How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader, especially during challenging times? What's one practice or resource you rely on?

Question

Leadership challenges can be daunting, but successful leaders have developed effective strategies to overcome them. This article explores a range of motivational practices employed by top leaders to navigate difficult situations. Drawing on insights from experts in the field, these strategies offer practical approaches for leaders looking to enhance their resilience and effectiveness.

Etty Burk · Answer

As a business leader, I stay motivated by reconnecting with why I started--remembering the impact I want to make and the people I serve. In tough moments, I lean on a simple but powerful practice: pausing each morning to set one clear intention. It keeps me grounded and focused, even when the day gets messy. I also turn to a small circle of peers who remind me I'm not alone, because leadership doesn't have to be lonely. As I often say, "Clarity fuels courage." When I'm clear on my purpose, I find the strength to keep going.

Tony Mirzakhanyan · Answer

My leadership motivation stems from regular job site visits where I can witness our craftsmanship firsthand and connect with both crews and customers. During particularly challenging periods, I maintain a practice of spending one full day each month working alongside our installation teams. This hands-on approach grounds me in the practical realities our employees face and generates authentic insights no executive report could provide. After a difficult quarter last year, joining our crews to complete a complex commercial project reminded me why we started this company - seeing the tangible difference our work makes in protecting people's investments. This practice consistently renews my sense of purpose and provides perspective that office-bound management simply cannot match.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

Each morning, I kick off my day in my Notion journal, where I chart three wins from yesterday, my single top priority for the day, and one thing I'm grateful for. This ritual ties directly back to my 90-day action plan, anchoring me in progress rather than perfection—especially when I'm juggling client work, motherhood, and ongoing emotional growth in this bridge season. Midday, my AI-powered "Wellness Coach" pings me with a two-minute breathing exercise or micro-break prompt, so I can reset, recalibrate, and return to work with renewed energy rather than plowing straight through fatigue.
When I need an external jolt of inspiration, I turn to Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast. Hearing candid conversations about vulnerability, courage, and leadership reminds me that even the most seasoned founders face doubt—and that leaning into those moments fuels growth. I bookmark episodes and weave their frameworks into my weekly "Expectation Alignment" sessions with clients and my own care-and-growth calls with my burnout coach. Blending structured reflection, AI-driven micro-breaks, and soulful storytelling keeps me motivated, resilient, and authentic as a leader—no matter how stormy the day.

Max Shak · Answer

Staying motivated as a leader, especially during challenging times, comes down to reconnecting with why you started and who you're building for. For me, it's never been just about growth metrics or client wins—it's about building something meaningful with people I believe in. When things get tough, that perspective helps me reset.
One practice I rely on consistently is structured reflection. Every week, I carve out quiet time—no phone, no meetings—just a short window to look at what's working, what's not, and where my energy is going. It's not about productivity hacks; it's about staying honest with myself. That clarity helps me course-correct before burnout creeps in or before small frustrations compound into bigger problems.
During the toughest moments, I lean into conversations with my team. Leadership can feel isolating if you let it, but when I drop the armor and share openly—what I'm struggling with, what I'm uncertain about—I'm often reminded that I'm not carrying the vision alone. Those moments of transparency build trust, but they also refuel me. When you see how committed your team is, even in the face of uncertainty, it brings you back to center fast.
I also keep a few personal anchors—a couple of books and mentors I revisit when I feel stuck. But more than anything, it's the rhythm of reflection, connection, and realignment that keeps me grounded. The challenges will always shift, but the ability to slow down, gain perspective, and re-engage with purpose—that's what keeps me inspired as a founder and as a human being.

Nikita Sherbina · Answer

During challenging times, I stay motivated by focusing on the bigger picture and reminding myself why I started the journey in the first place. One practice I rely on is daily reflection—taking just 10 minutes each morning to journal my goals, challenges, and progress. This helps me maintain clarity and perspective, especially when things feel overwhelming. I also turn to leadership podcasts and books; recently, I found "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek incredibly inspiring. Hearing stories of resilience and purpose from other leaders reminds me that setbacks are part of growth. Lastly, I lean on my team's energy and successes to keep my motivation alive—it's their progress and commitment that fuel my drive. Balancing self-reflection with external inspiration keeps me grounded and focused, no matter the obstacles.

Alex Saiko · Answer

As a leader, it is not always simple to remain motivated during tough times, but I have found that it is truly all about keeping the big picture in mind and remaining laser-focused on the "why" of what we are doing. When it gets difficult, I find myself reflecting on why I started, what I want to improve, and what we can influence. It's a matter of paying attention to the big picture, not just the immediate challenges before us. This psychological adjustment drives me and keeps me going.
One of the habits in particular that helps me become more centered is allowing time to think by slowing down. It's easy to get caught up in the moment-to-moment activities, but I've found it necessary to fight against this tendency and examine where we are and where we're headed. Whether through a peaceful stroll or just sitting and letting my mind clear for a few minutes, this thinking space keeps me refreshed and refocused on our aims. It also reminds me of our progress, which motivates me to keep going.
Mentorship is another tool I employ. There's something invaluable about having the ability to talk with other people who have traveled the same journey. I have a network of mentors and fellow travelers who can provide guidance, or at least reassure me that I'm not misguided in my approach. Their guidance and support keep me moving forward and remind me why we're doing this when the minutiae of day-to-day tasks become overwhelming.
It is all about finding that motivation that will propel you forward and carving out space to breathe. We all reach points where we bog down or burn out, but it's how we navigate through these challenges that truly counts. For me, it's stepping back to refuel and working with the available resources that help push everything across the finish line. It's still a work in progress, but it allows me to approach situations with clarity even when things get messy.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

To stay motivated and inspired during challenging times, I focus on both internal and external factors. Internally, I cultivate resilience, practice gratitude, and consistently reconnect with my purpose. Externally, I find strength in empowering my team, seeking support when needed, and celebrating small victories that keep momentum and morale high.
One practice I consistently rely on is continuous learning and personal development. It keeps me grounded, helps me adapt to challenges, and ensures I stay aligned with my long-term goals. Whether through reading, mentorship, or professional courses, this habit fuels my growth and reinforces a mindset of resilience. It also helps me lead with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose during uncertain times.

Jm Littman · Answer

For me, it's all about stepping back. When things get intense, the temptation is to double down, work harder, and grind through it. But I've learned the hard way that's when you burn out and make bad decisions. My go-to is to deliberately switch off and focus on something that has nothing to do with work - whether that's racing, music, or just spending time with friends and family. It sounds counterintuitive, but that space away from the problem is where the best ideas and clarity come from. I always come back sharper, re-energized, and with a fresh angle. Leadership isn't about always being 'on' - it's about knowing when to pause, reset, and come back swinging.
The best leadership decisions often come when you step away, not when you push harder. Space gives you clarity - and clarity keeps you sharp.

Yoad Bet Yosef · Answer

During challenging times at Nature Sparkle, I stay motivated by focusing on the bigger picture and reconnecting with our mission. One specific practice I rely on is daily reflection. Every morning, I take 10-15 minutes to review customer feedback and success stories. This simple act reminds me why we do what we do. During a particularly difficult quarter, this practice helped boost my energy, and it had an impact on the team. After a month of these daily check-ins, employee morale improved by 19.6%, and productivity increased by 25.2%. It was a small habit, but it made a big difference. By focusing on our purpose and seeing the positive impact we were making, it kept me grounded and reminded the team that we were still moving forward, even during setbacks. This practice helped not just with my own motivation but also with keeping the whole team aligned and focused on what mattered most.

Derek Pankaew · Answer

Here's a practice I haven't really heard other founders talk about, but it's become my go-to way to stay motivated, especially when things feel heavy: I re-read the company's earliest rejection emails.
Not the glowing praise. Not the "we love what you're building" investor fluff. I mean the brutally honest, ego-puncturing, "this isn't investable," "I don't get the point," "what even is this?" kind of feedback. The stuff that made me question whether I was out of my depth.
It's weirdly grounding.
Because it reminds me of two things at the same time:1. How far we've come.2. How many people thought we wouldn't get even this far.
It stings, but it also fuels me. There's something about reading a rejection from someone who confidently predicted failure—while I'm looking at the very thing they said was impossible now working in the real world—that hits different. It reframes the current challenges. Suddenly, the problem I'm facing isn't "the end of the world," it's just the next mile marker on a long road of being underestimated.
I don't think motivation always has to be fluffy or "inspirational." Sometimes it's gritty. Sometimes it's tapping into the chip on your shoulder and saying, "Noted. Now watch me."

Georgi Petrov · Answer

As a leader, staying motivated during challenging times requires a combination of self-awareness and strategic practices. One practice I rely on is regularly revisiting my purpose and the impact my leadership has on the team and the larger goals of the organization. Reminding myself of the "why" behind the work keeps me focused and energized. I also make time to connect with my team, offering them support and listening to their challenges. This creates a sense of mutual trust and motivation, as it's not just about me staying inspired, but also empowering others. A resource I turn to often is leadership books or podcasts. I find that hearing from other leaders about their struggles and triumphs provides valuable perspective and practical ideas that can help me navigate tough times. One particular book that's been a constant source of inspiration is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. It reminds me that leadership is about service and building a positive culture even when circumstances are difficult.

James Shaffer · Answer

I stay motivated by staying close to the truth. Not the fluffy team-building slogans, not the inflated KPIs, but the raw signals, what customers are doing, saying, and avoiding. In challenging times, most leaders retreat into boardrooms or dashboards. I go the other way. I read every piece of angry feedback. I watch how traffic behaves on a failing page. I look at the drop-offs in a quote form and ask why.
That clarity cuts through the noise. It reminds me that leadership is not about being the loudest voice. It is about being the most grounded.
One practice I rely on is writing. Not to publish, just to get my head straight. I open a document and write down what is working, what is broken, and what I am avoiding. Every time I do that, patterns emerge. Decisions get easier. The fog lifts. And when I share that with the team, they trust it because it is real.
Motivation is not about hype. It is about knowing what matters and facing it head on. Writing gets me there. Every time.

Travis Rieken · Answer

Motivation stems from clarity. As a leader, you must understand why the work is important and who relies on the outcome. When circumstances become challenging, that focus becomes your anchor. You're not pursuing a feeling; you're committing to a standard. This shift in mindset alters how you handle pressure. It keeps you consistent when things don't go according to plan.
One habit I depend on is setting aside time each morning to reset. I write down priorities, pressure points, and who might need support. It keeps things realistic and focused. You can't lead effectively if your day controls you. This habit helps create space to act with intention, not reaction.
I also stay in close contact with the people doing the work. Whether it's a brief check-in or a quick feedback loop, those touchpoints are crucial. They provide context that dashboards and reports miss. You can identify small issues before they escalate. You recognize effort that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Leadership during difficult times isn't about inspiration. It's about showing up with discipline, clarity, and purpose. You build trust when your actions remain steady, regardless of what's happening around you.

Niclas Schlopsna · Answer

When things get heavy—like during a fundraising freeze or when a client pivots last-minute—I go back to why I started Spectup in the first place. I remember helping our first client transform their messy idea into a clear, compelling deck. They got funded, called me up thrilled, and I realized, "This is what I'm meant to do." That memory has a weirdly grounding effect, especially when things feel chaotic. I also make a habit of regular check-ins with founders we've worked with. Hearing how they've grown—sometimes way beyond what they or we expected—reminds me that the work has real impact.
One consistent practice I rely on is taking a brutally honest 30-minute walk without my phone. No music, no distractions—just letting the noise settle. That's when the bigger picture usually comes back into focus. I've also learned not to isolate when things get rough. A quick coffee with one of our team members often turns into a casual strategy jam, and that always sparks energy. It's not always glamorous, but motivation is usually a mix of remembering your "why" and having a few solid habits that don't let you drift too far from it.

Alexander De Ridder · Answer

What has kept me motivated, and still does, is staying laser-focused on our mission: to democratize AI and make it accessible to anyone with a big idea.
Every week, I set aside time to reflect on progress, no matter how small. One week it might be a customer win, another it's a new feature going live. Sometimes, it's just a Slack message from a teammate saying, "This finally clicked." Those little signals remind me we're building something meaningful.
That rhythm, mission clarity, and small-win reflection have carried me through more than a few storms. And it has a ripple effect. When the team sees me grounded and inspired, they mirror that energy.

Yancy Forsythe · Answer

During tough times, I stay motivated by reconnecting with the "why" behind what I'm building—the freedom, the impact, and the legacy goals that got me started. When challenges stack up, I revisit past wins, client stories, or even photos from early deals to remind myself how far I've come.
One practice I rely on is a weekly check-in with a small circle of fellow entrepreneurs. We share highs, lows, and hold each other accountable. It's part therapy, part strategy session, and always leaves me recharged.
Leading through adversity gets easier when you're not doing it alone and you stay grounded in purpose.

Dave Lavinsky · Answer

When things get tough, I stay motivated by anchoring to the bigger mission—why this work matters and who it helps. That clarity turns hard days into necessary steps, not roadblocks. One practice I rely on is writing a short "why we do this" note to my team every month. It reconnects all of us to the impact, not just the metrics.

Joaquin Calvo · Answer

As a leader, maintaining motivation during challenging times involves reconnecting with my core purpose and regularly reflecting on my initial goals. I set small, meaningful daily objectives to sustain progress and motivation. Breaking larger goals into manageable tasks gives me continuous accomplishments, reinforcing motivation. Reflecting regularly also helps maintain a growth mindset, crucial for navigating tough periods effectively.

18 Motivational Practices Leaders Use to Overcome Challenges

18 Motivational Practices Leaders Use to Overcome Challenges

Set Clear Intentions to Fuel Courage

Hands-On Leadership Renews Purpose

Blend Structured Reflection with Soulful Inspiration

Build Trust Through Transparent Leadership

Balance Self-Reflection with External Inspiration

Slow Down to Refocus on Goals

Continuous Learning Fuels Leadership Resilience

Step Back to Gain Fresh Perspective

Daily Customer Focus Boosts Team Morale

Rejection Emails Fuel Determined Progress

Connect with Purpose and Empower Others

Write to Clarify Thoughts and Decisions

Create Space for Intentional Leadership

Ground Yourself in Your Original Purpose

Focus on Mission and Celebrate Small Wins

Share Your Why to Inspire Others

Anchor to Mission During Adversity

Break Goals into Manageable Daily Tasks