How to Stay Motivated in Business During Tough Seasons

Feeling stuck and unmotivated? Every entrepreneur encounters moments of doubt and exhaustion, even when their business is running smoothly. It’s not always easy to show up and do the work, especially during challenging seasons. You might find yourself questioning whether you’re cut out to be an entrepreneur at all. If you’ve ever felt this way, know that you’re not alone.

This blog post shares some strategies and insights that have helped me navigate these challenging periods. My hope is that these tips will resonate with you and provide some guidance on how to keep going, even when you don’t feel like it.

The Reality of Life’s Challenges

Let’s face it: life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes the downs can be overwhelming. Personally, I’ve been going through a tough season. My mom had a fall that led to a bad hip replacement, and now she can’t walk on her own and may never drive again. I’ve become her full-time caregiver, and she lives an hour away. My daughters are also going through a transitional period, complete with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with pre-teen years. On top of that, we’ve had some challenging experiences, like a trash truck running into our car and dealing with difficult neighbors (like the kind you see on the news for the wrong reasons). It’s been a lot to handle.

I’m sharing this because it’s important to recognize that everyone has their own “stuff” going on. For me, this season has been particularly heavy. Despite all my efforts to make time for myself, create capacity, and practice self-care, there are still times when everything feels hard.

What to Do When You Don’t Want to Work on Your Business

So, what do you do when you just don’t want to work on your business? Here are some strategies that have helped me:

1. Seek Stillness and Self-Understanding

The first thing I’ve done is seek quiet and stillness to better understand myself. This involves spending time alone, without any distractions, to reflect on my thoughts and emotions. For me, this has meant doing Pilates, walking by myself every morning without my phone, going to therapy, listening to meditations, and even exploring my personality through human design.

This approach has worked wonders for me. The “feel better, do better” concept has helped me lose 10 pounds, completely change my routine, and feel more supported by my newfound knowledge and healthier habits. In every corporate job or business I’ve run, whenever I’ve felt stuck, putting myself first has always made a difference. It’s improved my sleep, motivation, creativity, and overall well-being. So, if you’re feeling stuck, start by putting your life first.

2. Dig Into the Why

When you get the “I don’t want to” blues, it’s important to dig into the root cause. Why do you feel this way? Is it because you don’t like what you’re offering, or is it something deeper? In my case, I realized that all my energy was going toward family matters, leaving me drained when it was time to focus on my business. Even though I love what I do, my energy tank was empty.

Acknowledging the root cause was a big win for me. I had to accept that my mom’s health was my top priority, and everything else had to come second. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lacking direction, ask yourself if your energy is being drained by something else. Sometimes, just recognizing where your energy is going can bring clarity.

3. Incorporate Fun and Motivation

Another tactic that has helped me is intentionally incorporating fun and motivation into my schedule. As an adult and small business strategist, it’s easy to lose sight of the fun in life, especially when running a business. So, I made it a point to focus on the things that truly fuel me, like podcasting, teaching, and brainstorming with my community.

I also started planning activities that I enjoy, like lunches with friends, creative projects in Canva (which is like therapy to me), and calls with fellow entrepreneurs. Surrounding myself with positive experiences has made a huge difference in my motivation and outlook.

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4. Break Free from Limiting Beliefs

Every morning, I work on breaking free from limiting beliefs. I created a Pinterest board, not of my vision, but of how I want to feel this season. I look at it every day. My goal is to hang out in the Dahlia gardens, host an epic retreat (which is coming up in our home), feel awesome about the amazing women joining our community, and be a great role model for my daughters.

While this doesn’t fix everything, it helps me stay focused on what’s important. Remember, it’s not about that Instagram reel or what Sally is doing down the street—it’s about your own journey and what makes you feel fulfilled.

5. Celebrate Your Wins

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your wins. In our community, we call them “WOWs," wins of the week. Every morning, my husband and I take a walk and share one positive thing about the day. At dinner, we do the same with our daughters, sharing our peak and pit of the day. It’s important to acknowledge what’s not working, but don’t skip over what is. Celebrating the small victories can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Navigating Tough Seasons in Business

As I write this, I know that some of these tips might feel like they won’t work for everyone. I see you working full-time, sending emails, planning launches, and wondering if it’s ever going to get better or easier. The truth is, it does get better, but there will always be new challenges to face. The “I don’t want to” blues will happen over and over again, just at different levels.

When these moments arise, remember that it’s the simple things you can put in your toolkit that will help you refocus. And if, after doing all of that, you still don’t want to do it—don’t. Skip the email or the podcast. It’s okay to take a break. Consistency is important, but so is giving yourself grace. Just don’t make a habit of skipping out without understanding the consequences.

Final Thoughts

Take time for yourself, surround yourself with positivity, and really think about why you’re feeling the way you are. One book that has helped me tremendously is The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest. Each day offers a new message of reflection, which has been invaluable during this tough season.

If you’re going through a challenging time, know that it will pass, and it’s likely happening for a reason. Try to learn from it. Build your support system and your toolkit, and you’ll come out stronger—and so will your business—on the other side.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Every entrepreneur faces these moments. By taking care of yourself, staying focused on what truly matters, and embracing the support of your community, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.

About the author

Holly Haynes is a business strategist who loves a good plan and flow chart. She is crazy passionate about teaching women like you how to build your dream job and scale to 6-figures without sacrificing your weekends or priorities.

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