Let me share some beautiful, hard working women entrepreneurs’ recent comments on overwhelm lately.
– I need help with all of the stuff I’m no good at otherwise I just end up throwing in the towel.
– I have so much to do I don’t know where to start
– …..this turns into late nights, crap eating and it all feels too much
– it takes 3 times as long to do one thing, and it stops me from being relaxed, heart-centred and intuitive
– I get a neck ache and headache
– someone will casually as ‘how are you?’ and suddenly I’m teary and realising that I’m not OK.
Compiling this small collection of responses really fired me up.
Overwhelm impacts everyone. We all deal with it differently, but if people are feeling like this all of the time, then I’m taking a stand and doing what ever I can to support them! #nomoreburnout
Every day female entrepreneurs face giving up, lack of sleep – through stress and worry and poor food choices – both impacting on our energy, focus, ability to stay positive and resilient.
We (because I’m including myself in this) stop paying attention, feel physical pain, and emotional heartache.
It’s a tough gig! Can you see why I feel so strongly about it?
What happens when you feel overwhelmed?
The other things that usually happens when you feel overwhelmed is this………….
nothing.
Procrastination, avoidance, checking Facebook, checking emails….are all things that happen more often than not when you’re feeling overwhelmed. For many, it’s the ‘I don’t know where to start,’ part that is overwhelming, so they don’t start at all.
Other people spend a lot of time thinking (and researching – my hand is up!), which is great, but it means there’s not actually any progress being made.
Surprisingly, taking action is not as easy as it sounds. Most people have trouble moving forward at some point, but here’s the thing:
– when you take action you know if you’re moving in the right direction, or the wrong one, and you can adjust
– when you take action, you get to practice at something you’re still learning about
– when you take action, you make progress towards your goal
– when you take action, you bring momentum with you
– when you get help, you save time and make progress
The Real Cost of Overwhelm
When you DON’T take action, and sit in the comfort zone of checking Facebook/ cleaning (for some!) / or trying to work it out yourself even though it takes a huge chunk of time – it’s costing you anyway.
I’ve already listed some of the costs (head aches, lack of sleep, not being present, poor diet), but here are some other ways feeling overwhelmed can cut deep:
Business Growth: if there’s no action or progress, there’s less clarity in the message, less connections with people, less conversions into clients, less money
Confidence: If there’s less money, there’s more stress, more hesitation, more comparisons, higher expectations. All of that positive mindset work can come crashing down, the negative voices become more believable, all chipping away at the confidence
Relationships: Obviously, all of this impacts on the people we love the most
Solo entrepreneurs try so hard to build a business, learn so much and do everything, and to feel like this all of the time too is heart-wrenching. I know – I’ve been there, and I’ll probably be there again. It’s a part of the ride.
I’ve been in that horrible downward spiral, and it takes a huge amount of effort and energy and time to build up. I’ve built myself up over and over again, and I get better at reading the signs. One thing I know for sure – taking action is far more powerful than procrastinating and going around in circles.
Consider where you’re stuck and overwhelmed, and what it’s costing you – today, this week, overall.
What one thing can you do to move forward?
What’s the one action that you need to make to get the momentum again?
Even if the action costs money, consider the cost of no action. Which has better ROI?
Here’s a few suggestions to get you started:
– ask for help
– ask in a FB group
– make a decision
– decide on one thing to start with
– google it
– talk to someone
Create your own personal plan to recognise your triggers and put in place your favourite techniques for overcoming overwhelm, because I know you don’t want to be stuck in this terrible space for longer than necessary- especially now you know more about how much it’s costing you!
#nomoreburnout
Your Next Step
If you want some support to help fast track this process, or help you transition to Dubsado, then can book a free systems audit with me so we can determine where to start, and what you need to get up and running with your workflows and systems.
Aerlie Wildy is a business designer. business coach and mother based in the Adelaide Hills. I specialise in designing and systemising business for growth. You can connect with me on Facebook, join my Chief Executive Entrepreneurs Facebook Group, check out my Youtube Channel or Pin with me on Pinterest.
