Hey there! I wanted to share with you my personal journey of overcoming overwhelm, procrastination, and avoidance (because those three things definitely go hand-in-hand), when setting up and managing my business. As a fellow business owner, I know exactly how it feels when that wave of stress crashes over you, leaving you desperately wanting to crawl back into bed and hide from the world. But fear not, because I’m sharing some effective strategies that have helped me regain control and tackle overwhelm head-on. So, let’s dive right in!
Baby steps
First things first, taking things one step at a time is a game-changer. This may sound obvious, but when I was setting up my business I couldn’t break that task down into manageable chunks, it was one, massive, abstract entity that scared the sh*t out of me. Naturally, I wanted to avoid it and run away. When faced with a mountain of tasks and responsibilities, it’s easy to become paralysed by the sheer magnitude of it all. But let me tell you a secret: trying to do everything at once is a recipe for disaster. Instead, break down your to-do list into smaller, more manageable tasks. Prioritise what’s most important and start with just one thing. Focusing on one task at a time allows you to give it your undivided attention and complete it with greater efficiency. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after ticking off that first item will give you the momentum to tackle the next one. Once I let go of the idea that I wasn’t doing enough, and realised I can’t set up my business in one day.. who can? I learned to be less hard on myself and celebrate every tiny success. The big abstract entity of my business scared me, so I would avoid it and run away from it as best I could, who needs that negativity in their life? But when I chipped away at it gradually, I felt a sense of accomplishment and achievement, my brain rewarded me with dopamine and I kept coming back for more! Just showing up, even when I didn’t want to, was enough. And the big scary entity got smaller and smaller until it wasn’t so scary anymore.
You don’t have to do it alone
But, I know there are times when even the thought of taking that first step seems overwhelming in itself. This is where asking for help comes into play. As business owners, we often fall into the trap of believing we have to do everything on our own. But the truth is, there are professionals out there who excel in areas where we may struggle. Hiring a professional can provide the expertise and support needed to alleviate overwhelm and free up your time for more strategic tasks. Whether it’s delegating administrative work to a virtual assistant, seeking guidance from a business coach, or outsourcing complex projects to a specialist, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Recognising your limitations and seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Plus, having a fresh perspective and additional hands on deck can often lead to better outcomes and increased productivity.
Personally, I’ve benefitted massively by enlisting the help of professionals. I’ve worked with a mentor and a fantastic community of designers who helped me understand my business and my process. When I felt I didn’t have the knowledge I needed to progress I enrolled in courses and taught myself new skills. I hired a copywriter to get large chunks of copy written for my website. I’m not a writer so outsourcing enabled me to focus on things I am an expert in. I can’t stress enough how empowering it is to reach out and collaborate with others. Each person you encounter brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table. Together, you can accomplish far more than you ever could on your own. So, if you find yourself grappling with a challenge that seems insurmountable, remember that there’s a whole world of professionals out there ready to support and guide you.
Look after yourself
In addition to breaking tasks down and seeking help, it’s important to prioritise self-care. When overwhelmed, we often neglect our well-being, pushing ourselves to the brink of burnout. Remember, you are the heart and soul of your business, and taking care of yourself should be a non-negotiable priority. Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. Giving yourself permission to recharge will not only enhance your well-being but also equip you with the energy and resilience needed to face challenges head-on. And don’t forget to reward yourself for every little achievement, you deserve it!
Embrace the fear
Honestly though, overwhelm is something that doesn’t really go away, and I have to admit I still get it.. a lot. Complete panic at that task that I’ve been putting off for ages…. I’ve not updated my socials!! What do I post?… How do I even write a blog post??! And those moments are when climbing back under the duvet gets more and more appealing.
But you know what? Sometimes taking a step back and seeking refuge under that duvet is exactly what I need. It’s okay to acknowledge those moments of overwhelm and give ourselves permission to recharge. Deep down, I know that I have the power to conquer those challenges. This is my third blog post, and despite the initial doubts and uncertainties, I’m having fun writing it. Believe me if you told me a year ago I’d be blogging and enjoying it, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yeah, I still find it cringe, but if you aren’t cringing, you aren’t improving! I’m feeling the fear and putting myself out there anyway.
In the end, it’s all about finding that balance between self-care and pushing through. When overwhelm knocks on my door, I’ll take a moment to retreat under the duvet, recharge, and gather my strength. Then, armed with newfound energy, I’ll rise to the occasion and conquer whatever lies ahead. After all, the thrill of accomplishment and the joy of stepping out of my comfort zone are what make this business journey worthwhile.
So, the next time you find yourself drowning in overwhelm, remember that you have the power to conquer it. Take a deep breath, break things down into manageable chunks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your business and your sanity will thank you. Embrace the journey, my friend, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step closer to success.
Now, go out there and tackle that overwhelm like the superstar entrepreneur that you are!
Until next time, Laura x