Overcoming Setbacks: How I Stay Motivated Despite Business Challenges

What a busy summer it has been! Unfortunately, it's been on everything else except my business. By this point in the summer, I hoped to be fully focused on launching Countryside Resources, but the reality of starting a business turned out to be far more challenging than I had envisioned.

I began with tons of enthusiasm and big ideas. At the start, I even secured a few leads and had promising conversations, but nothing ever materialised. That was tough. My dreams of being my own boss, achieving the perfect work-life balance, and building something meaningful felt shattered so early on. Adding to that was the weight of my underlying anxiety, which led to a spiral of self-doubt. I felt like a failure, embarrassed that after sharing my ambitions with friends and family, I had to admit that my business wasn’t really taking off.

After about a month of feeling stuck, my determination and belief in my mission finally took control. I gave myself some time to recharge, focus on my first university exam, and manage a particularly hectic period at work. Once I had a bit of distance and a fresh perspective, I started applying what I had learned so far.

Here are some of the key lessons I’ve taken away from this bump in the road:

1. Be Kind to Yourself

“Building a business is not rocket science; it’s about having a great idea and seeing it through with integrity. But it’s far from easy. The road to success is full of trials and mistakes, and it’s how you respond that counts.”

– Richard Branson

This quote really resonates with me. The ups and downs are inevitable, and I’m learning to accept that it’s all part of the process. Being kind to yourself doesn’t just mean taking breaks; it means forgiving yourself when things don’t go as planned.

2. Have a Clear Vision

I had a good idea that made perfect sense in my head, but how clear was it to others? When offering a service, you need to ensure that your message is easy to understand. Don’t try to be a jack-of-all-trades. Specialise and strive to be the best at what you do.

3. Get Out and Network

Social media alone isn’t an effective marketing strategy. You need to be visible in the real world, too; whether that’s through networking events, trade shows, or even going door-to-door. People won’t know to seek you out if they don’t know you exist.

So, what’s next for Countryside Resources?

I’ve realised that my happiest moments come when I’m working for The Heard Therapy CIC. The sense of purpose, pride, and satisfaction I feel from this work is unmatched. I see how the organisation is growing, how the team is coming together with energy and enthusiasm, and how the courses Michaela delivers with the horses are genuinely helping people. It makes me so proud.

Because of this, I’ve refined my vision for Countryside Resources. I want to focus on supporting non-profit organisations and offering low-cost services to help them grow and succeed.

It’s great to be back, feeling refreshed and energised. Now, it’s time to dive back into planning my business strategy!

Anne 🌳

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