Staying Motivated When Things Get Hard in Business

Running a handmade business has its rewards, but it's no secret that it also comes with its fair share of challenges. When things get tough, it can feel like navigating a stormy sea—uncertain and overwhelming. Whether it's slow sales, creative blocks, or unexpected hurdles, staying motivated is critical to weathering the storm and steering your ship toward calmer waters.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, know this—you're not alone. Every entrepreneur faces challenges. The key isn't just to overcome them but to emerge from them stronger, more focused, and more determined. 

To help you stay inspired, here are 6 proven strategies to maintain your motivation and keep pushing forward during tough times. 

1. Adjust Your Routine 

Sometimes, all it takes is a slight change in routine to reignite your passion. Rearrange your workspace to create a fresh, inspiring environment. Incorporate new business practices or change up your daily schedule to keep things interesting. 

For example, try dedicating a specific time each day to focus on creative work, product development, or marketing. A small reset in how you approach your daily tasks can make all the difference in re-energizing your mindset. 

2. Prioritize Self-Care 

Burnout is a motivation killer. If you’re feeling drained, it’s important to step back and focus on your well-being. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally isn’t just "nice to have"—it’s essential for your business success. 

Get enough sleep, eat nourishing meals, and take breaks when needed. Consider practices like meditation, exercise, or even a day off to recharge. A well-rested and healthy version of yourself is far more equipped to tackle business challenges with positivity and determination. 

3. Set New Challenges 

When routines get monotonous, spark excitement by pursuing new goals or challenges in your business. Perhaps it’s experimenting with a new technique, launching a fresh product line, or even collaborating with a fellow maker. 

Think of these projects as creative fuel—new challenges can breathe life into your business and remind you of why you started in the first place. Plus, every milestone you hit will feel like a personal victory. 

4. Revisit Customer Feedback 

Feeling discouraged? Go back and read your customer reviews and testimonials. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing how your products touch people’s lives. 

Whether it’s a glowing review or an appreciation post on social media, revisit these moments to remind yourself of the positive impact you’re making. After all, your handmade creations are bringing joy and value to others—and that’s worth celebrating, especially during tough times. 

5. Reflect on Your ‘Why’ 

Why did you start your business in the first place? Was it to express your creativity? To bring your unique ideas to life? To create products that bring happiness to others? Reconnecting with your 'why' can reawaken your original excitement and sense of purpose. 

Write down your big "why" and place it somewhere you’ll see daily—on your desk, fridge, or workspace wall. When challenges arise, this reminder will help you push through and inspire you to keep moving forward. 

6. Celebrate Small Wins 

When you're navigating tough times, it’s easy to focus on the challenges and overlook the small successes. But those small wins? They matter. 

Did you complete a batch of orders ahead of schedule? Celebrate. Did you finally figure out the best way to photograph your products? That’s a win. Did a client say they love your work? Celebrate that too. 

Recognizing and celebrating progress—no matter how small—can boost your morale and remind you that you’re moving in the right direction. 

Use Challenges as Opportunities to Grow 

Staying motivated during tough times isn’t just about putting your head down and powering through. It’s about reframing these challenges as opportunities—to grow, to innovate, and to build an even stronger business. 

Every obstacle is a learning experience. It’s during these moments that we discover what we’re truly capable of—resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Tough times are where we often learn the most, not just about business, but also about ourselves as entrepreneurs. 

Your Journey is Unique 

Running a handmade business isn’t just a professional endeavor—it’s an incredibly personal one too. Your creativity, passion, and hard work are at the core of everything you do. Keeping that spark alive, especially during challenging times, can turn every obstacle into an opportunity for growth. 

To keep you inspired and on track, I’ve created The Unstoppable Entrepreneur’s Goal-Setting for Growth Template Pack. It’s designed to help you stay focused, set clear goals, and keep your motivation alive throughout the year—no matter what life throws your way. 

Grab it now and transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s biggest wins. 

You’ve got this! And remember, your dream is worth every ounce of effort. Keep going, because the best is yet to come.

Here's to making every challenge a stepping stone to something amazing. 

You’ve got this!