5 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Small Business Owner
Running your own business can be incredibly fulfilling — and also incredibly draining.
The to-do list never ends, the pressure to “do it all” can feel intense, and some days it’s hard to remember why you started in the first place.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your screen wondering where your motivation went, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re simply human — and working for yourself can be a lot.
In this post, I’m sharing five things I come back to when I’m feeling low on motivation. These are simple, practical and real strategies I’ve learned through years of working solo, supporting other business owners, and building a business that now supports others behind the scenes too.
1. Go Back to the Vision
When everything feels chaotic, I take a step back and reconnect with the bigger picture.
What am I building? Why am I doing this?
This isn’t just a fluffy “remember your why” moment. It’s about checking in with whether your work still feels aligned — and if not, what needs adjusting.
Sometimes a lack of motivation isn’t about energy at all. It’s about misalignment. If you’re no longer excited about what you’re doing or who you’re doing it for, it’s worth pausing to reflect.
Try this:
Open a journal or your Notes app and write down your vision for your business 12 months from now. Be honest and specific — what kind of clients are you working with? How does your day look? What kind of boundaries do you have in place?
2. Break the Cycle of Burnout
Burnout can look a lot like a lack of motivation — but it’s not the same.
If you’re constantly running on empty, motivation tips and productivity hacks won’t work. What you probably need is rest, space, and a reset.
Ask yourself:
When was the last time I took a real break?
Am I working in a way that’s sustainable?
Is there anything I’m doing out of obligation that I can stop or delegate?
Motivation will often return when you feel like yourself again.
3. Get Out of Your Head
One of the fastest ways I’ve found to reconnect with my work is to talk about it — with someone who gets it.
That might be a business mentor, a trusted friend, or someone else who runs a small business. Sharing what you’re working on, what’s feeling stuck, or what you’re dreaming about helps bring clarity and momentum.
Bonus tip: If you don’t have a go-to business friend, consider joining a mastermind, group program, or Facebook group where genuine connections are encouraged. You don’t have to do this alone.
4. Focus on One Small Win
When everything feels overwhelming, the best thing you can do is choose one small task and do it well.
Then, celebrate it.
That could be replying to one enquiry email, updating your bio, or finally ticking off that one thing you’ve been avoiding. You’ll feel lighter, more capable, and — most importantly — you’ll have created forward momentum.
Remember: You don’t have to be in full flow every day. Consistency is built through showing up — even just a little.
5. Reconnect with What Makes You Feel Like You
Whether it’s a morning walk, lighting a candle at your desk, creating something just for fun, or even decluttering your inbox — sometimes motivation returns when we take care of ourselves, not just our to-do list.
When I start to feel stuck, I know it’s a sign to zoom out. Have I been neglecting the things that fill me up? Have I given myself space to enjoy the business I’m building — or am I just rushing through it?
Being a business owner is a lot. You’re wearing all the hats and making all the decisions. But it’s also a rare kind of freedom — and when you design it in a way that supports you, it gets a whole lot easier to stay motivated.
Final Thoughts: Motivation Isn’t Magic — It’s Maintenance
You don’t need to be “on” all the time to succeed in business. You just need to stay connected to your vision, take care of yourself, and find your own rhythm.
The truth is, motivation comes and goes — but structure, support, and aligned strategy will carry you through the wobbles.
Need help getting re-aligned? My website packages are grounded in strategy and designed to help you get clear on your brand, your messaging and your ideal audience — so your website becomes a tool for growth, not just a digital brochure.
