How to Stay Motivated During Challenging Times
Posted on 17th March 2025 at 11:40
Why is it so hard to stay motivated when things get tough?
You start off with enthusiasm, full of energy and determination. Then, setbacks hit—unexpected obstacles, slow progress, and self-doubt creeping in. Suddenly, the drive that once fuelled you begins to fade. Staying motivated during challenging times can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn't have to derail your progress.
If you're struggling to push forward, know this—motivation isn't something you either have or don't—it's something you can cultivate. Developing the right mindset and using resilience training techniques helps you overcome difficulties with confidence and maintain momentum even when challenges arise.
If you're ready to take action and regain your drive, book a Strategy Call here to gain personalised strategies for success.
The Story of Howard Schultz - Perseverance Through Failure
Howard Schultz, the man behind Starbucks, didn't always have a billion-dollar empire. In fact, before Starbucks became a global brand, Schultz was turned down by 242 investors who didn't believe in his vision. He faced countless rejections and financial struggles, but instead of quitting, he refined his pitch, improved his business model, and kept knocking on doors.
Eventually, Schultz secured funding, and Starbucks grew from a small coffee chain to a worldwide phenomenon. His story proves that motivation isn't about waiting for inspiration; it's about taking action despite obstacles and believing in your vision even when no one else does.
If you've felt stuck, here's how you can regain motivation and keep going.
5 Proven Ways to Stay Motivated During Challenging Times
1. Reconnect with Your "Why"
Your "why" is your deepest reason for pursuing your goal. When motivation dips, reconnecting with this purpose can reignite your drive.
Ask yourself - Why did I start this journey in the first place? Reflecting on your initial motivations can provide clarity and renewed energy.
Visualise the end result. Research from the Psychology & Marketing Journal found that individuals who actively visualise their success are 1.3 times more likely to achieve their goals (Taylor et al., 1998).
Write your "why" down somewhere visible—a sticky note on your mirror, a vision board, or a daily journal. Constant reminders keep your purpose at the forefront of your mind.
"When you remember why you started, quitting stops feeling like an option."
2. Break Goals into Small, Achievable Steps
When facing challenges, big goals can feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the entire journey, break it down into manageable steps.
Set micro-goals. Studies in The Journal of Applied Psychology confirm that breaking goals into smaller milestones increases motivation by 25% because of the sense of accomplishment they provide (Locke & Latham, 2002).
Celebrate small wins. Acknowledging progress triggers dopamine release, which enhances motivation and focus (Wise, 2004).
Prioritise the next step. Don't stress about the whole picture—just focus on what needs to be done today.
For further guidance, read 5 Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic & Unlock Confidence.
"Success isn't one big leap—it's the sum of consistent, small steps."
3. Strengthen Your Mindset with Resilience Training
Resilience is the ability to bounce back stronger from adversity. Building this skill ensures setbacks won't break your motivation.
Adopt a growth mindset. Studies from Stanford University show that individuals who believe intelligence and skills can be developed persist 40% longer on challenging tasks (Dweck, 2006).
Shift focus from problems to solutions. Instead of dwelling on obstacles, ask: What's one thing I can do right now to move forward?
Use setbacks as fuel. Some of the world's most successful people failed multiple times before they achieved greatness—view difficulties as part of your success story.
For additional mindset-shifting strategies, read Beyond Self-Care Quotes - Shattering Mental Blocks for True Healing.
4. Surround Yourself with Motivation Triggers
Motivation is influenced by your environment. Design a space and routine that fuels your determination.
Engage with inspiring content. Listening to motivational podcasts, reading biographies of successful people, and consuming uplifting materials can increase motivation levels by 30%, according to The Journal of Experimental Psychology (Deci & Ryan, 1985).
Join a supportive community. Being around like-minded individuals keeps you accountable and inspired.
Eliminate distractions. Creating a dedicated workspace free from interruptions enhances productivity and focus.
For daily affirmations and mindset shifts, visit my Resources Page and explore my YouTube playlist.
5. Take Action Even When You Don't Feel Like It
Waiting to feel motivated before taking action is a common trap. Instead, flip the script—action fuels motivation.
Commit to a 5-minute rule. A study from The European Journal of Social Psychology found that individuals who start a task for just five minutes are more likely to complete it 80% of the time (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011).
Remember, movement creates momentum. Even a small step forward is better than standing still.
Make discipline your ally. Motivation is great, but discipline ensures sustained effort regardless of fluctuating emotions.
"Don't wait for motivation to strike—create it through action."
Keep Moving Forward
Challenging times are inevitable, but losing motivation doesn't have to be. By reconnecting with your purpose, breaking goals into small steps, strengthening resilience, and taking consistent action, you can keep moving forward no matter what obstacles arise.
Tired of feeling stuck? Get a personalised game plan to reignite your drive and overcome challenges. Book your Strategy Call today—limited spots are available!
What's your biggest motivation struggle right now? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Tagged as: Business Challenges, Goal setting, Motivation strategies, Overcoming Obstacles, Personal Growth, Productivity Hacks, Resilience Training, Self-discipline, Staying Motivated, Success Coaching
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