Running a business is full of highs and lows. Some days, everything falls into place. A project turns out better than expected. A client is thrilled. You feel unstoppable. Other days, nothing clicks. The work drags. The emails pile up. You start wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea. You need to find your why (again).
After ten years in business, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t constant. You won’t always feel inspired or excited about the work. That’s normal.
But when I start questioning my purpose, it’s usually not about my why at all. It’s about something else, something harder to pinpoint. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, you’re not alone. The real challenge isn’t figuring out how to find your why, it’s figuring out what’s blocking you from seeing it clearly.
If you’re new to this idea, Simon Sinek’s Start With Why is a great place to begin. He explains how businesses and individuals thrive when they operate with a clear sense of purpose. But even when you know your why, staying connected to it isn’t always easy.
When I struggle with my why, I tend to spiral into avoidance. I melt into my couch, binge TV, and do anything I can to distract myself. I’m not wrestling with some deep existential crisis. More often, I’m discouraged or unsure of how to handle something. I don’t know what to do next, so I avoid thinking about it altogether.
The hardest and most important thing I’ve learned is this: figure out what you’re avoiding and why.
Therapy has helped. Talking to other people in the industry has helped. The answer is almost never to think harder about my why. The answer is to get honest about what’s making me feel stuck.
If you’re struggling to find your why, ask yourself: are you actually unsure of your purpose, or are you just overwhelmed by the next step?
What Helps Me Find My Why Again
Over the years, I’ve found a few things that help me reconnect with my purpose instead of getting stuck in doubt.
1. Naming the Avoidance
If I’m sinking into distraction mode, I ask myself:
- What am I avoiding?
- What part of this feels too big or overwhelming?
- What would happen if I tackled it head on?
That last question is important. Usually, the thing I’m avoiding isn’t as impossible as my brain makes it out to be. I might not know the whole answer, but I can take the first step.
2. Therapy and Peer Conversations
Some things are hard to untangle on my own. Therapy has been one of the best ways to process my own patterns and break through mental roadblocks.
Talking to people in my industry also helps. Sometimes, just hearing that someone else has been through the same thing makes all the difference. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but nobody gets through it alone.
If you’re trying to find your why, talk to someone. A fresh perspective might be exactly what you need.
3. Meditation and Movement
This year, I’m making meditation a daily practice. Not because I want to be zen all the time, but because I want to get better at sitting with discomfort instead of running from it.
I’m also keeping a regular workout routine. Moving my body helps clear my head, and when I feel physically stronger, I feel more capable of handling challenges.
If you’re struggling to find your why, don’t just think, move. Getting out of your head and into your body can give you the clarity you need.
4. Sticking to a Work Schedule
Even when I don’t feel like it, I stick to my work schedule. Avoidance breeds more avoidance. If I let myself check out completely, it gets harder to get back on track. Having a routine keeps me grounded, even when my motivation is low.
A few months ago, I shifted to a four-day work week to create more space for creativity, focus, and rest. It’s been a game changer in maintaining my energy and avoiding burnout.
5. Looking at Past Wins
When I doubt myself, I go back and look at the impact of my work.
- The pediatric speech therapy clinic that streamlined their workflow and opened a new location.
- The productivity expert whose website helped them sell out their workshop.
- The nonprofit that made it easier for people to donate.
If I’m questioning my purpose, these remind me that my work matters, even on the days when it feels hard. If you’re trying to find your why, look at the moments when you’ve made a difference. The proof is already there.
Final Thoughts
If you’re questioning your why, take a step back. The real issue might not be your purpose at all. It might be that you’re feeling discouraged, stuck, or unsure of the next step.
The best thing you can do is name what you’re avoiding and face it head on. As hard as that can be, it’s necessary to move past it.
And if you’re in a low place, give yourself some grace. Talk to someone. Move your body. Stick to your schedule. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Your why is still there. You just need to clear the path to see it again.
How do you work through moments of doubt? I’d love to hear what helps you find your why again.
Want more insights like this?
Finding your why isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the work. If you’re interested in more thoughts on creativity, business, and design, sign up for my newsletter, Better Business, By Design. Every week, I share insights on running a business. I cover marketing, seo, design, development, and entrepreneurial topics.