Starting Over: How to Build Momentum and Stay Motivated During Change
- Fearless Pursuit
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Starting Over?
It's never easy. Whether you’re pivoting your career, launching a business, or bouncing back from a setback, change can feel overwhelming, even paralysing at times. The silver lining? It’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to redefine your goals, rebuild with purpose, and create a life that aligns with who you truly are.
This guide will help you navigate the challenges of starting over with practical strategies to regain focus, maintain motivation, and build momentum for the future. If you’ve found yourself at a crossroads, this is for you.
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Define Your New Vision
What does “success” look like now?
Before you can move forward, you need a clear idea of where you’re heading. Defining your vision means asking yourself tough but important questions:
What do you want to achieve?
Why does it matter to you?
How will this change improve your life or career?
Take your time reflecting on these questions. Write them down, make a vision board, or map them out in a way that resonates with you. The key is clarity. When you know what you’re working towards, it becomes easier to stay focused, even when the road gets bumpy.
Example :
When starting over after leaving a stable management role, I didn’t know what I wanted, just that I needed change. Without a clear goal, my early efforts were scattered. Only when I sat down and defined my vision; a purpose built around creativity and impact, my path (and motivation) began to crystallise.
Break It Down
Take it one step at a time
Big changes can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes the process manageable. A detailed plan with achievable milestones helps you stay on track.
Set SMART goals:
We've said it before and we'll say it again. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, if you’re starting a new business, “Create a website by March 15th” is clearer and more actionable than “Build an online presence.”
Prioritise tasks:
Not all steps are equally urgent. Focus on what will move the needle first, whether that’s gaining new skills, networking, finances or knocking out logistical tasks.
Track your progress:
I’m old school, a trusty notebook and handwritten lists work wonders for me. Writing down what I’ve achieved and what’s next helps me stay on track, and there’s something so satisfying about crossing off tasks as I go!
Pro tip:
Momentum comes from action. Even a small victory, like sending that first cold email or attending one networking event (with an actionable approach) can propel you forward.
Build a Support System
Choose your people wisely
You don’t have to go through this alone. The right support system can give you guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during times of uncertainty. But not all support is created equal.
Surround yourself with people who:
Believe in your vision
Offer honest feedback
Share your values and aspirations
This might mean turning to friends, family, or colleagues, but also consider expanding beyond your current circle. Mentors, coaches, and professional networks often bring fresh perspectives and valuable advice.
Real talk:
Remember to stay alert, trust your instincts and exercise appropriate caution. Why? The wrong crowd or partnerships can either make or break your progress.
When I stepped into the unknown world of business, I was naïve and vulnerable. I learned (sometimes the hard way) that not everyone’s advice is helpful. Surrounding myself with people who truly understood my goals, made a world of difference and saved me from a few rookie mistakes.
Celebrate Small Wins
Keep the momentum alive
Starting over means playing the long game, and it’s easy to lose steam along the way. That’s why celebrating small wins is so important, it keeps you motivated and reminds you how far you’ve come.
Finished an online course? Treat yourself to your favourite coffee.
Got through a tricky week? Take a night off to relax with friends (or alone), we listen and we don't judge.
Landed your first client? Reflect on that milestone and give yourself the credit you deserve.
Why this matters:
Acknowledging progress in the smallest way, trains your brain to associate effort with reward. Over time, this builds resilience and keeps you motivated for the bigger wins ahead.
Stay Flexible and Adapt
Change is the only constant
No matter how rock-solid your plan is, life will throw curveballs. The key is to stay flexible. Challenges aren’t roadblocks. Unfortunately, they’re part of the process.
Here’s how to stay adaptable:
Expect the unexpected:
Whether it’s a financial hiccup or a change in market trends, anticipate the possibility of setbacks. This mindset makes them less intimidating when they come.
Reframe failure:
Mistakes don’t define you - they teach you. Each misstep is a lesson in what doesn’t work, which brings you closer to what does.
Adjust your plan:
If one path isn’t working, find another. Staying open to new ideas and strategies can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
My lesson:
When I left a stable role for what I thought was the opportunity of a lifetime, I underestimated how much I didn’t know. Business didn’t come naturally at first, and I made mistakes. But every challenge reshaped my approach and gave me the grit to go forward, smarter and stronger.
Change Brings Opportunity
Starting over is nothing short of courageous. It’s an acknowledgment that where you were isn’t where you’re meant to stay. While it might feel daunting now, it’s also a chance to rebuild with experience, purpose, and passion.
If you’re taking that leap, keep this in mind:
Have a vision and make it clear.
Take small, consistent steps every day.
Surround yourself with the right people.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Stay resilient, adaptable, and open to new opportunities.
Your story isn’t over, it’s just getting started. Shift your mindset from one of fear to one of possibility. After all, every great comeback begins with someone brave enough to start again.
Need help navigating your next chapter?
We at Fearless Pursuit are here to support you every step of the way.
From building momentum to redefining your goals, you’ve got this; and we’ve got your back.
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