How to Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up by Sadé Llerraf
How to Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up
There have been times in my life when giving up seemed like the easiest and only option. Times when the weight of setbacks and disappointments pushed me to the edge of losing sight of my purpose. I want to share some of those moments with you, because if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Staying motivated during the darkest periods isn’t easy, but it’s possible and sometimes, the very thing that breaks you open can become the thing that lights your way forward.
The Highs and Lows of Building a Business
I started my business with passion and hope. There were incredible high moments where I felt excited to see my hard work pay off. But just as quickly, the lows came. One of the toughest blows happened early on in the business when I was buying supplies from Etsy to upcycle clothes, which coincidentally became one of my best-selling products. Then, out of nowhere, I was hit with a copyright letter from a major luxury brand. It was devastating, I had no idea I thought I had created something original and that product had been a big part of my success (now I know why!) and I honestly considered shutting down my entire brand.
It was scary as I was in my early twenties, had never been in a situation like this before, had no idea what I was doing, and to be honest I was freaked out as I was being threatened with legal action. I removed and discontinued the product straight away and felt as though my business was over.
I started to doubt myself and my business. I had this recurring thought that maybe this isnt for me but something inside me wouldn’t let me quit. I chose resilience instead. I redesigned the product, poured my heart into creating something new and to this day, that new design still remains one of my number one sellers.
This was a huge learning curve for me. I had no idea that so many of the sellers on etsy do not have the permission to be selling their products. I definitely don't buy any business-related things from Etsy anymore.
When Life Feels Overwhelming
The second time I truly thought about giving up was most recently and this was a more personal battle. After a separation from a long-term relationship, I fell into deep depression. The pain blurred my vision, and I lost sight of why I started my business in the first place. Motivation felt like a distant memory, and I questioned if I even had a purpose anymore.
In those moments when I felt completely lost, I turned to something greater and this may seem wild to some people but I turned to God, or the so called spiritual force I believe that is watching over us. I asked for a sign, for clarity about my purpose and as if in answer to that prayer, the very next day I received an email from Debenhams, asking about a potential partnership. That message was more than business, it was a sign and confirmation that I was still on the right path and working towards exactly my purpose.
Below are a list of strategies i often use to prevent myself from giving up:
How I Stay Motivated When I Feel Like Giving Up
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Remember Your “Why.” Reconnect with the reasons you started. Your purpose is your anchor when everything else feels shaky.
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Embrace Resilience. Setbacks aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to grow and learn. Redesign, rethink, and reimagine your path forward.
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Seek Support Inside and Out. Whether it’s faith, spirituality, friends, or mentors, lean on whatever lifts you up during tough times.
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Celebrate Small Wins. Every tiny success is fuel for motivation. Celebrate them to remind yourself progress is happening.
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Allow Yourself to Feel. It’s okay to struggle, to feel lost or sad. Acknowledge those emotions without letting them define you.
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Stay Open to Possibility. Sometimes, when one door closes, another opens unexpectedly. Keep your heart and mind open to new opportunities.
If you’re reading this feeling ready to give up, know this the darkest moments often come before the biggest breakthroughs. Your purpose is still there, even if you can’t see it clearly right now. Just keep going.