Overwhelm is the worst, but we all feel it sometimes
Running a business is exciting, but it can also be a lot. Overwhelm, procrastination, avoidance… they all go hand in hand. I know because I’ve been there. That moment when the to-do list feels so massive that your brain just says, nope, and suddenly scrolling Instagram or reorganising your wardrobe seems way more important.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let overwhelm win. I’ve found a few simple strategies that have helped me take control, and I want to share them with you.
Baby steps
When I first set up my business, everything felt like one big, terrifying, abstract thing. I couldn’t break it down into manageable chunks, so naturally, I wanted to run away from it.
Trying to do everything at once is a recipe for disaster. Instead, break things down. Start with one thing. Just one. Prioritise, focus, and chip away at it. The sense of accomplishment from ticking even the smallest task off the list is addictive—your brain rewards you with dopamine, and suddenly, the next task feels easier.
For me, letting go of the idea that I had to do everything right now was a game-changer. No one builds a business in a day, so why did I think I should be able to? Once I accepted that small steps were still progress, I started celebrating every little win. The big, scary thing got smaller and smaller until it wasn’t scary anymore.
You don’t have to do it alone
Even when you break things down, sometimes just getting started feels impossible. That’s when asking for help makes all the difference.
There’s this weird myth that business owners have to do everything themselves. But honestly? Getting support is one of the smartest things you can do. Whether it’s outsourcing tasks you’re not great at, hiring a mentor, or simply leaning on a community of like-minded business owners, there’s power in collaboration.
For me, working with a mentor and surrounding myself with a community of designers helped me gain clarity on my business. When I didn’t have the knowledge to move forward, I invested in courses to learn what I needed. And when it came to my website, I hired a copywriter because writing isn’t my thing. That freed me up to focus on what is my thing—design.
Getting outside help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re serious about your business. Plus, fresh perspectives and extra hands can make the work easier, more fun, and way more effective.
Look after yourself
When things get overwhelming, self-care is usually the first thing to go. But if you’re running on empty, everything feels harder.
You are the heart of your business, which means taking care of you is just as important as taking care of your brand. Find ways to recharge—whether that’s going for a walk, watching your favourite trash TV, or just taking a breather with a cup of tea. And when you hit a milestone (big or small), celebrate it. Rewarding yourself for progress keeps you motivated to keep going.
Embrace the fear
Here’s the truth: overwhelm doesn’t magically disappear. Even now, I still feel it a lot!
That moment of panic when I realise I haven’t posted on social media for weeks. The absolute dread of staring at a blank page when I need to write a blog post. The creeping feeling that maybe I should just go back to bed instead.
But you know what? Sometimes, stepping back is the right move. Hiding under the duvet for a bit is fine—as long as you don’t stay there forever. Because deep down, you can do this.
This is my third blog post, and if you’d told me a year ago that I’d be writing and actually enjoying it, I wouldn’t have believed you. I still cringe at my own work sometimes, but that’s part of the process. If you’re not cringing, you’re not improving.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. Break things down. Ask for help. Look after yourself. And know that every small step forward is still a step towards something bigger.
You’ve got this. And if you want me to take the load of brand design off your plate, check out my packages.
Until next time, Laura x