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Rangers need a "new momentum", says manager Danny Rohl after the "small setback" of Sunday's 2-1 loss at Tynecastle.
The German's first league defeat in nine outings leaves the Ibrox side 12 points adrift of the Premiership pacesetters with a game in hand.
However, Rohl is in no mood to give up on the title as we approach the halfway stage of the campaign.
"We looked at the seven games, which started with Hibs [on Monday] until the cup game [against Annan on 16 January] and we spoke about how we need a lot of points," he said.
"After the Hearts game, of course, the feeling is disappointment.
"But we have to go forward again. It's about us creating a new momentum, a new run.
"I think when you look back, I know football is not always easy, but if I asked you eight weeks ago if it is possible to have, at the end of December, a game where we can play again for maybe the title race? Then you would say, I'm not sure.
"It hurts so much at the moment that we had this small setback, but it's for us to start winning games again.
"There are still 20 games to go, and if you do this, then you have a chance."
Rohl revealed Rangers players will have Christmas Day off, explaining it would be the first week with four training sessions since he replaced Russell Martin in late October.
He pointed to a greater aggression from his players but stressed the need to improve in possession.
Having disclosed "emotions in the changing room were really down" at Tynecastle, Rohl insists spirits were lifted at a team meeting on Monday.
"I felt the players' confidence was back because it is my job to lift them, give them a clear message, and now our focus is on the next game," he said.
Rangers host Motherwell on Saturday hoping to leapfrog the visitors into third place.
The North Lanarkshire side are unbeaten in 10 league matches, winning six of those, and have not lost in their past three meetings with Rangers.
"We have more competitive teams this year that can always take points in other games," added Rohl. "If you do your job, I think this is helpful.
"It's about the result from the next game and we have to start on Saturday again.
"It's Christmas, let's try to create a good energy in the stadium. A togetherness. We have to deliver a proper fight. It's about us on the pitch, but also in the stands to bring this positive emotional level back."
John Souttar has returned to training but Rohl suggested Tuesday's meeting with St Mirren is a more likely comeback date for the Scotland defender.
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