Pursuing A Passion
- Avoiding The 9-5 Lifestyle
And by money, let’s be real it could likely be the difference between an actual salary over a stipend or tuition reimbursement – which is a big deal. Either way, what many coaches initially drives an early rising coach tends to fall to the same common denominator as the seasoned veteran: to simply make an impact.
“Business is about solving problems, improving the quality of life, creating new solutions, and yes, making money.” (236)
Key Takeaways From The Book
The Entreprenuer Mind is 100 concepts broken down into 7 chapters that has helped pave the way for CEO/Author Kevin D. Johnson to find success and quality of life. These type of books are often my favorite to read; short spurt content filled with introspective thoughts on the wins/losses of our choices. The Entrepreneur Mind left me with these 3 key takeaways:
- An Idea’s Execution, Not Its Uniqueness, Yields Success
- Don’t Manage People, Manage Expectations
- You’re In Sales Whether You Like It Or Not
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