How to Stay Motivated When Things Get Tough
Careers aren’t linear. Even the most inspiring leaders face moments where motivation dips — whether due to burnout, pressure, disappointment, or just sheer exhaustion. What separates them isn’t endless energy, but how they reconnect with their drive when things get tough.
On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest often speaks with guests about how they keep going through setbacks, dips in confidence, and challenges that test their resilience.
This blog shares the motivational anchors that keep these leaders moving forward — even on the hard days.
1. Remember Who You're Doing It For
When internal drive fades, many guests look outward. They reconnect with the people their work serves — customers, children, teams, families — and use that to reframe the pressure into purpose.
That shift from me to we can make all the difference when motivation is running low.
“I remind myself who I’m serving. Whether it's my team or our customers — they deserve me at my best.”
— Eve Sukhnandan, PureGym
“Even on tough days, knowing you’re part of something that makes a difference keeps you grounded.”
— Sarah Watts, Alliance Leisure
“I think of my kids. Would they be proud of how I show up today? That’s always been a motivator.”
— David Stalker, Consultant
2. Break It Down — Focus on the Next Small Win
When pressure piles up, motivation can collapse under the weight of too many expectations. Several guests spoke about breaking big problems into smaller, achievable steps. Progress creates momentum — and momentum keeps you going.
This mindset helps shift the focus from outcome to effort — from everything to just the next thing.
“When I’ve lost motivation, I go back to basics. What’s one thing I can do well today?”
— Rob Cunningham, BH Live
“I look for small wins. Something I can tick off that makes me feel like I’ve moved forward.”
— Kevin Yates, Lift Brands
“Sometimes the only way to keep going is to narrow your view and just take the next right step.”
— Catherine Ferma, Gym Group
3. Surround Yourself With Energy
No one stays motivated alone. The most resilient leaders curate their environment — the people, routines, and reminders that lift them when they can’t lift themselves.
Motivation becomes easier when you’re around others who believe in the mission and believe in you.
“I’ve always had someone in my corner — even if it’s just one person — who helps me reset when I lose steam.”
— Neil Randall, Urban Gym Group
“It’s about who you spend time with. Energy’s contagious — so choose wisely.”
— James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness
“Motivation returns when you talk to someone who gets it. That connection can snap you out of a spiral.”
— Andy King, Consultant
4. Reconnect With the Bigger Picture
When you’re in the weeds, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’re building. Guests often spoke about taking time out to zoom out — to remind themselves of why they started, where they’re headed, and how far they’ve already come.
That shift in perspective often brings a renewed sense of momentum.
“You have to zoom out sometimes. What feels like a hard week now might be part of something brilliant five years from now.”
— Chloe Kinch, Proinsight
“Reminding myself of the journey — not just the destination — helps me stay grounded.”
— Rowland Omamor, Lampton Leisure
“It’s not always about feeling inspired — sometimes it’s about remembering the mission.”
— Sophie Lawler, Total Fitness
5. Be Kind to Yourself — and Keep Showing Up
Motivation isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. Several guests highlighted how they’ve learned to drop unrealistic expectations and instead focus on steady, sustainable effort.
The key isn’t always energy. It’s self-compassion. Giving yourself the grace to show up even when it’s hard — especially then.
“I’ve learned not to expect 10/10 days every day. Some days you just keep moving — and that’s enough.”
— Sarah Watts, Alliance Leisure
“You don’t need to be at your best every single day. You just need to be in the game.”
— Eve Sukhnandan, PureGym
“Sometimes, just turning up is the win.”
— Kevin Yates, Liftbrands
Final Thoughts
Motivation isn’t a constant — it’s something you build, lose, and rebuild again. The most successful leaders don’t always feel inspired. But they’ve developed strategies, environments, and mindsets that help them stay the course.
So if you're in a dip, remember: it’s normal. It’s human. And it will pass — especially when you know how to reconnect to your reason for starting.
🎧 Hear more stories like these on the Love Your Career podcast or visit loverecruitmentgroup.com for the full series.
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