Drained From Trying? Here’s How To Keep Moving Forward

At what point does trying to make it happen become exhausting? Let’s be honest. Most of the time, when we start a business or take on a new project, we put all our effort into it. We have the vision; we can see clearly how this “thing” is going to help so many people. So, what do we do? We go full force! We start to plan, strategize, and move pieces. But at some point, when we don’t see the traction we hoped for, we start to feel discouraged. Maybe things aren’t going as smoothly as we want, or maybe the people we thought would be there supporting us every step of the way didn’t show the interest we were expecting. And just like that, our exciting project becomes something we’re dragging along.

In today’s episode, I’m going to give you the tools you need to navigate those moments when you feel completely drained from trying to make it happen. If you're feeling exhausted, stuck in a cycle of effort without seeing the results, or questioning whether you should keep going, you’re not alone. We’re going to talk about how to manage your expectations, which often play a huge role in how we feel about our progress. I’ll also guide you through the steps to create a strategic plan of action for your business or project, so you don’t end up feeling like, “Should I give up?” or “Why did I start this in the first place?”

But before we dive into the specifics, let’s pause and consider something: how much of our disappointment comes from expecting others to be on the same page as us? Think about it. In our personal lives, we often expect things from our partners, kids, or friends, and when they don’t meet those expectations—when they don’t do things exactly how we envision them—it becomes a big deal. But why does this happen? Have you ever thought about why it affects us so deeply?

It’s because expectations are tied to our own desires and beliefs. When we expect something from someone, we’re often projecting our own standards onto them. When those expectations aren’t met, it can feel like a personal rejection or a challenge to our sense of control over the situation. It exposes a gap between what we want or need and what others are willing or able to provide, which can be really unsettling. This is why managing expectations is so crucial, both in our personal lives and in our business journey—it’s a key part of staying resilient and focused on our journey.

And this brings us to another critical aspect of staying on course without feeling drained or defeated: having a clear plan of action. Because while managing expectations is key, so is knowing exactly where you’re headed and how you’re going to get there. One of the biggest pitfalls I see, especially when people are starting a business or launching a new project, is the lack of a clear strategy—or, let’s call it a plan.

I know, the word “strategy” might sound big and intimidating, especially if you’re transitioning from the corporate world, and the last thing you want is to deal with “another strategy.” But here’s the truth: a strategy, or a plan, is simply a roadmap. It guides you from where you are now to where you want to go, ensuring you don’t lose sight of your goals or give up when things get tough.

There are a few key elements you need to keep in mind throughout your project. The first one is discovering what sets you apart from the rest—identifying your unique strengths and weaknesses, and then doing the same for your business or project. Here’s a fact: most people and small businesses owners jump straight into tactics and numbers without ever taking the time to understand what makes them unique. Skipping this step can lead to a higher chance of failure for any business or marketing plan you create.

The second component of your strategic action plan is to identify what resources you have and how you’re going to allocate them. These resources are often your skills, time, and money. Understanding these factors is crucial because it helps you decide what you need and what you don’t. For instance, if your plan involves creating visuals but you’re not a graphic designer or don’t have the skills, you’ll need to outsource this aspect. This step allows you to determine if what you have in mind is feasible and where you might need to make trade-offs to achieve your goal.

Now, the next step in your strategic action plan is to create a complete blueprint with step-by-step actionable tasks. This is your roadmap. Think of it as the detailed plan for building a house; you wouldn’t just wing it without a solid plan, right? The same goes for your business or project. Start by breaking down your big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Assign deadlines, prioritize what needs to be done first, and identify who is responsible for each task if you're working with a team.

When you have this blueprint laid out, you’re ready to execute. Every day, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done to move forward, keeping you focused and productive. This approach also helps you stay accountable for your decisions because it’s all based on the blueprint you created. Most importantly, it prevents you from getting distracted by things that might seem urgent in the moment but aren’t actually part of your strategic plan.

This is why I love this approach so much. Following your blueprint allows you to execute daily tasks that push you forward, keeps you accountable to yourself, and prevents distractions from derailing your progress.

Let’s face it, most of the time when we want to give up, it’s because we’re exhausted and overwhelmed. But remember, we don’t reach this point overnight. It’s usually the result of many situations building up over time, slowly pushing us into a state where we start doubting if we’re on the right path or if we made the right decision.

And that feeling of exhaustion? It’s draining, discouraging, and makes you question everything. “Should I give up?” “Why am I even doing this?” “Is it worth all this effort?” These thoughts can haunt you, especially when you’re tired of hustling without seeing the results you hoped for. It’s completely natural to feel this way, but I promise you, if you have a strategic plan of action for your main goals—whether in business or in life—you’ll be equipped to navigate those tough moments with more confidence and clarity.

Here is the caviat: Having a plan doesn’t mean everything will always go smoothly, but it does mean you’ll have a clearer path to follow, a guide to help you make better decisions, and a framework to keep you moving forward even when things get tough. It helps you focus on what truly matters and cuts out the noise that can make you feel stuck or lost.

Remember, every great journey comes with its challenges, and it’s during these moments that you build resilience and strength. So, when you’re feeling tired, when the hustle seems endless, and when you’re questioning why you started—look back at your plan, remind yourself of your ‘why,’ and keep pushing forward. You have everything within you to succeed, and you owe it to yourself to see it through. Because, my friend, giving up is not an option. The only way out is through, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.