Rewarding yourself in business is a crucial part of working for yourself.

As a solopreneur, you want to recognize and reward yourself, but that’s not usually part of the game.

You don’t get an annual review or raise or bonus. No one gives you a pat on the back for your latest client or win. No one tells you how indispensable you are, or how much your work is valued.

If you’re lucky, you get clients who give you feedback after working with you. Maybe you’re part of a mastermind group and get the opportunity to hear that feedback from colleagues.

But at the beginning, the positive reinforcement might be few and far between, and you might need *more* to keep you feeling motivated to do the work.

Just because you work for yourself doesn’t mean you have to give up the good feelings that come from recognition and rewards. You can develop a customized plan of your own to reward yourself, because you deserve it!

Define how you want to be rewarded in business

The good news is, it’s your business and so you get to decide how you want to recognize and reward yourself for your wins.

I know one business owner who keeps small bottles of champagne in her office fridge, and pops a bottle each time she gets a new client.

Personally, when I get a new client, I like to take a little time out of my day to just be in the excitement and gratitude of the opportunity of working with a new, passionate entrepreneur who’s ready to launch her business!

How do YOU want to reward yourself for a job well done?

Consider small and big ways that you can recognize yourself for big tasks completed, new clients signed, and milestones on your way to success.

When you acknowledge yourself, you start running your business from a place of confidence, inner strength, and intuition and you rely less on others to do it for you.

So how can you build in a way to reward yourself for a job well done? Read on for some ideas.

Here are 7 ideas on how to reward yourself in your business:

1. Develop a file for positive feedback. Every time you get a compliment or praise, however small, whether via email, a phone call, or your feedback survey, store it in the folder. Access this folder anytime you are feeling doubtful or unsure, or just want a pick-me-up.

2. Regularly ask clients for feedback, especially at the end of your work together. It’s important to know what your clients loved or didn’t, how you helped them, and what impact you created. You might also gain insights that can help you serve new clients. And you may gain a willing testimonial!

3. Jot down your daily accomplishments. If you’re new to business, you’re probably working your tail off, but you might not have much to show for it. Instead of only celebrating clients, celebrate the completion of projects and tasks. Did you complete a course outline or a content plan? Maybe you had a successful mini-session or you reached out to a potential partner for a coffee date. Celebrate all of your wins.

4. Start a gratitude list. At the end of every day, make a mental list of 3-5 things you are grateful for in that moment and why. Gratitude has been shown to make us happier human beings and keep you focused on everything that is going right.

5. Make a plan to celebrate your wins in advance. Choose your milestones and decide how you’ll celebrate them. Make sure whatever you choose is motivating and enjoyable for you. Most importantly, make the time for that reward once you hit the milestone, as well as every step along the way. (I.e., if your goal is 10 clients, don’t forget to celebrate every new client on the way to that goal!)

6. Find a business bestie to celebrate your progress and wins with one another. Find a fellow business owner (or a coach!) who you can check in with regularly to share wins and celebrate. Being accountable to someone else — even when it’s simply recounting your wins —  allows you to acknowledge and celebrate them.

7. Give yourself a break. If you notice you’ve been going non-stop, full throttle for the last several days or weeks without rest, it’s time to give yourself a non-negotiable break. What can you do for 10-15 minutes today to reward yourself for your hard work?

Rewarding yourself in your business keeps you motivated

Rewarding yourself in your business not selfish. In fact, when you work for yourself, it is necessary to keep you focused on the positive results and to keep moving forward.

And don’t confuse developing your recognition plan with practicing self-care. Self-care and self-recognition work in tandem to help keep your thoughts, energy, and mood in check so that you can handle the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

How do you recognize or reward yourself as a business owner? What would like to do more of?