Building a Business Isn’t Easy, But Staying Motivated is Key
Starting your own business is one of the most rewarding things you can do. But let’s be real—it’s also one of the most challenging. There are moments when you’ll feel completely fired up and ready to conquer the world, and there are other moments when you’ll wonder if you’re on the right path at all. Staying motivated during the ups and downs is key to seeing your business grow.
For Gen X women who are starting a business later in life, staying motivated can sometimes feel even more challenging. You’re balancing family, work, and everything else life throws at you. But here’s the truth: you already have the grit, determination, and life experience to make it happen. The trick is learning how to keep that fire going, even on the hard days.
In this post, we’ll dive into some practical tips to help you stay motivated as you build your business from scratch.

Step 1: Remember Your “Why”
When you first started your business, you had a reason—a “why.” Whether it’s the desire for financial freedom, wanting to spend more time with your family, or following a lifelong passion, your “why” is the fuel that keeps you going. Whenever you feel your motivation slipping, go back to that core reason for starting.
Pro Tip:
Write down your “why” and put it somewhere you can see every day. It could be on your desk, as a phone background, or even a sticky note on your mirror. Seeing it regularly will remind you of why you started and help you stay focused on the bigger picture.
Example:
If your “why” is to create more time for your family, remind yourself that every small step forward in your business is bringing you closer to that goal.

Step 2: Break Your Goals into Bite-Sized Pieces
When you’re building a business, it can be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to get done. That’s where goal-setting comes in. Instead of focusing on the huge, long-term goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Each small win will help you stay motivated and give you a sense of progress.
Why This Works:
Small wins add up over time. Each completed task brings you closer to your larger goal. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you get from finishing something fuels your motivation to keep going.
Example:
If your goal is to launch a website, break it down into smaller tasks: choose a platform, design your homepage, write your content, etc. Each time you check off a task, you’ll feel a sense of progress.

Step 3: Celebrate Your Wins—No Matter How Small
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is waiting until they’ve achieved the “big” goal to celebrate. But in reality, every small win along the way is worth celebrating. Whether it’s landing your first sale, creating your first product, or simply finishing a challenging project, each milestone is a step toward success.
Pro Tip:
Keep a “wins journal” where you write down every achievement, big or small. On days when you’re feeling unmotivated, look back at all the progress you’ve made—it’s a powerful reminder that you’re moving forward.
Example:
If you’ve been working on social media content and gained your first few followers, take a moment to celebrate! Those followers are a direct result of your hard work, and each one is a step toward building a loyal audience.

Step 4: Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your motivation. Positive, encouraging voices lift you up when things get tough, while negative influences can drag you down. Make it a priority to connect with others who inspire you, whether it’s through a mastermind group, a mentor, or online communities.
Why This Matters:
When you’re surrounded by others who are also pursuing their goals, their energy rubs off on you. It creates a support system where you can share wins, talk through challenges, and stay motivated together.
Example:
Join a community of fellow entrepreneurs who are at the same stage as you. Being able to share your journey, ask questions, and celebrate each other’s wins is incredibly motivating.

Step 5: Embrace the Journey—Not Just the Destination
It’s easy to get caught up in focusing on the end goal—hitting that income target, launching your product, or scaling your business. But here’s the thing: the journey itself is just as important. Embracing the day-to-day progress, learning from mistakes, and enjoying the process will keep you motivated in the long run.
Pro Tip:
When things feel tough, remind yourself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The setbacks you face now are building the skills and resilience you’ll need later on.
Example:
If you’re struggling with a marketing campaign, see it as a learning experience. What can you do differently next time? How is this challenge making you a stronger business owner?

Step 6: Create a Routine That Works for You
Motivation doesn’t always come naturally, especially when you’re balancing multiple responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to create a routine that keeps you on track, even when motivation dips. Find a schedule that fits your life and stick to it—whether it’s working early in the morning, late at night, or during nap time.
Why This Works:
When you have a routine in place, you don’t have to rely solely on motivation to get things done. Your routine becomes a habit, and before you know it, you’re making consistent progress without even thinking about it.
Example:
If mornings are your most productive time, block out an hour or two each morning to focus on your business. That consistency will build momentum and help you stay motivated.

Step 7: Take Care of Yourself
When you’re busy building a business, it’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner. But self-care is a key part of staying motivated. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re taking time to rest, recharge, and take care of your mental and physical health.
Pro Tip:
Schedule regular breaks throughout your day, and don’t be afraid to step away when you need to recharge. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for long-term success.
Example:
If you’ve been working hard on a project, take a 15-minute walk or spend time doing something you enjoy. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next task with renewed energy.

Final Thoughts: You Have What It Takes to Keep Going
Building a business from scratch isn’t easy, but the journey is worth it. Every challenge you face and every win you celebrate is bringing you one step closer to your goals. Stay connected to your “why,” break down your tasks into manageable steps, and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
Remember, motivation will come and go—but your commitment to your vision is what will carry you through. You already have what it takes to succeed. Keep going, and trust that every small step forward is a step in the right direction.
At MamaBear Marketing, we’re here to support you through every stage of your journey. You’re not alone, and we believe in your ability to build something amazing.