How to Stay Motivated When the Going Gets Tough

Life is full of twists and turns, and as entrepreneurs and business owners, we’re no strangers to unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a personal setback, an external market shift, or even something as uncontrollable as a health issue, staying motivated during tough times can feel like an uphill battle.

I recently faced my own challenge—a month-long illness that forced me to pause all my plans and schedules. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me an opportunity to reflect on what truly keeps us going when life throws us off track.

In this post, I’m sharing the strategies that helped me stay motivated (and can help you, too) when things don’t go as planned. These tips aren’t just theoretical—they’re drawn from real experiences and are designed to keep you moving forward, even when the going gets tough.

Why Motivation Matters

Motivation is the spark that gets us started and the fuel that keeps us going. But during tough times, that spark can dim, and the fuel can feel like it’s running on empty.

As an entrepreneur, staying motivated isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s about keeping your business on track, supporting your team, and staying connected to your long-term vision. Motivation is the glue that holds everything together when life tries to pull it apart.

But here’s the thing: motivation isn’t always natural or automatic. It’s something you cultivate, even when it feels out of reach.

1. Acknowledge the Challenge

The first step in staying motivated is to be honest with yourself about what’s happening. Ignoring a problem or pretending everything is fine only adds to the stress. Acknowledge the challenge you’re facing—whether it’s a health issue, financial setback, or unexpected obstacle—and allow yourself to process it.

When I became ill, I initially tried to push through and stick to my original plans. But my body simply wouldn’t let me, and I had to confront the reality that I needed to pause. Acknowledging that I couldn’t operate at 100% was difficult, but it also allowed me to create space for recovery.

Pro Tip:

Give yourself permission to pause. This doesn’t mean giving up; it means respecting your limits so you can come back stronger.

2. Reconnect with Your “Why”

When things get tough, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. Reconnecting with your “why” can reignite your motivation and remind you of the bigger picture.

For me, my “why” is helping entrepreneurs and business owners achieve their dream goals. Even when I was unwell, this purpose remained a source of inspiration. I knew that once I recovered, I wanted to come back with even more energy to support my audience.

How to Reconnect with Your Why:

• Reflect on your original goals and vision. Why did you start this journey?

• Think about the people you’re impacting—your clients, team, or family.

• Write down your purpose as a reminder you can revisit during tough times.

3. Break Down Big Goals into Small Steps

When you’re facing challenges, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. This is where breaking down big goals into small, manageable steps can make all the difference.

During my recovery, I knew I couldn’t jump straight back into my full schedule. Instead, I focused on small wins—like writing one paragraph of a blog post or responding to a few emails each day. These small actions built momentum and gave me a sense of accomplishment, even when progress felt slow.

Actionable Tip:

• Choose one small task to focus on each day. It could be as simple as organizing your workspace or brainstorming ideas for your next project.

• Celebrate each small win—it’s proof that you’re moving forward.

4. Adjust Your Expectations

One of the hardest lessons I learned during my illness was the importance of adjusting my expectations. My original plans were no longer realistic, and clinging to them only made me feel frustrated. Once I accepted that I needed to scale back temporarily, I felt a sense of relief and regained focus.

Adjusting your expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means being flexible and realistic about what’s possible in the moment.

How to Adjust Expectations:

• Reassess your priorities: What absolutely needs to get done, and what can wait?

• Set short-term goals that align with your current capacity.

• Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to slow down when needed.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

When times are tough, the people and environments you surround yourself with can significantly impact your motivation. Seek out supportive individuals who uplift you and create a space that fosters positivity.

During my illness, I leaned on my support system—friends, family, and my networking community. Their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t alone in facing challenges.

Ideas for Cultivating Positivity:

• Spend time with people who inspire and motivate you.

• Listen to uplifting podcasts, read motivational books, or watch TED Talks.

• Create a workspace that energizes you, with elements like natural light, inspirational quotes, or calming music.

6. Focus on What You Can Control

One of the most frustrating aspects of tough times is feeling like everything is out of your control. While you can’t change certain circumstances, you can always control your attitude, mindset, and actions.

During my recovery, I couldn’t control how quickly I got better, but I could control how I approached each day. I chose to focus on small, meaningful actions that aligned with my long-term goals.

Ask Yourself:

• What’s one thing I can do today to make progress, no matter how small?

• How can I reframe this challenge as an opportunity to grow?

7. Visualize Your Comeback

Visualization is a powerful tool for reigniting motivation. Picture yourself overcoming the challenge and achieving your goals. This mental image can serve as a beacon, guiding you through difficult times.

I often visualized myself back at work, creating content and connecting with my audience. That mental image kept me focused on recovery and reminded me of the rewards waiting on the other side.

How to Visualize Effectively:

• Find a quiet space and close your eyes.

• Imagine your future self succeeding. What does it look and feel like?

• Use all your senses to make the image as vivid as possible.

8. Remember: Tough Times Don’t Last

Finally, remind yourself that tough times are temporary. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger.

Looking back, my illness taught me patience, resilience, and the value of self-care. It reminded me that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Final Thoughts

Staying motivated during tough times isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. By acknowledging the challenge, reconnecting with your “why,” and taking small, intentional steps forward, you can keep moving toward your goals, no matter what obstacles arise.

To anyone currently facing a tough time, I want you to know: You’re not alone, and you’re stronger than you think. Keep going.

What strategies do you use to stay motivated when the going gets tough? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Let’s keep striving, learning, and growing together.