It happens to everyone. You’ve been entering contests daily, following all the rules, checking your email religiously—and still, no wins. That exciting inbox buzz is gone, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s even worth it.
First, take a deep breath. Dry spells in sweepstakes happen to every sweeper. Even the most experienced, prize-winning pros go through weeks (or months) without a single win. The key isn’t avoiding a dry spell—it’s learning how to stay motivated through one.
Here’s how to keep the sweepstakes spark alive, even when your win streak goes quiet.
Remember: It’s a Game of Odds
Sweepstakes are a numbers game. The more people who enter, the lower your chances. And sometimes, despite entering smartly and often, luck just isn’t on your side.
Dry spells aren’t a sign that you’re doing anything wrong. They’re just part of the game. Knowing that helps you take the pressure off—and see the big picture.
Refocus on the Fun of It
When you’re only chasing wins, it’s easy to get discouraged when they don’t come. So switch your mindset: instead of focusing on the prize, focus on the process.
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Enjoy the hunt for new sweepstakes
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Appreciate the little moments of excitement when you hit “enter”
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Think of each contest as a lottery ticket you didn’t have to pay for
If you’re only in it for the wins, it gets stressful fast. But if you enjoy the journey, every day is a win—even without a prize.
Track Your Entries to See Progress
Sometimes it feels like you’ve entered everything with nothing to show for it. That’s where an entry log can help. Keeping track of:
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What you entered
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When you entered
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Which platforms work best for you
…can help you see patterns, track consistency, and prove to yourself that you are putting in the effort. Plus, when the wins come back around, you’ll have a great record to look back on.
Mix Up Your Entry Style
If you’ve been entering the same types of contests every day, it might be time to switch it up. Try something new to reignite your motivation:
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Enter local sweepstakes with fewer entries
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Look for Instagram giveaways from small creators
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Try a creative contest that requires a caption, photo, or story
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Focus on instant win games for quicker feedback
Sometimes changing your sweepstakes “diet” is just what you need to break out of a rut.
Set Effort-Based Goals Instead of Prize-Based Ones
When wins aren’t showing up, it’s easy to get discouraged. Instead of saying “I want to win something this week,” shift your focus to goals like:
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“I’ll enter 10 contests today”
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“I’ll spend 30 minutes sweeping this weekend”
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“I’ll find and try one new sweepstakes site”
These are goals you can actually control—and checking them off feels just as good as winning.
Celebrate Milestones Other Than Wins
Wins aren’t the only way to measure success. Hit pause and celebrate things like:
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Your 100th contest entry
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Discovering a cool new giveaway platform
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Your first creative entry submission
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The moment you start getting noticed in sweepstakes communities
These small victories help keep your energy high, even during dry spells.
Join the Sweepstakes Community
Talking to other sweepers can be a game-changer. You’ll learn that:
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Everyone has dry spells
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Wins come in waves
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You’re part of a bigger, supportive group
Join a sweepstakes Facebook group, Reddit thread, or Discord server. You’ll get access to new contests, shared wins that keep you inspired, and motivation from people who get it.
Take a Short Break If You Need To
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away for a few days. Take a breather from entries. Do something else you enjoy. Let yourself recharge.
Sweepstakes will still be here when you come back—and you might return with a fresh perspective and renewed motivation.
Revisit Your “Why”
Why did you start entering sweepstakes? For fun? For a shot at prizes? For the thrill of seeing your name on a winner’s list?
Whatever your “why” is, remind yourself of it. A dry spell is temporary, but your reasons for sweeping—those are what will carry you through.
Final Thoughts: The Next Win Is Coming
Yes, dry spells are frustrating. But they’re also temporary. Your next prize could already be making its way to your inbox or mailbox—you just don’t know it yet.
Stick with it. Stay positive. And most of all, don’t forget why you started. Because the truth is, one win can make up for a hundred misses—and it might be just one entry away.