Ever had that morning where you stare at your to-do list and think, “Is this all there is?” If so, welcome to your Peggy Lee moment. Named after Ms. Lee’s hauntingly relatable song, this is the gut-check reaction when your work feels hollow, monotonous, or, frankly, soul-crushing. Whether you’re a seasoned serial entrepreneur, a small business owner just navigating your first year, or someone stuck in a glamorous work position that isn’t feeling so magical, know that you’re not alone in this mental state.
This post isn’t for the faint of heart (or the perfectly content). Instead, it’s for business leaders and dream chasers who know they’re capable of achieving more but can’t seem to find that elusive spark. Together, we’ll unpack why your heart isn’t in it, explore actionable strategies to reignite your passion, and tap into the lessons from my personal pivot that turned my labor of love into a better life.
Get ready to flip the script—your next big win is just a small step away.
The Peggy Lee Moment and Why It’s Okay
“Is that all there is?” This melancholic refrain captures what psychologist Gilbert Brim described as a moment of manageable difficulty—not too hard, but just hard enough to frustrate. Attaining success sometimes feels like climbing a ladder only to realize it’s propped against the wrong wall.
A recent study reveals that nearly one-third of people feel disengaged at work. For entrepreneurs especially, this moment can feel even heavier. Logging long hours, juggling cash flow issues, and managing areas of life like family and professional obligations can stretch anyone too thin. “Why am I even doing this?” becomes a valid, albeit tough, question.
But here’s the rub—a Peggy Lee moment doesn’t mean you should quit. It means you need to pause, reflect, and realign. Humans experience peak motivation not through endless victories but a perfect blend of hard work, setbacks, and enough victories to stay energized. It’s time to recalibrate your focus.
Want more? Check out more tips and motivation here!
Why Your Heart Isn’t in It (and That’s Okay)
Identifying the root cause behind your lack of motivation is the first step. Here are common reasons:
Routine Fatigue
Imagine being a hamster on the business world’s wheel—day in, day out, it’s the same daily routines. Monotony can dull even the brightest ambitions. Steve Martin’s wonderful autobiography captures this sentiment when he describes Martin’s comedy career becoming formulaic rather than exploratory.
Loss of Purpose
Purpose fuels passion, but what if your purpose has shifted? Psychologist Jonathan Haidt explains that fulfillment is tied to intrinsic motivation, often rooted in meaningful work. Without a connection to your “why,” even successful business ventures can falter.
External Challenges
Small business owners deal with some tough times, and external factors don’t help. Micromanagement (hello, bad bosses), customer complaints, or a shrinking customer base can kill vibes faster than an outdated labor law.
Changing Passions
You might have adored building a business around your ten-year-old boy’s favorite toys, but now you’re debating whether it’s time to pivot. Interests evolve—it’s natural.
Mental Health and Burnout
Your brain isn’t wired for nonstop hustle. If unaddressed mental well-being suffers, so does your business. Poor mental health clouds motivation and productivity in daily tasks, turning even small victories into monumental challenges.
There’s good news, though. A new perspective can turn this story into one of growth.
6 Ways to Reignite Passion for Your Work
What to do when your spark dims? Try these practical approaches to restore excitement in your business or career.
1. Reconnect with Your “Why”
The most important thing is to clarify your purpose. Is your work a job, career, or calling? Are you aiming for personal growth, financial freedom, or community impact?
Craft a personal mission statement, then design an action plan tied to clear goals. Anchor decisions around your “why,” and the murkiness will begin to fade.
Pro Tip: Download my free “9 Essential Questions” worksheet to see if you are ready to take the first step to Escape the 9 to 5.
9 Essential Questions to Ask2. Redesign Your Work Life
Sometimes the best work comes from reshaping your role. Hate bookkeeping? Outsource it to Fiverr. Find merchandising thrilling? Double down on it.
Small business owners often feel chained to everything, but delegation allows you to focus on your strengths.
Developing your work area—whether a home office, a bustling shopfront, or even a writer’s corner—can help spark creativity and productivity.
3. Find Joy Outside Work
Hobbies aren’t frivolous—they’re lifelines. Building LEGOs like a ten-year-old boy, trying your hand at photography, or exploring sculpture can put you into a state of peak performance (where focus narrows and stress vanishes).
Professional tennis players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams know the importance of balancing serious matches with leisure—take a leaf out of their playbooks.
4. Create a Vision Board
Future-driven visuals set you on track for where you want to be. Pin inspirational quotes, pictures of your dream home office, or even a dream vacation setup. Tack it where you’ll see it daily; it’s a great way to remind yourself why you’re pushing forward.
5. Lean on Like-Minded Individuals
Build a support system of fellow entrepreneurs or join a Facebook group aligned with your business niche. Surrounding yourself with others who understand your struggles can reignite your motivation.
Consider working with a business mentor or business coach to shed light on areas you need perspective.
6. Don’t Fear Change
Starting a new project, introducing a new product, or even pivoting entirely can be nerve-wracking. But remember, some of the best parts of life come after years of work perfecting the art of letting go.
Sure, the first year of a startup business owner introducing change is daunting, but it’s also a great way to learn and grow.
Small steps matter—your dream isn’t meant to stay static.
Michele’s Pivot and “From 9 to Thrive”
Speaking of finding your “why,” here’s my personal story. For years, I operated FlipFlopGypsy, publishing blog posts, juggling social media, and chasing annual revenue highs. It was fun—but my heart wasn’t in it anymore. My human brain was itching for something different.
Launching From9ToThrive became a new personal mission and mental state reset. Guiding small business owners through the early stages of creating fulfilling ventures fueled by a perfect blend of passion and profit has become my life’s work.
Building this community has shown me the power of aligning work with purpose. If I can pivot, so can you.
What’s Your “Why”? Take the First Step Today
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you need to shift gears. Recognize your Peggy Lee moment for what it is—a redirect toward a purpose-driven, happy path.
Clarity begins by asking the right questions. Download my free “9 Essential Questions to Plan Your Escape” worksheet and regain control of your vision.
9 Essential Questions to AskRemember, even Steve Martin started out in Disney’s Magic Shop, and now he’s a best-selling author, regular guest, and master of multiple areas of life.
Keep thriving—you’ve got this!