Resilience as an Entrepreneur: How the tough keep going when the going gets tough.

As I have said a few times this month, entrepreneurship often looks glamorous from the outside—shiny ideas, fancy business cards, and endless potential. But ask any seasoned entrepreneur, and they’ll tell you that behind every moment of success is a string of sleepless nights, unexpected setbacks, and times when walking away (after flipping the table) seems more appealing than pushing forward. That’s where resilience comes in. 

Resilience is the not-so-secret weapon of successful entrepreneurs. It keeps you moving when things aren’t going according to plan (which happens a lot!). But resilience isn’t just about gritting your teeth and powering through; it’s about knowing when to step back, reframe, and re-energize. So, how do you stay strong when the going gets tough? Here are some practical tools.

1. Reframe setbacks (aka look for silver linings)

   First, failure is part of the game. Entrepreneurs are incredibly adaptable, mainly because you must be. When an idea doesn’t work or a project goes off the rails, resilient entrepreneurs don’t see it as a dead end—they see it as a lesson.

   The key here is reframing. Instead of thinking, “This didn’t work, I’ve failed” (or other more colourful words), think, “Well, that didn’t go as planned – what can I learn from it?” Ask yourself:

         What went sideways?

         Is there anything I could have done differently? (with the knowledge I had at the time – remember, hindsight is 20/20)

        What can I take from this to the next iteration?

   Entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely (founder of Spanx) have openly spoken about how their greatest lessons came from their failures. It’s not about avoiding failure (ditch that idea because it isn’t possible) but embracing the lessons within it.

2. Lean on your circle

   Remember the scene in Rocky where he’s getting hammered, but the crowd is cheering him on to keep going? As an entrepreneur, your network is that crowd. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or fellow business owners, having a strong support system is crucial.  

   Sometimes, you need someone to remind you why you started or offer an outside perspective when you’re too close to the problem. Communities and local entrepreneur networks can be fantastic resources. Not only do they provide support, but they also offer advice, shared experiences, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the trenches.

    Note: Don’t just reach out to your network when things go wrong—nurture those relationships during the good times, too. Build a community before you need one.

   1. Break down big problems (aka eat your elephant one bite at a time)

      When everything feels overwhelming, do your best to simplify. Break down large, seemingly insurmountable problems into smaller, manageable “bites”. This approach can help reduce overwhelm and give you mini victories to celebrate (cue motivation theory).  

      Let’s say you’re launching a product, and everything feels out of control. Instead of focusing on the massive end goal (which may seem impossible in the moment), break it down:

            First, finalize the product prototype.

            Next, draft the marketing strategy.

            Then, focus on setting up a soft launch.

       By doing this, you’re creating momentum; even within these examples, you can break things down further. Small wins build confidence, and confidence builds resilience.

3. Take care of yourself (Yes. Really.)

   Neglecting self-care is easy when you’re in the thick of entrepreneurship. After all, when you’re putting out fires left and right, who has time for slow meals or sleep, right? Speaking from experience and having lived far too long off coffee and protein bars. But you are the engine driving your business; if that engine burns out, so does your business. 

   Physical activity, sleep, proper nutrition, and even just taking time to disconnect are all essential for keeping your mind and body in shape. Resilience isn’t just about mental toughness—it’s about physical and emotional wellness, too. When you’re feeling exhausted or burnt out, it’s impossible to think clearly, let alone make good business decisions.

   Take it from Arianna Huffington, who built a media empire and then literally crashed from burnout. She’s since become a vocal advocate for self-care as a key to business success. Schedule time for yourself the way you would schedule time for meetings. Your future self (and many others) will thank you.

4. Embrace the Pivot (PIVOT!)

   The ability to pivot is one of the most powerful tools in your resilience toolkit. Business isn’t static. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, and that’s okay. The best entrepreneurs are willing to adapt and pivot when necessary. 

   In tough moments when things aren’t working, ask yourself if it’s time to pivot. Staying resilient doesn’t mean stubbornly sticking to a plan that no longer works—it means being flexible enough to adapt when necessary.

Keep. Moving. Forward.

Resilience as an entrepreneur isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. It’s about understanding that tough moments are inevitable (and also temporary!). It is knowing you have the tools to get through them—reframing failure, leaning on your network, or breaking big problems into bite-sized chunks for small wins. Resilience is built on action, reflection, and self-care. 

In the end, entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. While the journey may be full of obstacles, the rewards are worth it—you either succeed or you learn, all while building something new.

Food for thought: What tools do you use to keep going when the going gets tough?

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a purpose-driven business, I’d love to help. At Pharo Consulting, we work with entrepreneurs to develop strategies that go beyond the basics and create lasting impact. Let’s connect and start building something meaningful!