Owning your own business or stepping into the world of entrepreneurship is rewarding, but it can also be challenging. There are times when your motivation might wane, and the path ahead may feel difficult. However, by focusing on a few key principles, you can reignite your drive and continue moving forward with confidence. Here are five strategies to help you stay motivated in business, even when things get tough.

1. Define Your Core Values

Having a set of core values is essential for staying motivated, especially during turbulent times. These values, encapsulated in a mission statement, serve as your compass, guiding your decisions and actions. When business slows down or challenges arise, having a deeper purpose keeps you grounded. As I mention in When In Doubt, Delete It!, “Values drive every decision, and when you connect your goals to a bigger purpose, you create something more meaningful than just a paycheck”​. Your mission should be more than just making money—it should reflect your true passion, whether it’s delivering a unique service or creating positive change in your industry.

2. Track Your Progress with Checkpoints

Sometimes, the gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel overwhelming. Highly motivated people understand the importance of setting smaller, measurable goals along the way to help bridge that gap. By breaking down your big picture into smaller, manageable tasks, you’ll have a clearer sense of how things are progressing, which will boost your motivation to keep going. In When In Doubt, Delete It!, I emphasize the importance of reflection and checking in on your progress regularly to stay aligned with your goals​.

3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people you surround yourself with can have a profound impact on your motivation and mindset. If you’re constantly hearing negativity or skepticism, it can be easy to feel discouraged. Seek out like-minded individuals—people who understand the entrepreneurial journey and share your passion for creating something meaningful. Whether through networking events or casual gatherings, finding a community of fellow visionaries can offer the support and inspiration you need to stay focused. In my conversation on the Career PROgressions podcast, we discussed how building the right network can keep you connected to others who push you toward success​​(

4. Appreciate the Journey

It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, thinking that life or business would be easier on a different path. But it’s important to remember why you chose the entrepreneurial life in the first place. If you’ve left the corporate grind behind, reflect on the freedom and ownership you’ve gained in your own business. While the challenges are real, so are the benefits. “When you’re in charge, you own your wins and your losses,” I note in When In Doubt, Delete It!​. Staying focused on the bigger picture of your personal and professional growth will help keep your motivation strong.

5. Reconnect with Your Deeper ‘Why’

Motivation is powered by desire. If your focus is solely on superficial goals like making more money, it’s easy to get discouraged. But if you dig deeper, you’ll find the real reasons you started your business in the first place. Perhaps it’s about creating a better life for your family, fulfilling a passion, or contributing something meaningful to society. When you reconnect with those core desires, you tap into a well of motivation that will keep you moving forward even in the face of adversity. “Knowing your ‘why’ is essential in keeping your motivation intact,” I share in When In Doubt, Delete It!​.

By focusing on these five strategies—defining your core values, setting clear checkpoints, surrounding yourself with positive influences, appreciating your journey, and reconnecting with your deeper ‘why’—you’ll find the motivation you need to persevere and succeed in your business.