How To Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up

Frankly we all hit those moments—when everything feels too hard, progress seem invisible or so far and quitting looks like the easiest option. But here is the truth: the difference between giving up and growing is often just one more try.

I remember when I had my days of quitting and giving up but here, I am writing this guide for you all. And am not saying there won't be any more of those days but there are ways to handle such days.

This post is your go-to motivation boost for the days when you want to throw in the towel.

Whether you are chasing a goal or lifetime dream, building a business, trying to survive the week or just trying to get out of bed or you head, these tips will help push you through the slump and find your spark again.

Tips on how to stay motivated

1. Remember your "why" and "what"

Before we ditch those dreams, goals and plans, let's take a minute to remember why we started in the first place.

• What excited you in the beginning?

  
  

• What was your goal?

  
  

• What is at stake if you stop now and what would it mean to get there?

  
  

• Write these down and stick it to your wall and your head

Reconnect with your original reason and visualize the end goal ─what does success look like? When your "why" and "what" is strong it becomes your fuel.

2. Break It Down (Your To Do List)

Sometimes we don't want to quit—we are just overwhelmed. Solution?

• Take on ONE step

  
  

• Celebrate that

  
  

• Repeat that

Progress hack: "I will complete one task today" "send my business proposal" "send my application again". Momentum is Magic. Small=momentum and momentum=motivation.

3. Adjust The Plan Not the Dream.

Feeling stuck doesn't mean you are failing. Maybe the road (plan) to the journey needs tweaking

• Try a new method

  
  

• Change your routine

  
  

• Assess your progress and ask feedback

Think of it like a Google Map: when you miss a turn, it reroutes. It doesn't say oops I guess we will never get there.

4. Rest Before You Quit

Tired? Burned out? This is not failure, it's a sign you are tired.

• Take a nap. Seriously

  
  

• Walk. Laugh. Breathe. Watch something dumb and funny. Have a lazy day.

  
  

• Give yourself permission to pause.

Remember: Resting is productive when it helps you bounce back stronger.

5. Talk it out

You're not weak for needing support. Sometimes saying "Hey am struggling" can just lift the weight. A new perspective and few words of encouragement can give you that little boost you need.

• Vent or share your struggle with a friend or a mentor

  
  

• Journal your feelings

  
  

• Say it out loud even if it's to your mirror.

Motivation grows in community. Don't isolate yourself. You might just get the needed motivation from a connection.

6. Celebrate The Tiny Wins

You may not be there yet—but you are not where you started.

• Keep a win journal

  
  

• Screenshot or photograph compliments and success experience.

  
  

• Do a happy dance or treat yourself when you get 1% closer

Confidence is built through action not when you are fully ready. Plus unpacking your progress and success memories when you are overwhelmed can jerk your motivation again.

7. Reassess your goals

Ask yourself these questions

• Do I still feel inspired by my life plans or it's time for a new one

  
  

• Are my goals still realistic

  
  

• Can I still achieve these things in my current time frame

Taking a moment to pause and reflect on your goals will help you determine if you still want them or you've outgrown them and need a new one.

8. Be kind to yourself

   

Don't ever get caught talking down or hating on yourself. Be your own cheerleader and not your worst critic. Motivation doesn't thrive in self-critic. This can do more damage than you think. Encourage you, compliment you and give credit to you.

9. Create a go-to "hype routine"

   

Music. Coffee. Your favorite YouTuber. A power outfit (for people like me). Whatever makes you feel like a main character—build a ritual around it.

On the days you feel like giving up, tap into your routine to reset your mindset.

Final words: You're Doing Much Better Than You Think.

You may feel like giving up—but the fact that you are here, reading this proves you haven't. That's Strength. That's Courage. That's progress and you can still go on.

Some days you sprint.

Some days you crawl.

But both are still moment. Remember everyone who made it once wanted to give up too, so you are just on the right path to success. So, take the next step. Even if it's shaky. Even if it's small.

You've got this (And on days you don't have got you).

If you are here right now, you are not alone. No this is not a sign to quit but a reminder to pause, reset and push forward with a little more grace—and a lot more snacks. Don't ever get caught talking down or hating yourself

What is your go-to move when motivation disappears? Leave them on the comments —I love learning form fellow fighters. Also share to someone who you think need motivational boost.

Authored by Favour Fineman