Skip to Content

How to Stay Motivated When You’re Failing

August 8, 2025 by
MUHAMMAD FAIZAN SAJID

Why Is It So Hard to Stay Motivated When You are Failing?

It is hard because it shakes your confidence, drowns your enthusiasm, and makes you question everything. Most people give up when they hit a wall—not because they lack talent, but because they lose the will to continue.

You might be asking yourself:

  • “What’s the point of trying?”
  • “Am I even capable of this?”
  • “Why do I keep falling behind?”

These questions don’t make you weak. They make you human.

But what separates the ones who win from the ones who quit is simple: the ability to keep showing up when nothing is working.

What Are You Doing Wrong When You’re Struggling to Stay Motivated?

Many people respond to failure with the wrong strategies:

  • They start comparing their journey to others.
  • They binge-watch "motivational videos" but take no real action.
  • They swing between overworking and burning out.

And worst of all…

They label themselves as failures too early — not realizing that failure is a phase, not a verdict.

So, What’s the Real Solution to Staying Motivated in Tough Times?

Here’s a 5-step system that works even when your world is falling apart:

1. Rewire Your Definition of Failure

Instead of seeing failure as a sign to quit, see it as a sign you’re in the game. No one fails at something they never attempted.

 Mindset Shift: You’re not failing—you’re learning at full speed.

2. Create a “Progress Log,” Not a To-Do List

A daily habit tracker helps you see your effort even when the results don’t show.

Try this:

  • List 3 small tasks daily (e.g., 1 page of reading, 10-minute walk).
  • At the end of the day, tick what you did, no matter how small.

 Download a Free Habit Tracker PDF : [DOWNLOAD NOW]

3. Focus on the Next Action — Not the Final Goal

Break your goal into steps so tiny they feel too easy to fail.

Examples:

  • Want to study better? Start by reviewing one flashcard.
  • Want to get fit? Start with five push-ups.

This builds momentum — and motivation feeds on momentum.

4. Surround Yourself With Consistent People

Motivation is contagious. Being around people who show up daily will inspire you to do the same, even when you’re down.

Join:

  • Free WhatsApp Study Communities
  • Accountability groups
  • Discord focus rooms

[You can start by joining me on INSTAGRAM — JOIN Here]

5. Rewrite the Story You’re Telling Yourself

If your self-talk is filled with “I always mess up” or “I’m not good enough,” you’ll prove it true.

Rewrite your story daily:

  • “I’m learning.”
  • “I haven’t figured it out yet.”
  • “This failure is temporary.”

Your thoughts shape your actions. Protect them like your life depends on it—because it does.

Let Me Give You an Example:

When I scored less marks during my MDCAT preparation, I felt completely destroyed.

But instead of giving up, I started:

  •  to do practice MCQs extensively  
  • Reviewing my mistakes daily.
  • Talking to people who had cracked MDCAT 

What happened?

I didn’t just pass—I ranked in the top 10%.

Still Doubting Yourself? Let’s Tackle Your Objections

“But I’ve failed so many times.”

That just means you’ve collected more data. You’re closer than you think.

“I don’t have motivation at all.”

Start with discipline. Motivation will follow action.

“What if I fail again?”

Then you try again. Every master was once a disaster.

Conclusion: It’s Not About Never Failing — It’s About Never Quitting

Failure isn't your enemy—quitting is.

The most successful people in the world aren’t the smartest or the most talented.

They’re the ones who showed up when it hurt the most.

You can be that person too.

Want More Tools Like This?

Join my free newsletter Productivity Scholar — where I share zero-fluff, high-impact strategies for students and young achievers.

[Subscribe Here]

Frequently asked questions


Yes. It’s a natural response. But staying there is a choice.

Start with a daily tracker, gratitude journaling, and small wins.

Absolutely. Every failure gives you feedback. Use it as fuel, not as a label.

Enjoyed this Article ?

Click on a star to Rate it.

Rating