Blog Post 9: Overwhelm: When you don’t know what to do next.
Blog 9 in our series on women setting goals
The overwhelm hits before you've even begun,
You’re staring at the screen (or ceiling), not sure whether to register a business name, call the accountant, or fold the laundry and hope this feeling will sort itself out. You care deeply, but everything is unfolding faster than your body and mind can manage it. You want to go to bed and pull the sheets over your head.
Overwhelm is Real and You’re Not Alone
The dictionary tells us that, ‘Overwhelm is an extreme level of stress that can make you feel unable to function.’
It’s so familiar, the to-do list is too long. Your energy is low. Everyone else seems to have it all together.
Why do so many women in business feel this way?
In business, being your own boss is great, but sometimes it can weigh you down with stress, anxiety and financial pressures, causing that feeling of overwhelm.
It’s layered. Many women are running the show on their own, juggling clients, marketing, finances, family, maybe even a part-time job. Then there's the emotional labour: keeping everyone else afloat while quietly wondering if your own dream is even viable.
And perfection? That expectation is heavy. Social media doesn’t help either, all those shiny happy brands and ‘six-figure launch’ posts can make it look like everyone else has cracked the code. In real life. In reality, most of us are building slowly and imperfectly, often at the kitchen table after dinner.
The good news is that clarity comes with action and even small action steps will help.
What Helps When You’re Overwhelmed
Let’s break it down.
Start Where You Are:
Not where you think you should be. Not where your friend or that woman on Instagram is. Just here. Now.
What’s the smallest step you can take today?
· Jot down a business name idea
· Send one email
· Watch a 5-minute tutorial
Free Writing Get a pen and paper and write down all the ideas and thoughts looping around in your mind. They don’t need to make sense or be perfect grammar, they only need to be out. Do this for 1 minute or for 20 minutes, whatever you can do. You will feel better, and things will look different once they’re out on paper.
Break It Down to Break Through
Chunk your ideas, goals and half-finished projects into snack-sized actions. My friend Jodie is an organizational guru. Whenever I’m in ‘admin overwhelm ‘(every other day), she encourages me to put papers, dockets, bills, mail, books etc. in piles of, ‘like’ items. Sort one pile at time when you can, in order of priority. It helps a lot.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
Nobody starts as an expert. That messy, unsure, awkward part? That’s not failure. That’s learning. And it’s completely normal. Take that pressure off yourself to get it right.
4. Find Role Models and Mentors
Look for women who’ve done something like what you’re dreaming of, to remind yourself: that it’s possible.
Check out local business groups, podcasts, online communities, or books. You’ll feel less alone, and more inspired.
Read some stories from my book: Voices of Entrepreneurial Women. https://kirstennixon.com/voices-of-entrepreneurial-women 5. Ask for help/Delegate
Ask for help with household jobs from family and friends. Delegate what you can. Make things easy for yourself. You can’t do everything at once. If you’re struggling, choose the thing that gives you the greatest return on your time/energy investment. If income is your priority, maybe choose that phone call to the accountant. If your priority is to finish your book chapter, maybe choose some writing time. You choose.
Sustainable businesses aren’t built overnight; they’re built over time.
Rest
It seems counterintuitive, but if you can do ‘nothing’ your body will thank you. Can you go for a walk in nature? Walk the dog or have a bath? Choose whatever feels soothing and compassionate for you. Perhaps listen to a Wellbeing App like Headspace or Smiling Mind.
If things are not good, consider seeing a health professional. Seeking support is a sign of strength. You're not alone, and help is available to navigate the challenges of running a small business.
Please comment below if you have any suggestions.
Until next time,
