Hey there, incredible you!
If you’re reading this because you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone.
The journey of building a business while striving for a balanced life can sometimes feel like you’re walking a tightrope, you're often juggling and wearing all the hats. Between creating content, meeting clients, building websites and being a mum, partner, friend…it's all a bit like bedlam!
If you’re struggling to find that sweet spot where your business thrives and you still have time for yourself, this is for you.
Here are four things you can start to implement straight away that can help to overcome overwhelm so you find the right balance and enjoy your successful business!
1. Embrace the Fear of Failure
You’re about to launch a new program you’ve poured your heart into, but the fear of it flopping keeps you up at night. More than that it literally stops you in your tracks, you dont post, you don't talk about it, you perfect all over it and change every detail. You worry about what happens if it doesn’t meet your expectations. "What if they realise it's a bag of pants?” “What if they do it, but don't like it, or don't get the results I set out to achieve?!” “What if no-one buys it?”
First of all, this is your anxiety and imposter talking, and you are not alone, almost every single entrepreneur thinks these things at some stage.
It’s a common feeling to be paralyzed by the fear of failure, but here is the thing. Failing is what gets you towards success so it’s important to remember that failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone.
Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Instead of seeing failure as a defeat, view it as a chance to learn and improve. When a project doesn’t go as planned, or a launch doesn't go as expected or your live doesn't quite go to plan. Take a step inward and analyse what happened, the steps you took and identify ways in which you can adjust your strategy for next time. Make a note of these so you know how to approach it next time. We are all learning, and failure is just one of the ways in which we learn and grow.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break your larger objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes your goals feel less intimidating and allows you to celebrate small victories along the way. For example, if you’re launching a new service, focus on completing one aspect of the launch each week. Outsource where you can and give yourself more space in your diary.
Build Resilience Through Reflection
Take time to reflect on past successes and how you overcame challenges. Keep a journal or a success log where you record your achievements and what you learned from difficult situations. This can boost your confidence and remind you of your capabilities. Also this helps to beat imposter as you can reference back to this when your mind monkeys creep in.
2. Strive for Work-Life Balance
We have all been there, working late into the night, over the weekend, sneaking off to your desk in hopes that the kids will leave you alone for 10 frikkin minutes (which, let's face it, they never do) so you can get that blog out of your head. You might feel like you're not present during family dinners, and then feeling guilty for not being ‘in the room’.
Then there's the weekly yoga sessions you planned to do but it's week 3 and you've remembered, there has been no yoga, your body is tight and you're feeling out of whack.
Babe, don't beat yourself up!
You are a normal human, running a business has its challenges. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle! But what you can do is recognise it and gently remind yourself of the things you can do to navigate this, such as:
Establish Clear Boundaries
Define specific work hours and stick to them (but also allow for guilt free wiggle room). Let clients know your availability and make it a point to disconnect from work outside these hours. Use tools like calendar blocking to schedule personal time just as you would work tasks. Heck even colour them in, I do and this helps me a lot!
Create a Routine That Includes Self-Care
Design a daily routine that balances work with self-care. I don't mean spa days of pampering facials every week, although that would be lush. I'm talking about simple, small things that you can do that will make a big difference. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day, even if these are 10 minutes to stretch or grab a cuppa and sit in a different room. Try to include activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, reading, listening to a podcast, or spending time with loved ones.
Use Tech to Your AdvantageOMG Tech these days is sooo good!! Use it!
Leverage technology to streamline your work processes. Use Chat GPT to help with batch creating copy. Get signed up with an automation tool for emails and schedule everything so you free up your time, and save your energy for being creative or resting
3. Tackle Overwhelm with Simple Solutions
Believe me I get it, your to-do list seems never-ending, and you feel like you’re constantly spinning your wheels. The more you try to juggle, the more overwhelmed you become, leading to stress and reduced productivity. Sound familiar? You likely need to streamline your services and offers, because, in my humble opinion, even when you only have one core offer to manage this still requires a lot of moving parts. So do yourself a kindness and focus on nailing one core offer and getting that all set up and bringing you income before adding to your repertoire!
Prioritise and Organise Tasks
Start by listing all your tasks and categorising them by priority. Focus on high-impact activities that drive your business forward. Use tools like Trello or Asana to create a visual workflow and keep track of your progress. This is great for teams too! If your ADHD like me then an organising tool can literally save your brain and keep you on track….ohh look…squirrel…! See, I know you know… ;)
Delegate and Outsource
Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to others like hiring a virtual assistant (VA) for admin tasks, or hiring a copy coach or marketing whizz. Working with a VA was the BEST decision I ever made, don't hesitate, do it as soon as you can. Make a list of tasks you’d like to offload and find suitable professionals to help. Also, think about the non business tasks like cleaning, online shopping, after school clubs?!
Set Realistic, Time-Bound Goals
Break larger projects into smaller, actionable steps and set deadlines for each. Instead of trying to complete a whole marketing campaign in one go, divide it into phases like market research, content creation, and promotion. If you look at it as a whole that is likely to overwhelm you and then you'll never get it done. Slow and steady wins the race, remember.
4. Find Support and Community
Business can be lonely, but it doesnt need to be. Get yourself connected with the right people, those ones who you feel are your tribe, and learn from others who have done what you want to do. Surround yourself with uplifters and empowered humans that inspire you, motivate you and become your business besties.
Join Entrepreneurial Communities
Seek out groups, forums, or networking events where you can connect with other female entrepreneurs. I'd stick to one or maybe two platforms so you're not expending too much energy and not spreading yourself too thin over multiple platforms.
Participate in Mastermind Groups
Consider joining or forming a mastermind group with other entrepreneurs. These groups provide a space to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and hold each other accountable. Look for groups that align with your business goals and values. You can literally do this with a few local business buddies or host an online one. When you are ready you can join a high ticket mastermind, I have done both and both serve well depending on your needs.
Building a sustainable business while avoiding burnout requires a mix of mindset shifts and practical strategies. Embrace your fears, create boundaries to achieve work-life balance, simplify your tasks, and seek out supportive communities. Remember, your well-being is integral to your business success. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
You’ve got this. Keep moving forward, take time for yourself, and celebrate each step along the way. Your journey is uniquely yours, and you’re more capable than you realize.