Every business owner hits patches where motivation dips. You’re not broken. You’re human. Motivation isn’t constant, and that’s OK. Running a business means riding out the highs and lows.
Some days you’re fired up.
Other days, everything feels heavy and harder than it should.
Some days flow.
Others feel like wading through treacle.
The key isn’t to push through at all costs. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way. It just means you’re in it. Accepting that motivation will come and go helps take the pressure off and stops you from thinking something’s wrong when things feel flat.
So what can you do when things feel hard and you’re struggling to stay motivated?
1/ Reframe what’s happening
Instead of seeing every problem as a sign that you should stop, ask what it’s showing you. Most challenges are part of the process, not the end of the road. Often there’s something to learn that helps you make clearer, stronger decisions in future.
2/ Talk to people who get it
You don’t have to work it all out alone. Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or someone who’s been where you are, having someone in your corner makes a difference. A fresh perspective can remind you that what you’re feeling is normal and shift the way you see your next step
3/ Aim for progress, not perfection
You don’t have to get everything right. You just have to keep moving. One step. One message. One decision. Small, consistent actions bring momentum back faster than sitting still trying to plan the perfect next move.
4/ Take a real break
Sometimes the reason motivation disappears is simple. You’re exhausted. Resting isn’t giving up. It’s recharging. Step away from the laptop. Get outside. Do something that fills your tank instead of draining it. You’re allowed to stop.
5/ Reconnect with your ‘why’
Go back to the reason you started. The people you want to help. The kind of life you’re building. That sense of purpose is still in you, even if you haven’t felt it for a while. Coming back to it brings clarity. It reminds you what matters, and what’s just noise.
Motivation doesn’t have to be high every day but it does need care. Looking after your mindset, giving yourself space, and having the right support in place can help you find your way back when things feel tough.
And, if you want some 1:1 help with this, reach out to me via email philippa@holdmyhandcoaching.com – we can work on this together.
Until next time,
Best wishes
Philippa x