Business ownership is not for the faint of heart. It’s a continual learning process and, these days, a continual reinvention process in which you’ve got to shift to respond to trends and technology. Lately, this has meant a shift toward AI-generated content, including visual content, but it’s not the only change in our world.
With the challenges we face as business owners, it can feel overwhelming sometimes. However, there are some tried and true ways to reduce overwhelm so you can keep your business moving in the right direction.
Focus On What’s Already Working
The world is full of shiny objects designed to draw our attention to the products and offerings people are selling. Getting caught up in the new, “quick” way to do something is so easy. However, if you’re continually pursuing the next course, PDF download, or coaching program without finishing your current work, you’ll become overwhelmed very quickly.
Instead, take some time to reassess what tools and skills are already at your fingertips. What’s already working? What could you spend a little more time on to get it working how you want it to? If you identify something that’s lacking, then purchase that course, PDF, or program. Otherwise, wait until you’ve cleared a few other things off your plate before saying yes to something else.
Remember What’s Important
What’s the guiding purpose in your business? What are you on the planet to do? When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time to sit down by yourself and remember what’s important. Journal this out if it’s helpful.
Remember, you started a business to accomplish something, not to just keep you busy and working overtime. Returning to that mission and vision will help you feel rejuvenated and less overwhelmed.
Ask for Help
Help comes in many forms. Sometimes what you really need is a listening ear from a trusted friend. Other times, you might need to hire a VA to help you accomplish some tasks. It’s ok to ask for help, and it’s a sign of strength to do so. Other forms of support may include getting your groceries delivered to your home or hiring a house cleaner to come every couple of weeks and assist with the bigger chores.
Being a member of a safe community – online or in person – is also a great idea. Business ownership can be isolating, and it can feel like you’re alone sometimes. In a community of like-minded business owners, you realize that we face the same challenges, and we’re all trying to create something better for ourselves and the world around us.
Find a Time Management Tool That Works for You
Not all time management tools are made alike. For example, some people prefer the Pomodoro Technique to break work segments into 25-minute blocks, with a 5-minute break between. Other people find calendar blocking and batching tasks together makes more sense for them.
However you decide to focus your attention, be sure to reserve time in your calendar for self-care, physical movement, healthcare appointments, and energy healing sessions. Part of being a business owner is taking care of yourself. After all, without you, the business doesn’t run!
