Motivation is essential to running a successful business. When motivation is down, businesses decline. When motivation is up, they thrive. It's a simple problem to fix, but too often we complicate it by getting stuck in ruts of decreased motivation. Here are 4 steps you can take to increase your motivation and ensure your business is successful, starting with you.

1. Spend time outdoors

One of the easiest ways to get motivated is to take a break from the computer and head off to the outdoors. You might enjoy spending time at a local park or a nature trail. Or maybe it's running, playing golf, or hunting. Being in the outdoors and soaking in some Vitamin D is essential to restoring positive health which has a direct effect on motivation.

2. Read something outside of your industry

Many times we pigeon-hole ourselves inside our own industry by only consuming information and media that we feel like we need to know. The beauty of reading something outside your industry is that it exposes you to new ideas which, in turn, expand your mind.

3. Pick up a new hobby

Spending time doing things you enjoy is a great way to keep your motivation up. But sometimes you need to mix it up. Find a new passion or hobby. Search for ideas on Pinterest or ask some friends to expose you to something completely new.

4. Take a drive

This is one of the top ways I like to get motivation. Going for a drive outside of the usual places you frequent helps to clear the mind and stimulate the brain. Paying attention to the small details of places and people along the route can get your concentration off your projects, industry, clients, etc. and onto something else.

These four things are great ways to increase motivation. There are countless more, but choosing one and committing to taking that step will be worth your time.