Making the leap from a traditional employed role to self-employment in HR is both exciting and challenging. Transitioning to running your own consultancy, whether independently or as part of a franchise, requires motivation and self-discipline – especially since your “why” and day-to-day accountability now come from within. Here are some practical strategies to stay motivated as you begin this new chapter.
Focus on the payoff
One of the biggest mindset shifts in self-employment is recognising the direct link between your actions and your income. As an HR consultant, your work hours, marketing, and client relationships directly drive your earnings. This is easy to see when delivering client services, but it’s just as crucial for other business-building tasks like marketing, networking, or developing client relationships. Unlike a salaried role, self-employment is a “long game.” Many clients may reach out because of your consistent visibility, whether through articles, networking, or staying connected. Every action builds your reputation, positioning you as the go-to person in HR, even if results take time.
Build in accountability
A key challenge in self-employment is the lack of built-in accountability – no boss to set deadlines or expectations. Without someone to keep you on track, it’s crucial to build in accountability yourself. This could mean partnering with an accountability buddy, whether a friend, mentor, or another HR professional, or leveraging a franchise’s support system. Knowing you’ll report back to someone about your goals can help you stay focused. Franchises like face2faceHR provide structured support and check-ins, keeping you accountable while helping you achieve your business objectives.
Reward yourself
Self-employment often means tackling challenging tasks without the quick “wins” or encouragement you might get in a team setting. In these cases, rewarding yourself can be a powerful motivator. Set small goals and pick rewards that suit the task at hand. They don’t need to be extravagant – a coffee break, a quick walk, or a favourite snack can keep you balanced. For bigger achievements, like signing a client or completing a project, treat yourself to something extra. These small celebrations can help keep you motivated and feeling accomplished.
Start with quick wins
Big projects or lengthy to-do lists can feel daunting, leading to procrastination. A great way to build momentum is by knocking out smaller, achievable tasks. Even minor accomplishments can make you feel productive and ready to tackle larger tasks. This is particularly valuable in self-employment, where you’re juggling client work, admin, and business development on your own. By prioritising smaller tasks first, you create a sense of progress and build confidence, making it easier to dive into more demanding work.
Break down large projects
When facing a big project, whether it’s preparing a large set of documents for a client, planning a marketing campaign, or sorting out admin, break it down into manageable steps. This approach works well across all business areas and is especially helpful when tackling something new. Write down every small step, working through them one at a time. This way, you’ll see steady progress and avoid the overwhelm that often accompanies bigger tasks.
Change your environment as needed
Working from home is convenient, but it can also lead to distractions, from chores to family obligations. If you find yourself struggling to stay focused, consider a change of scenery. Look for local coffee shops, hotel lounges, or co-working spaces. Many find co-working spaces particularly motivating, as being around others working hard can be a boost. This small environmental shift can make a big difference, especially if home-based distractions are impacting your productivity.
Set a routine
Self-employment requires creating your own structure, which can be challenging but also rewarding. Establishing a routine that includes client work, marketing, admin, and professional development brings a sense of order to your day. Treat each workday with the same discipline you’d bring to a traditional job, with regular work hours and clear start and stop times. Regularly review your weekly goals to celebrate successes and make any needed adjustments. This sense of routine will help keep you motivated, balanced, and in control.
Leverage franchise support
If you’re exploring self-employment through a franchise like face2faceHR, you’re not truly on your own. A strong franchise provides both community and structured support, keeping you motivated and connected to like-minded professionals. Regular check-ins, training, and accountability systems help lighten the load, so you can focus on what you love most – working with clients. Franchises also connect you with a network of people who understand the unique challenges of HR consultancy, providing both resources and camaraderie.
Find what works best for you
Staying motivated in self-employment is all about understanding your own tendencies and preferences. Strategies that work for one person may not work for another, so it’s worth experimenting to discover what keeps you productive and inspired. The beauty of self-employment is the freedom to adapt your approach as needed. Test different techniques, adapt your routine, and stay open to new methods that help you stay motivated.
With self-employment comes freedom, but it also requires commitment and adaptability. By building accountability, celebrating small wins, creating routines, and leveraging franchise support, you can stay focused, motivated, and confident as you grow your HR consultancy.
Ready to explore self-employment?
If you’re interested in making the leap and want to see how face2faceHR can support you, download our prospectus. It’s filled with insights on what we offer and how we help our consultants thrive. Or get in touch for a no-pressure chat about your goals – let’s explore how we can help you shape your future in HR consultancy.