How to Overcome Feeling Down and Demotivated

Social media seems to thrive on the notion of successful founders as always “crushing it”, being “based”, and seamlessly executing in “founder mode”. The truth is though, that as an entrepreneur, founder, or just someone trying to do hard things, the ups can often come with a lot (!!) of downs.

Some days, you’re on top of the world; on others, it’s hard to find the motivation to get out of bed. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. I’ve cofounded two companies, am a founding partner in a VC fund, I advise multiple early stage startups, and am an active mom (or at least I try to be) to three children. I often feel like the weight of expectations and the endless to-do list might crush me.

As I write this, I’ve been grappling with a kidney infection brought on by stress, that I should have treated a week or two ago, but kept pushing because didn’t want to disappoint myself and those I work with, by taking time out for a tiny bit of R&R.

What I’m learning, and trying to put into practice, is that feeling down or demotivated doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re human.

So, in the spirit of learning from my experiences – as I’m going through them – here are some unconventional, practical ways I’ve found to pick myself up when the going gets tough:

1. Embrace the “Slump Days” with Intention: Instead of fighting a bad day, lean into it. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling without guilt. Sometimes, it’s okay and even helpful, to slow down, watch that series, go for a stroll, or take a nap. This doesn’t mean giving up—it means acknowledging that rest is part of resilience. By intentionally embracing these low moments, you create space to reset and recharge, rather than pushing through and risking burnout. Some of my most compelling ideas have come after taking an hour or two off to left my mind rest.
2. Micro-Wins to Kickstart Momentum: Eating the frog doesn’t always work for me. When everything feels overwhelming, I sometimes start with something tiny on my to do list – a 15 minute task that’s easy and achievable, like sending a quick email, executing a small action for someone, clearing off my desk, or even just making my bed or doing laundry. For someone like me who thrives off the feeling of progress and forward momentum, these small, manageable wins can help me build a sense of accomplishment and kickstart my momentum. It’s crazy how doing something seemingly insignificant can shift your mindset and get you back on track.
3. Reframe Your Narrative: Our inner dialogue can be our biggest obstacle. I often feel like I haven’t accomplished enough, like I’m behind other entrepreneurs, and that I’m not good enough. Instead of telling yourself that you’re failing or falling behind, reframe it. I try to practice awareness in those moments and instead ask myself, “What am I learning from this rough patch?” or “How can this challenge make me stronger?” Reframing the story helps me turn setbacks into valuable lessons and stay in a growth mindset, even on the toughest days.
4. Connect to Your ‘Why’—But Keep It Real: Sometimes we’re told to keep our big vision in mind, but when you’re feeling low, that can seem more daunting than motivating. Instead, reconnect with a smaller, immediate ‘why’. In my case maybe it’s showing up for the team, setting an example for my kids, or simply proving to that I can push through. Keep it real and keep it simple.

Navigating the emotional roller coaster of life, and of entrepreneurship, is no easy feat, but by being kind to yourself and finding small, actionable ways to shift your perspective, you can bounce back with grace.

Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint. Feeling down and taking time out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re pushing boundaries and doing something hard. And that’s worth celebrating.