How to Stay Motivated During Hard time
We’ve all been there—those moments when life feels overwhelming, when no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to be working out. Maybe you’re dealing with financial struggles, a failed business, heartbreak, or the loss of someone dear. During such times, staying motivated feels almost impossible.
But here’s the truth: motivation isn’t about ignoring the pain. It’s about finding the courage to move forward despite the weight you carry. Think about the people you admire most. Chances are, their greatness wasn’t built in easy seasons, but in moments of struggle.
This article isn’t just another generic list of tips. It’s a human guide—a roadmap filled with practical strategies, real-life wisdom, and encouragement to help you hold on and keep going when life gets tough.
Let’s dive deep into how to stay motivated during hard times and reclaim your inner strength.
Why Hard Times Test Motivation
Before learning how to stay motivated, it’s important to understand why we lose motivation during struggles.
- Emotional Overload – Pain, stress, and fear drain our energy, making even small tasks feel impossible.
- Loss of Control – Hard times often come with uncertainty. Not knowing what’s next creates paralysis.
- Negative Self-Talk – In difficult moments, our inner critic gets louder, whispering, “You’re not enough.”
- Exhaustion – When you’re fighting battles daily, your body and mind crave rest more than progress.
Understanding this is key, because motivation doesn’t vanish because you’re weak—it fades because you’re human. And being human means you can learn to rebuild it.
1. Accept That It’s Okay to Struggle
One of the most damaging myths about motivation is that you must always feel positive. That’s not true. Struggles don’t make you weak—they make you real.
When you accept that pain is part of life, you stop wasting energy pretending everything is fine. Instead, you can direct that energy toward growth.
Practical Step: Each day, give yourself permission to say, “I’m not okay, but I’m still trying.” That simple acknowledgment is powerful—it creates space for healing and moving forward.
2. Revisit Your “Why”
Hard times blur our vision. We forget why we started, why we fight, why we care. Motivation comes alive again when you reconnect with your why—your purpose.
Think about:
- Who you’re doing this for (yourself, your family, your community).
- What long-term dream you still hold (a career, financial freedom, self-growth).
- Why giving up would cost you more than pushing forward.
Example: A single mother working multiple jobs may feel exhausted daily. But when she looks at her child’s smile, her why becomes crystal clear—she’s building a future.
3. Break Problems into Smaller Wins
When life is tough, huge goals feel impossible. The key is to shrink your battles. Instead of focusing on everything you must fix, focus on what you can do today.
- Instead of saying, “I need to be financially stable,” say, “I’ll save $5 today.”
- Instead of saying, “I need to lose 50 pounds,” say, “I’ll walk for 15 minutes.”
- Instead of saying, “I must heal,” say, “I’ll take one deep breath.”
Tiny wins build momentum. Momentum builds hope. Hope fuels motivation.
4. Surround Yourself With Positive Energy
Motivation doesn’t grow in isolation. The people, content, and environments around you influence how you feel.
- Spend time with uplifting friends or family.
- Listen to motivational podcasts or read inspiring stories.
- Cut down on toxic news or negative conversations.
Human Truth: Sometimes, the people closest to us drain our energy. If you can’t avoid them, protect your peace by limiting the time or setting boundaries.
5. Practice Self-Compassion, Not Self-Criticism
During hard times, many people attack themselves with blame: “I should be stronger,” “I’m a failure,” “I’m lazy.”
But self-criticism doesn’t inspire change—it deepens despair. What you need is self-compassion.
Treat yourself like you’d treat a friend in pain. You’d never tell a hurting friend, “You’re worthless.” Instead, you’d encourage them gently.
Daily Habit: When you catch negative thoughts, reframe them. Instead of “I failed,” say, “I learned.” Instead of “I’m broken,” say, “I’m healing.”
6. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t
Hard times often bring things outside our control: layoffs, accidents, rejection. Obsessing over what you can’t change only drains you.
Instead, focus on what’s within your power:
- Your attitude
- Your effort
- Your daily choices
- How you respond to setbacks
Mantra: “I may not control everything, but I control how I rise.”
7. Create a Daily Routine
When life feels chaotic, routines provide stability. A small routine—like waking up at the same time, journaling, or exercising—anchors your day.
Why it works:
- Structure reduces anxiety.
- Predictability creates a sense of safety.
- Habits automate progress so you don’t rely solely on motivation.
Even something as small as drinking water first thing in the morning can give you a sense of control.
8. Find Strength in Stories
You’re not alone. Every successful person has endured tough seasons.
- Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job and told she wasn’t “fit for television.”
- J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon.
- Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison yet emerged with resilience to lead.
Reading or listening to such stories reminds you that pain is temporary, but resilience is permanent.
9. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is a motivation killer. During hard times, expecting flawless progress will only discourage you.
Instead, measure growth in small steps:
- Did you try today? That’s progress.
- Did you rest when you needed it? That’s progress.
- Did you take one small action? That’s progress.
Progress means moving forward, even if it’s slow. Remember: slow growth is still growth.
10. Fuel Your Body and Mind
Motivation is not just mental—it’s physical. Poor sleep, unhealthy food, and lack of movement drain energy and hope.
- Eat nourishing meals.
- Move your body daily, even lightly.
- Prioritize rest and recovery.
You can’t think clearly or stay motivated if your body is running on empty.
11. Practice Gratitude, Even in Pain
Gratitude doesn’t erase struggles, but it shifts focus from what’s broken to what’s still standing.
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for daily. They don’t have to be big. It could be:
- A friend who checked on you
- The roof over your head
- The fact that you made it through another day
Gratitude turns survival into strength.
12. Seek Help and Support
Motivation is hard when you carry everything alone. Sometimes the bravest step is asking for help.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
- Seek therapy or counseling if needed.
- Join support groups where people share similar struggles.
Strength is not about never needing help—it’s about knowing when to reach for it.
13. Visualize a Better Future
When the present is dark, visualization creates hope. Imagine where you want to be, not just where you are.
Close your eyes and see yourself healed, successful, joyful. The brain responds to visualization as if it were real, which boosts motivation.
Athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders all use this technique to stay focused during setbacks.
14. Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait for the “big victory” to celebrate. Celebrate the small wins daily—they’re proof you’re moving forward.
- Finished a tough task? Celebrate.
- Overcame a negative thought? Celebrate.
- Simply showed up today? Celebrate.
Each small celebration strengthens your belief that progress is possible.
15. Remember: Hard Times Don’t Last Forever
It may not feel like it now, but no storm lasts forever. Pain is temporary. Seasons change. Healing comes.
How to maintain motivation long term
15 Best Advice for New Parents
65 happy Monday Motivational Quotes
Conclusion
Motivation thrives when you remind yourself that this is not the end of your story—it’s just a chapter.
Staying motivated during hard times doesn’t mean ignoring your struggles. It means embracing your humanity, finding strength in small steps, and refusing to let pain define your future.
You may not feel strong every day, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving, even when it’s slow. One breath, one step, one small victory at a time.
Remember this: Hard times shape strong people. You are not broken—you are becoming.
FAQS
Q1: How do I find motivation when I feel completely hopeless?
Start small. Focus on tiny actions like making your bed or drinking water. Small wins spark momentum.
Q2: What if my problems feel too big to handle?
Break them into smaller parts. Handle what you can today. Tomorrow, handle the next step.
Q3: Can I really stay motivated without outside support?
Yes, but it’s harder. Surround yourself with uplifting books, podcasts, or online communities if people around you aren’t supportive.
Q4: How do I stop negative self-talk?
Catch the thought, reframe it with compassion, and replace it with an empowering belief.
Q5: How long will it take before I feel motivated again?
It varies. Healing and motivation come gradually, not overnight. Be patient with yourself.