10 Journal Prompts for Small Business Owners Struggling to Stay Motivated

So far, January 2025 has been rough. I’ve seen zero sales. Not one. And honestly? I was ready to just give up. Since November, I’ve poured every ounce of energy into writing helpful blog posts, building real connections on social media, and doing everything I thought I was supposed to do. But sometimes, the bad thoughts creep in, and they tell me it’s not working, that I should quit.

This morning, I woke up feeling extra disappointed. The weight of it sat heavy on my chest, and for a moment, I just stared at the ceiling, wondering what I was even doing. Then, I thought—what could I do right now to shift my mindset? So, I grabbed my notebook and started writing. I listed everything about Journal Forest that has been positive, even if sales weren’t one of them. I wrote down what I still needed to do to reach that first sale. And somewhere in those scribbled words, I found a tiny spark of motivation again.

If you’ve ever felt like this—like you’re shouting into the void and getting nothing back—this is for you. Here are ten journal prompts to help you shift your perspective, find gratitude in your journey, and refocus on getting that first (or next) sale.

10 Journal Prompts for Small Business Owners

• What are three things you’ve accomplished in your business so far that you’re proud of?
  (Even if they seem small, they matter.)
  
  
• What made you start this business in the first place?
  (Reconnecting with your ‘why’ can reignite your passion.)
  
  
• List five people who have supported you in your business journey.
  (Customers, friends, family—who’s been in your corner?)
  
  
• What skills have you gained or improved since starting your business?
  (Even setbacks teach you something valuable.)
  
  
• What’s one piece of positive feedback you’ve received?
  (A kind comment, a compliment, anything that reminds you your work matters.)
  
  
• What’s one thing you can do today to put your business in front of the right people?
  (A social post? A personal email? A small step is still a step.)
  
  
• If money wasn’t a concern, how would you market your business?
  (Sometimes dreaming big sparks new, creative ideas.)
  
  
• What’s something about your business that you’ve been putting off but KNOW would help you grow?
  (Time to stop avoiding it!)
  
  
• Who is your dream customer, and where do they hang out online?
  (If you know where they are, you can find ways to reach them.)
  
  
• Write a letter to yourself six months from now.
  (Encourage your future self, remind them of why you started, and give them something to look back on when things get tough.)

Running a small business is hard. It’s full of highs and lows, and sometimes, the lows feel like they’ll never end. But if we keep showing up, keep learning, and keep pushing through, that first sale (and the next one) will come. I’m reminding myself of that today, and if you needed this reminder too, I hope it helps.

Now, go grab your notebook and start writing. Your next breakthrough might be waiting on the next page.