How to Stay Resilient and Positive When You Hit a Rough Patch

Written by LiveLink
May 24th 2025

How to Stay Resilient and Positive When You Hit a Rough Patch

Let’s be honest – running a small business isn’t all coffee shop vibes and Instagrammable moments. It’s hard work. It’s long hours, unpredictable income, and those times when everything you planned seems to go pear-shaped. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you might be in one of those tricky patches right now. Maybe sales have slowed, a major client has given notice, or you’re just feeling stuck in a rut.

First off, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Every business owner, no matter how successful they appear, has felt that sinking feeling. The fear of failing. The frustration when things aren’t working. The self-doubt that creeps in, whispering “What if I’m not cut out for this?”

I get it. Truly, I do. I’ve been there too. Very much. When everything seems to be going pear-shaped and all you want to do is hide under the duvet. Or get drunk. Permanently.

So today, let’s have a good, honest chat about what you might be feeling – and, more importantly, how you can turn those feelings around, pick yourself back up, and steer your business back onto the track you know it deserves.

When the Wobbles Hit

First, let’s name the feelings. Because naming them helps. And you are NOT alone 🙂

• Overwhelm: Everything feels urgent. Your to-do list is a mile long. You can’t see how you’ll get out of this hole.

• Fear: Fear of losing your business. Fear of disappointing clients or customers. Fear of financial insecurity. And one of the biggest fears (for me anyway), is people saying ‘I told you so’. Fear of looking an idiot.

• Isolation: Running a business can be lonely, and when things go wrong, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your own. You’re not – we’re here for you.

• Self-Doubt: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this. Maybe I should just get a job.”

• Frustration and Anger: “Why is this happening to me? I’ve worked so hard!”

• Fatigue: When you’re mentally and emotionally drained, physical exhaustion soon follows. And then your decisions will be the wrong ones.

If you’re feeling any (or all) of these, take a deep breath. It’s completely normal. And while it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean you’re failing – it just means you’re human.

How to Shift the Tide

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in those feelings. Let’s look at some ways to nurture your resilience and bring back a sense of hope and energy.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel (But Don’t Stay There)

It’s tempting to slap on a brave face and “power through,” but sometimes, you just need to acknowledge how hard it is. Give yourself space to feel frustrated, sad, or scared. Have a cry if you need to. Talk to a trusted friend. Write down your thoughts. I find whenever I pick up a pen and paper and just start writing, it calms me down and then I make the right decisions.

But – and here’s the key – set a limit. Give yourself a day or two to feel those feelings, and then decide to shift your focus. Resilience isn’t about never feeling down; it’s about choosing to get back up.

Reconnect With Your ‘Why’

When everything feels wobbly, it’s easy to forget why you started your business in the first place. Take a moment to remind yourself.

• What excited you at the beginning?

• What problem were you passionate about solving?

• What difference do you make to your clients or customers?

Write your “why” down somewhere you can see it every day. This simple act can reignite your spark and pull you through the tough times.

Focus on What You Can Control

In a slump, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s gone wrong or is out of your control – the economy, that tricky client, the unexpected expenses. But try shifting your focus to what is in your hands.

• Can you reconnect with past clients?

• Can you brainstorm a new service or product offering?

• Can you improve your marketing or streamline your operations?

Take small, consistent actions. Even a little progress can create momentum and rebuild your confidence.

Practice Gratitude 

This might sound a bit fluffy when you’re stressed and I’m far away from Woo Woo, but it works. Taking time each day to note down a few things you’re grateful for can genuinely shift your mindset. We have a Wow Wall where we put every piece of praise from clients – big or small, where we can look back when something isn’t going so well.

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about finding moments of light even in dark times. Maybe it’s the supportive friend who listens without judgment. Maybe it’s the sunny day outside. Maybe it’s the loyal customer who just placed an order.

Write them down, say them aloud – whatever works for you. You’ll start to see things in a slightly more positive light.

Take Care of Yourself (You’re the Business’s Greatest Asset)

When times are tough, self-care often goes out the window – but it’s more important than ever.

• Make sure you’re eating properly, getting sleep, and moving your body, even if it’s just a walk around the block. (If you physically can of course).

• Create boundaries around work hours to avoid burnout.

• Do something just for you – read a book, watch a favourite show, have a long bath.

You are not a machine, and your business needs you at your best.

Reach Out for Support

Remember, you’re not alone. Talk to other business owners, join networking groups, or simply phone a friend. Sharing your challenges can provide new perspectives – and just feeling heard can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

Consider getting advice from a mentor or a business coach. They can help you see a way forward that you might not spot on your own.

Celebrate Small Wins

When you’re in a slump, it’s easy to overlook progress because it doesn’t feel “big enough.” But every step forward counts. Did you send out a new proposal? Follow up with a past client? Get a positive review? Celebrate it!

Write a list of small victories at the end of each day or week. This helps remind you that you are moving forward, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Reframe the Story You’re Telling Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “This is a disaster,” or “I’m not good enough.” Try to challenge those thoughts.

• Instead of “I’m failing,” think: “I’m facing a challenge, and I’m learning how to overcome it.”

• Instead of “Nothing’s working,” think: “Some things aren’t working right now, but I can find a way to improve.”

Your inner voice can either drag you down or lift you up. Choose to be your own biggest cheerleader.

Remember – This Too Shall Pass

It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Every business goes through ups and downs. The dip you’re in right now won’t last forever. By staying flexible, focusing on solutions, and taking care of yourself, you’ll come out the other side – often stronger and wiser than before.

Be Kind to Yourself

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: be kind to yourself. Running a business is tough, and you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got.

Resilience doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay or having a constant positive mindset. It means facing the hard stuff, feeling all the feelings, and then deciding to keep going anyway.

Your business is a reflection of you – and you’re stronger and more capable than you think. So take a deep breath, lean on your support network, and take the next small step. You’ve got this.