Running a small business is no easy feat. Some days, it feels like you're on top of the world, and everything is falling into place. But then there are those days — the ones where doubt creeps in, progress seems slow, and you wonder if you're even moving in the right direction.

If you're reading this and feeling like you're in one of those moments, let me start by saying: You are not alone.

The Reality of the Struggle

Building something from the ground up takes an immense amount of courage. You pour your heart, soul, and probably more hours than you’d like to admit into your business. Yet, despite the passion and effort, things can still feel tough. Maybe the sales aren’t coming in like you’d hoped, or you're juggling more roles than you can handle. Maybe you feel like you’re constantly solving problems rather than making progress.

It's completely normal to feel this way. The road of entrepreneurship is winding and full of unexpected turns. What most people don’t talk about are the countless challenges that happen behind the scenes, the ones that don't make it to Instagram or LinkedIn posts.

But here’s the truth: Every challenge you face is shaping you into the business owner you’re meant to become.

Remember Why You Started

In the midst of the hard days, it’s easy to forget what led you here in the first place. Think back to the moment you decided to take the leap and start your business. What was your dream? What inspired you? Hold onto that.

Your "why" is the fuel that will carry you through these challenging times. Maybe it’s the freedom to work on something you’re passionate about, the desire to make a difference in your industry, or the ability to provide a better life for your family. Whatever your reason, that’s your anchor. When the waves get rough, it’s what will keep you steady.

Small Steps Still Move You Forward

When things get hard, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking you’re not doing enough. But remember: Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Some days you’ll take big leaps, and other days, you’ll barely shuffle forward. Both are valid, and both are part of the journey. The small wins matter: each email sent, every client interaction, every late-night brainstorming session. Each of these adds up, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

There’s a resilience inside you that you might not even realise you have. Every hurdle you’ve overcome so far has made you stronger and more capable than the person who first started this journey.

You’ve already done hard things. You’ve already made tough decisions, learned difficult lessons, and navigated through unknown waters. And guess what? You’re still standing.

Even when it feels like you’re on the verge of giving up, remember that you’ve already shown incredible strength just by coming this far.

The Path Ahead

Success in business isn’t always about grand achievements; sometimes, it’s about perseverance. It’s about showing up even when it’s tough and believing that things can and will improve.

There will be moments when everything clicks into place, and you’ll look back on the struggles and realise they were the stepping stones that brought you closer to your dream. These difficult moments are temporary, but the success you’re building is lasting.

So keep going. Keep pushing forward. Keep believing in yourself and your vision. You’re closer than you think.