Unearthing the keys to motivation during tough business times isn’t just about personal perseverance; it’s a strategic endeavor. This article compiles essential advice from industry veterans to help readers stay driven amidst challenges. Packed with actionable tips from the pros, it’s a goldmine for anyone seeking to maintain momentum when the going gets tough.
- Anchor Yourself in Action
- Stick to Daily Fundamentals
- Focus on Micro-Wins
- Obsess Over Customer Feedback
- Connect Directly with Clients
- Clarity Drives Motivation
- Structured Decision-Making
- Maintain Structural Discipline
- Perspective and Discipline Matter
- Leverage Your Network
- Use Fear-Setting Exercises
- Public Accountability Transforms Motivation
- Mindfulness-Based Self-Regulation
- Problem-Solving Design
- Set Small Practical Goals
- Stay Consistent and Open-Minded
- Break Down Challenges
- Family Provides Support and Perspective
Anchor Yourself in Action
I’ll never forget the time I was trying to launch a new project, and everything seemed to go wrong—budgets were tighter than expected, timelines were slipping, and doubts started creeping in. It was one of those moments where every roadblock felt like it had the potential to derail me completely.
What kept me grounded was a very simple practice: I stopped trying to fix everything at once and focused on one actionable step at a time.
I’ve developed the habit of breaking challenges into small pieces and asking myself, “What’s the next best thing I can do right now?” During that project, I sat down and mapped out the most urgent priorities, then tackled them one at a time.
Rather than get overwhelmed by the big picture, I focused on progress over perfection. That incremental approach didn’t just help me stay on track—it renewed my confidence with each small win.
The strategy I keep returning to is simple: anchor yourself in action. When challenges pile up, focusing on what you can move forward brings clarity and momentum. It’s not about conquering everything at once—it’s about keeping the wheels turning. That mindset has helped me through countless tough situations.
Erin Siemek, CEO, Forge Digital Marketing, LLC
Stick to Daily Fundamentals
Tough markets don’t break businesses. Lack of consistency does. Staying focused isn’t about waiting for motivation. It’s about sticking to the fundamentals every single day, regardless of circumstances.
I follow a strict daily routine. Mornings are for lead generation—calls, emails, follow-ups. Afternoons are for client meetings and negotiations. Evenings are for strategy and team growth. No wasted time. No distractions. Success comes from executing the basics with discipline. Many agents struggle because they chase quick wins instead of building habits that create long-term success. The ones who survive and grow are those who treat every day with urgency, even when business is good.
One strategy that keeps me sharp is accountability. I track numbers, set targets, and review them daily. If results dip, I adjust immediately. Complacency kills growth. It’s easy to get comfortable when deals are closing, but that’s when the most work needs to happen. The pipeline needs to stay full. Relationships need to be strengthened. The team needs to be developed. The best in the industry don’t let circumstances dictate their actions. They create momentum through consistent execution.
Jeff Burke, CEO, Jeff Burke & Associates
Focus on Micro-Wins
A few years ago, I faced a major business setback—a critical partnership fell through, revenue projections took a hit, and the stress was overwhelming. I caught myself staring at the problem, feeling stuck. That’s when I learned that momentum, not motivation, is the key to staying on track. My go-to strategy? The Micro-Wins Method.
When challenges feel too big, the brain defaults to paralysis. Instead of getting stuck in the “big picture” stress, I ask myself:
“What’s the ONE high-impact move I can make right now?”
During that setback, I stopped worrying about long-term projections and focused on what I could control: optimizing a single marketing campaign. That small success created momentum. Momentum beats motivation every time.
- Identify the first micro-win. Fix one bottleneck, send one key email, solve one immediate issue.
- Let small wins stack. Each solved problem builds confidence and clarity for the next move.
- Leverage momentum. Once you’re moving, the next steps become easier.
That one shift—focusing on progress over perfection—helped turn the situation around. I still use the Micro-Wins Method whenever business challenges feel overwhelming. Motivation fades, but small wins create the momentum to keep going.
Murray Seaton, Founder and CEO / Health & Fitness Entrepreneur, Hypervibe (Vibration Plates)
Obsess Over Customer Feedback
I launched the business while still in college and scaled it 245% last year, even as we juggled lean operations, fundraising, and rapid growth. When you’re running a startup with five full-time employees and a million moving parts, staying motivated is non-negotiable.
One thing that has helped me push through hard weeks is obsessing over my customer feedback loop. When you’re in the trenches, shipping thousands of boxes, and tracking inventory across 15+ partner brands, it’s easy to get lost in logistics. But then I’ll read a message from a mom who says her box gave her five minutes of peace in a chaotic week, and boom—focus returns. That real, raw connection to our customers resets my energy better than any productivity hack.
So, I make it a habit to spend at least 20 minutes each morning reviewing subscriber emails, survey responses, and social media tags. That small act of staying close to the mission reminds me why I built this in the first place. It’s easy to grind when the numbers are climbing, but those personal reminders keep me grounded when growth plateaus. Even when we hit bumps—delayed shipments, ad cost spikes, you name it—those customer wins keep me locked in.
Zarina Bahadur, CEO and Founder, 123 Baby Box
Connect Directly with Clients
I’ve found that direct connection with clients during tough periods provides better motivation than any internal practice or self-help technique.
When facing significant challenges—like during 2021 when our business model needed rapid adaptation—I scheduled one client call daily with no agenda beyond understanding their current needs. These weren’t sales calls; they were listening sessions that consistently pulled me out of internal fixation and back to market reality.
This practice revealed that our clients were grappling with problems we could solve differently than before, which sparked several service innovations. More importantly, these conversations created a feedback loop that kept my focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.
My advice: When motivation lags, get closer to the people you’re trying to serve rather than retreating into strategic planning. Nothing cuts through indecision and self-doubt faster than hearing directly from those depending on your business.
I’ve learned that motivation comes most reliably from external purpose rather than internal discipline, especially during difficult business periods.
John Frazier, CEO, indinero
Clarity Drives Motivation
When you are crystal clear on why you do what you do, challenges do not shake you. They test you. I learned this the hard way.
Early in my career, I thought success meant chasing every opportunity: more businesses, more projects, more ideas. In reality, it meant more stress and less progress. I was running in every direction and getting nowhere.
That is when I realized: Clarity is the real driver of motivation. If you do not know exactly where you are going, everything looks like an opportunity. And chasing everything leads to nothing.
Now, I track consistent actions, not just results. Sales, growth, and success do not happen overnight. They come from disciplined effort over time. If you only focus on outcomes, you are always reacting. If you focus on the right actions, you stay in control.
The other key? Accountability. Nobody is disciplined all the time. That is why I set clear goals, review progress regularly, and surround myself with people who challenge me to stay sharp.
Business is a long game. Clarity keeps you focused. Consistency keeps you moving. Accountability keeps you from falling off track. When you get these right, motivation takes care of itself.
Ramiro Saborio, Executive Director
Structured Decision-Making
Clarity drives focus. When business challenges arise, I revisit core objectives and eliminate distractions. Every problem has noise—market fluctuations, external opinions, and short-term setbacks. I focus on what moves the business forward.
One strategy I use is structured decision-making. I break problems into three categories: urgent issues, long-term challenges, and controllable factors. Urgent issues require immediate action, long-term challenges need strategic adjustments, and controllable factors are levers I can pull. This framework keeps me from getting overwhelmed.
Execution matters more than motivation. Discipline wins. I set non-negotiable priorities, schedule deep work blocks, and remove inefficiencies. Progress fuels momentum. Consistency beats inspiration. Business success is built on repeatable systems, not occasional breakthroughs.
I also maintain a results-driven mindset. If something fails, I assess why, adapt, and move forward. The best entrepreneurs separate emotion from decision-making. Setbacks are data points, not roadblocks. The faster you adjust, the faster you grow.
Surrounding yourself with the right people also matters. I work with those who challenge me, bring solutions, and keep the focus on execution. Leadership is about making the right decisions, not making every decision alone.
Steven Mitts, Entrepreneurial Coach, Steven Mitts
Maintain Structural Discipline
In the competitive and often unpredictable roofing industry, challenges are inevitable—whether it’s gaining trust, securing resources, or navigating an evolving market. One key strategy that has helped me stay motivated and focused is maintaining structural discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
When I founded my business, I faced significant hurdles, including rejections from suppliers, banks, and credit unions. However, instead of letting these obstacles define my path, I sought solutions. Securing a $10,000 credit line from SRS Distribution became a pivotal moment, allowing me to push forward. With discipline and determination, I scaled our revenue to $1.2 million within just a year, eventually surpassing $5 million in 2022.
I believe that discipline in the face of adversity is the foundation of success. We uphold a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning. Ultimately, my motivation stems from a vision that extends beyond business growth. I aim to elevate the industry, empower professionals, and create lasting impact. Challenges are merely stepping stones, and with the right mindset, they can be turned into catalysts for success.
Trenton Wisecup, Founder and Owner, Arrow Roofing
Perspective and Discipline Matter
It comes down to perspective and discipline. I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity—whether to learn something new, refine a strategy, or strengthen relationships. When things get tough, I focus on what I can control: my decisions, my response, and my long-term vision for my business.
One practice that keeps me on track is stepping back to assess the bigger picture. Getting caught up in daily pressures is easy, but taking a moment to recalibrate helps me avoid reactive decision-making. I ask myself: Is this challenge a roadblock or just a detour? That shift in thinking keeps me from getting stuck in short-term frustrations.
I also rely on a strong network. Whether it’s my team, industry peers, or mentors, surrounding myself with smart, driven people ensures I never tackle a problem alone. Their insights and support make all the difference. My motivation comes from our impact—helping clients secure their wealth with precious metals and driving innovation in our industry. Challenges will always come, but a clear purpose and mindset keep me moving forward.
Brandon Thor, CEO, The Thor Metals Group
Leverage Your Network
Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when you’re paving new ground. As a female founder in a male-dominated industry, I’ve felt that firsthand.
Having the right people in my corner makes all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve built relationships with mentors, industry peers, and clients who believe in what I’m doing. When I run into challenges, I don’t try to push through them alone—I reach out. A quick conversation with someone who’s been there before can provide fresh insight, a different perspective, or just the reassurance that I’m on the right track.
This network isn’t just about advice; it’s also about accountability. I know their suggestions will be honest and nuanced without sugar-coating anything. If I’m in the wrong, they’ll say so.
Having people who challenge me, celebrate wins with me, and remind me of my bigger vision helps me stay focused. No matter how tough things get, I know I’m not in this alone.
Linn Atiyeh, CEO, Bemana
Use Fear-Setting Exercises
Using fear-setting exercises has helped me stay clear-headed during some of the harder points in the business. The idea is simple but requires discipline. I sit down and write out the worst-case scenarios in detail. Not just vague statements like “we lose a client” or “the campaign flops,” but the actual consequences. What would that look like in numbers? How long would the damage last? What would need to happen to fix it?
Breaking it down like that strips the fear of its punch. Once the unknown is spelled out, it becomes manageable. I add a second column for what I’d do if each thing actually happened, and then a third for how I could reduce the chances of it happening in the first place. This process gives me a roadmap, even in moments that feel chaotic. It doesn’t erase the risk, but it provides a way to move through it without freezing or overthinking.
Mental clarity is easy to overlook when you’re buried in client work or trying to scale under pressure. Writing things out like this removes the emotion from it. You stop guessing. You start making decisions based on what’s in front of you, not what you’re afraid might happen. That shift alone makes everything more manageable.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Public Accountability Transforms Motivation
I’m convinced that public accountability completely transforms motivation levels. Nothing keeps me focused like knowing other people are counting on regular progress updates.
What drives my consistency is my weekly mastermind group of fellow leaders. Every Monday, we share our key objectives and the previous week’s accomplishments. This commitment to report my progress to respected peers creates powerful external motivation.
Accountability has significantly elevated my follow-through. The anticipation of sharing updates—both successes and setbacks—creates motivation that willpower alone cannot match.
External commitments beat internal promises. When respected peers expect progress reports, you naturally find ways to overcome obstacles rather than accept delays.
Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local
Mindfulness-Based Self-Regulation
Business problems are an emotional resilience test. Stress, uncertainty, and failure can lead to doubt, but it’s your response that decides the fate. The best approach to staying motivated is through mindfulness-based self-regulation.
Mindfulness shifts the attention inward. Instead of reacting, pausing to observe thoughts and emotions leaves space for conscious actions. Science has proven that mindfulness lowers cortisol, making one more clear-headed and emotionally resilient. It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before meetings, writing down frustrations, or stepping outside for a few minutes to reboot. These small practices create mental flexibility, preventing stress from dictating action.
Another critical practice is value-driven decision-making. During times of trouble, going back to fundamental values provides guidance. If a company values authenticity and client welfare, then failures become opportunities for fine-tuning rather than mere setbacks. Psychology studies also validate that decision-making based on values keeps leaders more resilient and successful in the long run. This change in mindset turns problems into stepping stones.
Being motivated is not about preventing stress but about being in control of reactions to it. Mindfulness and values serve as a compass, keeping attention on what matters. In times of challenges, being grounded keeps progress going, regardless of what’s involved.
Natalie Buchwald, Founder, Manhattan Mental Health Counseling
Problem-Solving Design
Remaining motivated and oriented in the midst of business obstacles demands discipline and a clear head. Obstacles will arise, but the reaction to them will determine success. Each obstacle provides an opportunity to refine strategies, improve processes, and build resilience.
One strategy that keeps focus on the course is problem-solving design. When faced with obstacles, breaking them down into manageable, bite-sized components eliminates that overwhelming feeling and helps maintain momentum. When a marketing campaign stalls, analyzing metrics, re-targeting, and fine-tuning messaging can yield measurable benefits. Small, data-driven adjustments can have a lasting impact.
Routine is key. A structured daily routine eliminates distractions and keeps priorities in place. Having clear goals for the day, week, and quarter ensures consistent progress. Reserving the first hour of the morning for high-value activities prevents reactive work from dominating. Scheduling “rocks,” as described in Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” ensures the most important tasks get done, while the less important ones (the sand) can be filler tasks.
Flexibility is equally important. The digital landscape is constantly evolving. To stay ahead is to continue learning and applying new knowledge. If search algorithms change, marketing methods must adapt as well. Inflexibility leads to complacency.
Resilience means confronting challenges directly with confidence and determination. Success comes from persistence, strategy, and execution.
Beverly Mapes, Owner, Top Of The List
Set Small Practical Goals
As someone deeply involved in education, I’ve learned that external factors like policy changes or changes in market trends can quickly throw a wrench in the works. I keep my head in the game by concentrating on things within my reach, and I tend not to let my thoughts spiral when there might be something out of my control.
I like to set small, practical goals which help me to regain a sense of control and diminish any feelings of helplessness during hard times. Seeing progress in direct-change areas really keeps me moving forward.
When it comes to managing personal stress and staying on track, my strategy is to also focus on what I can control. Facing setbacks or dealing with changes in educational regulations can be frustrating. But I remind myself that these aren’t a reflection of me directly, and I simply need to pivot accordingly. I steer clear of fixating on the immovable and instead pour my energy into what I can improve. This mindset shift is a big part of why I stay productive and motivated, confident that my efforts will lead to good outcomes.
Mohit S. Jain, Co-Founder, Genie Academy
Stay Consistent and Open-Minded
Running a business, especially in the ever-changing digital space, is a rollercoaster ride. Some days, you’re on top of the world—traffic is booming, people are engaging with your content, and partnerships are flourishing. Other days, you’re questioning everything, facing algorithm changes, declining engagement, or unexpected shifts in user behavior. I’ve been there.
When I started Upskillwise in 2019, my goal was simple: to help people navigate online learning and career transitions. At the time, I had just made a major career shift myself—leaving behind a stable teaching job, retraining in yoga and design, and eventually diving into digital entrepreneurship. I knew the power of online learning firsthand, and I wanted to share that with others.
Fast forward to today, and the way people search for information online has completely changed. Google updates, AI-powered search, and social media algorithms have shifted how content is discovered. Organic reach that once came easily now requires constant adaptation. But through all these challenges, staying consistent and open-minded has been my biggest strength.
Catherine Cooke, Co-founder Upskillwise, Upskillwise
Break Down Challenges
When it comes down to it, the mission of our family and the community it serves keeps me grounded during business challenges. For me, one of the tricks to staying on track is breaking down an enormous challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks while staying connected to our “why”—helping our neighbors with their plumbing needs.
I also find that regular check-ins for the team and the strong familial foundation of the business keep me in perspective. I think about all the positive customer feedback we have received for more than 25 years of service in Northshore and New Orleans. And it gets me through. It’s encouraging to see how our work can impact people significantly.
Allison Harrison, Co-Owner, Goodbee Plumbing & Drains
Family Provides Support and Perspective
My family is a key source of motivation and balance for me. They provide the support and perspective I need, especially during challenging times with my business. Knowing that I have their encouragement helps me stay grounded and focused on both my personal and professional goals. The one strategy that helps me stay on track is maintaining a healthy routine by eating well, getting enough sleep, and making time for personal activities.
