10 Powerful Ways to Stay Motivated When Your Business Isn’t Going as Planned
Let’s be real for a sec: running your own business is a wild ride.
Some days you’re on fire—checking things off your to-do list, getting dreamy client inquiries, and feeling like the badass CEO you were born to be. And then there are the other days. The ones where your launch flops, your inbox is quieter than you'd like, or you're questioning whether you even know what you're doing (spoiler alert: you do).
If you’re nodding your head right now, just know this: you're so not alone. Every entrepreneur—whether they’re just starting out or years into their biz journey—has those moments where things feel off. And when that happens, it can be really hard to stay motivated.
So what do you do when your plan isn’t panning out the way you imagined? How do you stay inspired, focused, and moving forward when you’re stuck in a rut?
I’ve got you, friend. Let’s talk about how to stay motivated when things aren’t going as planned in your business.
1. Reconnect with Your "Why"
When things go sideways, the first thing I do is take a step back and revisit my "why." Why did I start this business in the first place? What impact do I want to make? What vision am I building toward?
Your "why" is your anchor. It’s the thing that keeps you grounded when everything else feels like it’s spinning. Whether your goal is financial freedom, more time with your family, or empowering your clients to live their best lives—hold onto that.
Try this: write your "why" on a sticky note and put it somewhere you see every day. Or better yet, create a vision board that represents your dream life and business. When motivation dips, let that visual reminder pull you back into purpose.
2. Allow Yourself to Feel It (Then Shake It Off)
Let’s normalize this: disappointment, frustration, and even a little bit of burnout are not signs that you’re failing. They’re signs that you care deeply about what you’re building.
Give yourself permission to feel the feels. Cry if you need to. Vent to a biz bestie. Journal it out. Then? Shake it off. You can honor your emotions and still move forward.
One of my favorite mindset tricks? Set a timer. Give yourself 20 minutes to throw a mini pity party. When the timer goes off, it’s go time. Turn on your favorite hype playlist, do a silly dance in your kitchen, and remember: you’re allowed to start fresh anytime.
3. Reframe the Narrative
Your mindset is your most powerful business tool. When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to fall into the "I messed up" or "I'm not cut out for this" trap.
But what if… this setback is actually setting you up for something better?
Reframe your situation by asking:
What is this teaching me?
How can I grow from this?
What would I tell a friend going through the same thing?
Remember: success isn't a straight line. It's messy, squiggly, and full of learning moments. Every "failure" is just feedback.
4. Break It Down Into Tiny Wins
If the big picture is feeling overwhelming (or a little blurry), zoom in. Like, way in. Instead of focusing on the 20 things you should be doing, ask yourself: what's one thing I can do today to move the needle?
Maybe that’s writing a single email, posting on Instagram, updating a testimonial on your site, or just taking a break so you can come back refreshed.
Tiny wins add up. When you stack them, they build momentum—and motivation loves momentum.
5. Celebrate the Progress You Have Made
It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s not working that we totally forget to acknowledge how far we’ve come.
Remember when you dreamed about even having a business? Or your first client? Or launching your website?
Take time to look back and celebrate the milestones you’ve already hit—even if they feel small. Every single step is worth celebrating.
Need a boost? Create a "Wins Folder" in your inbox or on your desktop. Fill it with sweet client feedback, screenshots of kind messages, and reminders of moments you were proud of. Visit it often.
6. Revisit and Revise the Plan
Sometimes, things don’t work out because… the plan just needs tweaking. And that’s okay.
Being a business owner means being adaptable. Take some time to review your current strategy. Ask yourself:
Is this still aligned with where I want to go?
Is there something I’m doing just because I think I should?
Where can I simplify?
This is where checking in with a coach, mentor, or biz bestie can be a game changer. Fresh eyes can help you see new opportunities and re-energize your vision.
7. Surround Yourself with the Right People
When you're in a funk, the people around you matter so much.
Find your hype squad. Whether it’s a mastermind group, a Voxer buddy, or your favorite podcast host who feels like a best friend—surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when your belief is a little shaky.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support. You were never meant to do this alone.
8. Take a Break (Yes, Really)
If everything is feeling hard, it might be time to press pause. Not forever. Just long enough to recharge.
Step away from your laptop. Go for a walk. Book a massage. Read a book not related to business. Do something that fills your cup.
Rest is not a reward for hard work—it’s a requirement for creativity and sustainability. Your future self (and your business) will thank you for it.
9. Reignite Your Creative Spark
When things aren’t going to plan, it might be time to shake things up. Reconnect with the creative part of your business that lights you up.
Try a passion project. Experiment with a new offer. Redesign your brand mood board. Play with a new platform or content style just for fun.
Creativity breeds motivation. Give yourself permission to explore and reignite the spark.
10. Remember: You Are So Capable
Above all else, know this: you are capable, resilient, and worthy of everything you're working toward. This hard moment? It's just a plot twist—not the end of your story.
Your dream clients are still out there. Your next big breakthrough is still coming. And you? You're doing better than you think.
Keep going. You've got this.
Final Thoughts
Staying motivated when things aren’t going to plan isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about being honest with yourself, showing yourself some serious grace, and choosing to keep showing up anyway.
Because even on the hard days, your work matters. You matter.
So take a breath, give yourself a pep talk, and take the next right step.
And if you need someone in your corner cheering you on? I’m here for you.
You’ve got this, friend. Truly.
Pin this for later, or share it with a fellow biz owner who needs the reminder. And if you’re looking for a biz bestie or soloprenuer cheerleader, I’m your girl! Send me a message on Instagram and let’s ride this wild ride together!