As entrepreneurs, we all hit that wall of feeling stuck at some point. Whether you are a crochet artist trying to sell your handcrafted pieces or a small business owner struggling to gain traction, the feeling of being stuck is something we can all relate to. You have put in the work, you’ve tried countless strategies, and yet, the results seem to be barely noticeable. It’s discouraging, isn’t it?
I have been there myself, and while there are a lot of generalized solutions floating around—like “keep pushing through” or “don’t give up”—those words don’t always offer the guidance we need when we are caught in the thick of it. So, what should you do when feeling stuck? Is it time to call it quits, or should you keep going and find a new direction? Here’s a more personal and realistic approach to help you move forward, no fluff, no generic advice. Just strategies that I am using on my journey that may help you too.
Table of Contents
Evaluate What’s Working and What’s Not
First, take a step back. I know it’s tempting to push forward full steam ahead, but when you are stuck, you need to slow down and assess what’s really going on.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What’s been working? Even if it’s just a little bit, recognize those small wins.
- What’s been failing? Be honest with yourself—don’t sugarcoat it. Sometimes the things we love doing most are the things that aren’t bringing results.
- Are you trying to do everything at once? Are you spreading yourself too thin?
Look for the root cause. Is it your marketing strategy? Your target audience? Or maybe it’s the product itself that isn’t resonating with people? Taking the time to evaluate can help you pinpoint areas to improve or change.
Refine Your Strategy, Don’t Scrap It
It’s easy to feel like giving up on everything and starting from scratch is the only way forward. But often, it’s about refining, not completely overhauling.
For example, with your crochet business, you might realize that your marketing is not reaching the right audience.
You have been posting consistently on Instagram or other platforms, but you are not seeing the sales you expect. The issue might not be with your product—it could be that you’re not connecting with the right people who truly appreciate and need what you’re offering.
In this case, the solution might not be to pivot entirely but rather to refine how you are positioning your business. Ask yourself:
- Who am I really trying to help with my crochet pieces? Is it wellness-focused individuals? Home decor enthusiasts? Fashion enthusiasts? Or custom orders?
- What platforms am I using? Maybe it’s time to focus on just one or two platforms where your ideal customers are more active.
- Are my offers clear and easy to understand?
When feeling stuck, sometimes, all it takes is tweaking your strategy or narrowing your focus to start seeing results.
When Feeling Stuck Take a Break and Refuel
It’s hard to move forward when you are running on empty. When you’re feeling stuck, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of overthinking and overworking. Trust me, I have been there. In those moments, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away for a bit.
Take a short break from your business—whether that’s a few days or just a few hours a day for self-care. When you’re rested and your mind is clear, new ideas will start flowing again. Plus, you will have the energy and perspective needed to tackle challenges with fresh eyes. Remember, burnout doesn’t help anyone.
Get a Second Opinion (But Not Too Many)
As entrepreneurs, we often work in isolation, and that can make it hard to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes, when we are feeling stuck we need to step outside of our bubble and get feedback from people who truly understand where we are coming from.
But here’s the thing—don’t just ask anyone. Seek advice from someone who has a proven track record or someone who understands your industry. For example, reach out to another crochet artist or a small business owner who’s been in the game for a while. If you think I can be that person for you, click here to schedule a free 30-minute session with me, and let’s talk about it.
However, don’t overwhelm yourself by asking too many people for their opinions. Too much advice can be paralyzing and lead you to overanalyze. Choose one or two people whose opinions you trust and who have experience that’s relevant to your journey.
Look at Your Long-Term Vision
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget the bigger picture. But when you are feeling stuck, this is the perfect time to revisit your long-term goals. Ask yourself:
- Why did I start this business in the first place?
- What kind of life do I want to create through this work?
- Where do I see myself in the next year or five years?
Having a clear long-term vision can reignite your passion and provide the motivation you need to keep going. If your goals have shifted or you realize they were unrealistic from the start, it’s okay to adjust them. Just don’t lose sight of your purpose.
Feeling Stuck? Pivot If Necessary, But Don’t Panic
Pivoting doesn’t mean abandoning everything you have worked for. It means making necessary adjustments that align better with your current situation and market demand. If after evaluating your business, you realize that a major shift is needed—whether it’s offering different products, changing your target audience, or altering your business model—then pivot. But pivot with intention.
For example, you might have been focusing on swimwear, but after some reflection, you realize that your audience is more interested in your home decor pieces. Rather than forcing the swimwear, you could shift your marketing and focus more on what resonates with them. Remember, pivots don’t have to be drastic. Even small adjustments can lead to big results.
Make a Plan of Action and Stick to It
The key to overcoming feeling stuck is taking actionable steps, even if they’re small. Instead of trying to overhaul everything, focus on one change at a time.
- Set specific, achievable goals. If sales have been slow, your first goal might be to get 5 custom orders in the next month.
- Break down your larger goals into manageable tasks. For example, if you’re reworking your Instagram strategy, focus on one change this week, like improving your bio or engaging with new followers.
- Stay consistent. I know it’s easy to feel discouraged if things don’t turn around overnight. But if you are feeling stuck, steady, consistent effort adds up over time.
So, Should You Continue or Pivot?
It’s a personal decision. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and it depends on your situation. The key is not to let yourself stay stuck for too long. Take time to evaluate, refine your strategy, and listen to your instincts. If you’re still passionate about your business and it aligns with your long-term goals, keep pushing forward—but do it with a clear and focused plan.
If you find yourself consistently resisting change or no longer passionate about what you’re doing, it might be time to pivot. And remember, pivoting doesn’t mean failure. It’s simply evolving and growing as you learn more about yourself, your market, and your customers. In the end, the most important thing is to stay true to your vision and to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
If you are feeling stuck in your business, which of these tips resonates with you most? Let me know in the comment section or schedule a free 30-minute call with me if you’d like to chat about overcoming this hurdle. Let’s figure it out together! 💬
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