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How to Stay Motivated
When Times Get Tough
In Your Business

4 min read
January 29, 2026

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If you’re finding things difficult with your business right now, you’re not alone!

Running a business, especially in your first year, comes with moments of doubt, overwhelm and “what have I gotten myself into?”

Tough patches don’t mean you’re not cut out for business.

Here are some practical ways to keep going and aspiring towards your dream.

1. Lean on your support network

Running a business can feel isolating, especially if you’re the only one in your circle taking the entrepreneurial leap.

When things get tough, people instinctively withdraw but you need to choose to do the opposite.

Here’s how your support network can help:

  • Venting: Whether it’s to your mentor, another small business owner or someone close to know, saying things out loud can turn a mountain back into a molehill.
  • Getting perspective: When you’re in the thick of it, everything feels unmanageable. Someone outside of your situation can remind you of how far you’ve come and help you re-align with your goals.
  • Share wins: Your peers are likely navigating the same challenges, or have been through them already. Honest conversations can be motivational when you see what it’s like on the other side.

If you don’t feel like you have a network yet, start small. Attend a local business meet-up, join an online community or speak to a trusted adviser. Connection can be a major turning point.

2. Focus on what you can control, 1 actionable step at a time

When business feels overwhelming, your brain tries to solve everything at once – or, doesn’t know where to start. That’s exhausting and can lead to decision paralysis.

Instead, focus on what’s actually within your control in the short term.

For example:

Plan 1 simple lead generation activity

  • This could be reaching out to past clients for testimonials to showcase, posting a series of well-thought-out social media posts or attending a networking event.

Revisit your goals and break them down

Instead of “grow my business”, try:

  • Contact 5 potential clients
  • Update 1 page of my website
  • Schedule 2 social media posts this week

Create small routines that build momentum

  • Even 20 minutes a day on business development compounds over time.
  • Consistency breeds reward and motivation follows action.
  • You don’t have to fix everything today, just take the first step.
  •  

3. Look after yourself like you look after the business

It’s impossible to feel motivated when you’re burnt out, under-rested or running on adrenaline and stress. Your well-being is essential to keep your business running.

Here are simple ways to support yourself:

  • Take proper breaks: step away from the desk, breathe and rest. You’ll come back with a clearer mind.
  • Move your body: Walk, stretch, dance in the kitchen – whatever works! Movement reduces stress and brings blood to your brain, which fuels creativity.
  • Set boundaries: If you’re working late into the night, you might discover that 8 hours of concentrated effort and better than 15 hours at 50% capacity.
  • Celebrate small wins: You answered a difficult email? Win. You showed up even when you were nervous? Huge win.

When you take care of yourself, you’re investing in your business just as much as when you update a spreadsheet or going for coffee with a colleague.

4. Remember your ‘why’

When times get tough, reconnecting with the reason you started can bring unexpected clarity.

Ask yourself:

  • Why does this business matter to me?
  • What impact do I want to have?
  • What kind of life am I trying to build?

Write your answers down somewhere visible. On days when motivation dips, these reminders can be powerful anchors.

Remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone

Motivation wavers when you feel unsure, stuck or overwhelmed. That’s why Thickbroom Enterprise exists.

If you’re within your first 12 months of trading, or planning to start in the next 3 months, we offer free 1:1 sessions with our business advisers.

You’ll get personalised, practical support plus a free Start-Up Support Booklet to guide you through business ownership with clarity and confidence.

Book your call today.

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