How to deal with overwhelm in your business

How to stop feeling overwhelmed in your business

You’ve probably realized it by now – being a highly ambitious woman entrepreneur or just a business owner really comes with its own sets of challenges. One of them that I’ve come to know so well – and I know you do too if you’ve clicked on this blog post – is the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Whether you are just starting out on your entrepreneurship journey, or you’ve been at it for a while, it feels like this topic never ceases to be relevant for us. And I promise, you are not alone in this

That feeling usually materializes as a sense of having too much to do and not enough time, or sometimes it feels like there’s a lot to be done but you just don’t want to do anything and pretty much dread the work ahead.

Identifying the Root Cause

There may be different reasons why you are feeling this way. Some of them may be because you just have too many things on your plate and not enough support. Others may be because you have excessive expectations on yourself that force you to always be pushing for more. Whatever the reason, it’s important to take some time to do a quick self-assessment and figure out why this feeling is presenting itself to you (again). Ask yourself :

when have I felt like this before ?
what about this situation specifically is making me feel this way ?
If i was to drop this, would I feel better ?

Embrace Grace and Compassion

Once you pinpoint the reason for that feeling, find it in yourself to have some grace and compassion for all that you are doing. Being your own cheerleader can make a significant difference in how you perceive and handle overwhelm.

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Step 1

Simplify and Slow Down

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Embrace imperfection and focus on moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and celebrate each small accomplishment along the way.
Sometimes all you need is to slow down long enough to realize what is going on. Assess tasks to see if they are actual requirements or self-imposed. “Do I really need to do all of this? Or am I just putting unnecessary pressure on myself?, Delegate, downsize, or delete tasks to free up time and mental space. for example internal projects
Consider adopting the “one thing at a time” mentality. Multitasking often leads to increased stress and decreased productivity. And I am guilty of that. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.

Step 2

Clarify Your Direction

Lack of clarity and direction can exacerbate overwhelm. Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and where you envision your business in the future.
Review your vision and mission at both project and business levels. Are your current tasks and activities aligned with these overarching goals? Adjust as necessary to ensure alignment.
Remember why you started and be open to pivoting if necessary. Your happiness and fulfillment should guide your business direction. Don’t be afraid to course-correct if your current path isn’t serving you or your business goals.

Step 3

Set Up Systems

Offload work through delegation or automation. You don’t have to do it all alone just because you’re a solopreneur. Identify tasks that can be outsourced or automated to free up your time for more high-impact activities. Meaning tasks that are repetitive or need to be done in specific way everytime like onboarding clients, offboarding,
Develop systems and processes to streamline your workflow. Documenting procedures and creating templates can save time and reduce decision fatigue.
Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Use tools like Eisenhower’s Urgent/Important matrix to categorize tasks and focus on those that align with your goals and priorities.

Step 4

Establish Boundaries

Carve out time for yourself and maintain strict work hours, even as your own boss. Boundaries are crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining work-life balance.
Set clear boundaries with clients, vendors, and colleagues regarding communication and availability. Designate specific times for responding to emails and calls to avoid constant interruptions.
But also set boundaries with yourself, rest, spend time with friends and fam. I know we all want to succeed but these memories are the real reason we strive to be so successful so let’s not forget about them for excuse that we have to build our business
Practice self-care rituals to recharge and rejuvenate. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day and make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so prioritize self-care to sustain your productivity and well-being.