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3.) Make your office a “feel good” place. Even if you are operating your office on a shoestring budget, you can still decorate to give it ambience. Your desktop can be the ideal place to showcase a few special items that help you feel good. Right now, a small shamrock plant (for good luck), two pictures of my children, a small votive candleholder that boasts “Peace,” and an inspirational card someone sent grace my desktop. Minimalist decorating, to be sure, but it makes my desk a more enjoyable place to be. Select pictures and objects for shelves and walls that speak to you of motivation, fun, success -- items that convey a message that says, “Yes, going to work is a good thing!”

4.) Make time for daily self-motivation. When you work alone, it is easy to become discouraged or uninspired. With no one but you around to keep the creative juices flowing, it can take some doing to raise the energy level from procrastinate to productive. Take time, either first thing in the morning or at a mid-morning coffee break to get back in touch with your goals and dreams. Read inspirational literature, listen to a motivational program on your ipod, or simply take quiet time to reflect or meditate. Listen to soothing music. Burn a candle or incense to release any tension that might be accumulating. Go outside for a brisk, five-minute walk. These are simple, but powerful, strategies for re-centering.

One of my personal favorites for quick and easy inspiration is to peruse the self-help classic, As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. (There is also an updated, woman-friendly version titled, As a Woman Thinketh, by Dorothy Hulst.) This little book reminds me that, “A woman is literally what she thinks -- her character being the complete sum of all her thoughts.” I know that, as a self-employed person, if my spirit dives, my business will also, and that is something I do not want to make manifest.

5.) Reward yourself -- regularly! When self-employment is the name of the game it is oh, so tempting to work around the clock, including evenings and weekends. We’ve all heard the adage: All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl. It’s true. Work and play must go hand in hand for a well-balanced life. I advocate rewarding yourself for a week “well worked.” Choose an activity that nurtures you and gift it to yourself at the end of the week, along with a hearty pat on the back for maintaining the discipline and courage that’s required to be your own boss. Treat yourself and enjoy it! Regular rewards keep your energy level high and your motivation strong so you can continue to move toward your career goals and create the life of your dreams.