Some days, motivation feels miles away.

And as the founder, that’s a problem — because your energy sets the tone for the whole company. I see this all the time in coaching sessions with entrepreneurs:

☕ You wake up already feeling behind.
📈 The pressure to grow weighs on you.
🧠 You can’t motivate the team if you feel off.
It’s not a lack of ambition.
It’s just... you’re tired.
Or overwhelmed.
Or both.

So, how do you get your drive back when you’re not feeling it?
There’s a simple framework I share with clients that really helps: VITALS — a reminder that motivation is not magic, it’s managed.

Here’s how it works:
✅ V – Validate your feelings It’s okay to admit “I’m not on today.” Fighting it only drains you more.
✅ I – Imagine success Close your eyes and visualize finishing that task, leading that meeting, hitting that goal. Let your brain experience the win first.
✅ T – Take small steps Don’t tackle the whole mountain. Just lace up your shoes. Start with the smallest possible action.
✅ A – Applaud yourself Reward tiny wins. Motivation grows when you feel progress. ✅ L – Limit distractions Turn off Slack. Mute your phone. Create space to focus again.
✅ S – Set SMART goals Be specific, realistic, and intentional — your brain needs clarity to stay engaged.

Bonus tip I give my founder clients: “Your team watches your vibe more than your vision.” If you’re flat, they feel it. If you find your spark, they mirror it. If you want to sustain that spark, you must take care of your own vitals—not just chase outcomes.