Entrepreneurs are expected to find the big things in business the most challenging. Building a company, hiring people, and reaching a target market are all difficult things to do. 

But it turns out that many of them come unstuck with the little things. These seem small on the surface, but they often hide much larger problems. 

The purpose of this post is to run through some of these. We look at the little things in business, why they’re challenging, and whether any solutions can help. 

Balancing Quality With Speed

One of the main problems entrepreneurs face is balancing the demand for quality with speed. Often, it is hard for new companies to ship products out the door in their finished, ready-to-use state. There’s a need for revenue, but without quality it can reflect poorly on the brand. 

The trick here is to focus on what many startups call the minimum viable product (MVP). It’s not a sexy idea, but it works in the majority of cases. Focusing on the essentials and then adding extra later is often the best approach. 

Financial Tracking

Entrepreneurs can also find it difficult to manage legal bookkeeping and forecast their likely financial performance. Many can’t keep track of their money, and often wind up spending it before they have anything productive to show for the investment. 

Again, the trick here is to work with professionals. You don’t have to hire them in-house: just work with them as and when you need them to provide detailed estimates of future performance. 

Financial tracking and forecasting is essential to avoid cash flow crunches. It’s also necessary if you want to take advantage of growth opportunities when they arise. 

Work-Life Balance

For some entrepreneurs, work is life. But many still require a balance. Working 15-hour days, seven days a week isn’t their idea of fun. 

However, many entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in a rut. Their businesses demand all their waking hours, and they can’t find space for anything else. 

Dealing with this problem can be tricky, which is one of the reasons it’s so common. Many entrepreneurs feel guilty taking time out. 

The most common solution is delegation. Finding competent people to do the work often pays for itself and doesn’t require additional management. The other option is to set aside time off (and let everyone know that’s what you’re doing).

Learning to Trust Your Own Instincts

Another surprisingly difficult hurdle is learning to trust your own judgment—especially when you’re surrounded by conflicting advice. In the early stages, it’s easy to second-guess every move or constantly seek validation from mentors, peers, or industry “rules.” But the most successful entrepreneurs often speak about the moment they learned to back their own decisions. Nick Kambitsis, an established business owner and entrepreneur, has emphasized the importance of self-trust in navigating uncertain markets. Confidence doesn’t mean recklessness—it means collecting information, weighing risks, and then moving forward with clarity, even if it goes against the grain.

Continuous Self-Motivation

Finding motivation at 5 am on a cold winter’s day can also be challenging for some entrepreneurs. Many don’t have the energy to do what they need to do to succeed.

The main problem is simply continuing to push through work, even in difficult times. Often, entrepreneurs just want to take a break. 

The trick to keeping going is to split up the work. Taking breaks during the day and allowing for fun can make long stints in the office easier to manage. 

The other tactic is to strategically take vacations. Spending time away from work when the business allows it can help reframe the project and help you focus more on your life.