Let’s face it, you’re busy! As a small business owner, you’re juggling a lot of balls in the air. There are times when you handle it like the rockstar you are and other times where you simply feel overwhelmed.
The real problem arises when you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed. That’s not good. So today, we’re taking a deep breath and diving into how to minimize overwhelm in your small business.
TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:
[00:55] Running a Business Can Feel Overwhelming Sometimes
[03:03] The Consequences of Feeling Overwhelmed
[04:53] Why You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
[08:39] 3 Strategies You Can Use to Minimize Your Overwhelm
[13:06] Final Thoughts on How to Minimize Overwhelm in Your Small Business
[15:02] Bloopers
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
5-4-3-2-1 Mindfulness Technique
Running a Business Can Feel Overwhelming Sometimes
[Theresa] Meghan and I work really hard on producing this podcast. We both love doing it, but it’s work. A lot goes into creating the right content and then running it through our workflow.
[Meghan] That’s right. There are many action items we need to check off the list in order to take a podcast episode from concept to promotion. We have goals for The Messy Desk Podcast that require our attention as well.
At the same time, we’re both running our own private businesses. Those businesses have their own set of goals and action items that need our individual attention. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming.
[Theresa] That feeling of overwhelm is real, but it’s also normal. Running a small business is a lot of work. It doesn’t matter if you’re a solopreneur like Meghan and me, or if you lead a small team. No matter what you do, you’re going to have periods of overwhelm.
Running a small business is a lot of work. Feeling overwhelmed in your small business is normal.
[Meghan] You’re probably often thinking, “how can I stop this overwhelm?” But, that’s the wrong question.
[Theresa] Right. Because every business has ups and downs. There are different seasons, so to speak. Accountants are a good example. They may have a steady flow of client work during the year, but come January 1st, it’s tax season and things get ridiculously busy.
It’s probably like that for your small business as well. So, like I said, having periods of overwhelm is normal. Getting rid of it completely is not realistic, but you can learn how to minimize overwhelm so that you can continue to be productive and make progress on your goals.
[Meghan] Because if you don’t get a handle on your overwhelm, there are a ton of negative consequences.
The Consequences of Feeling Overwhelmed
[Theresa] Exactly, if you’re constantly in that state of overwhelm, there can be a big price tag attached.
[Meghan] First, there are serious health ramifications. When you’re overwhelmed it causes stress. There is much research on the negative effects of stress on your mood, body, and behavior.
Stress can cause headaches, anxiety, digestive issues, lack of focus, irritability, overeating, under-eating, social withdrawal, and more. Stress has also been shown to weaken your immune system. Left unchecked, it can also lead to diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
[Theresa] I recognize some of those symptoms from when I was in a constant state of overwhelm. It wasn’t a pleasant time. And I won’t allow myself to return there.
Another downside of stress caused by overwhelm is reduced cognitive function. Indications of this manifest as mental slowness, forgetfulness, confusion, lack of concentration, and inability to problem solve, just to name a few.
Feeling overwhelmed leads to stress which can cause a weakened immune system and reduced cognitive function.
[Meghan] So, are you convinced that overwhelm is bad news yet? Do you need more evidence?
[Theresa] I think they get it, Meghan. I want to point out though that these consequences diminish your productivity. And diminished productivity can cause you to feel overwhelmed, which brings on stress, which reduces your productivity. Get the point?
[Meghan] Yep, it’s a never-ending cycle of reactions!
So, how can you stop the cycle? If you want to know how to minimize overwhelm it starts by becoming aware of why you’re feeling overwhelmed in the first place.
Why You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
[Theresa] The harsh reality is that the overwhelm you feel in your small business is often of your own doing. That is my honest opinion. The good news? That means you can stop it.
Meghan’s right. Affecting change begins with awareness.
[Meghan] There are a lot of things that create overwhelm. While we can’t get into all of them, Theresa is going to share three reasons why you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Okay, what’s first?
Having Too Much to do Causes Overwhelm
[Theresa] Simply put, you’re overwhelmed because you’re doing too much. You’re, thinking, “well, duh, Theresa! Of course, I’m doing too much.” Yet there you are doing it.
You’re not supposed to know and do and be everything. Doing less will kick overwhelm to the curb.
[Meghan] We recently did a podcast episode where Theresa shared her framework for doing less. So, go check that out if you want to learn how to minimize overwhelm by doing less.
What else you got?
Comparing Yourself to Others Causes Overwhelm
[Theresa] Believe it or not, comparing yourself to others can cause overwhelm. Unless you live in a bubble, you’re going to run across other small business owners and see what they’re doing. That can cause you to fall into the comparison trap.
[Meghan] Oh yeah. Comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle can cause you to feel inadequate. It can also be a catalyst for taking on strategies and tactics that you’re not ready for yet.
[Theresa] Exactly, Meghan. When you try advanced strategies and tactics before you’re truly ready for them it adds undue pressure. That pressure and the stress it causes can be overwhelming. So, be mindful of the comparison trap.
[Meghan] Good advice. Do you have anything else, Theresa?
[Theresa] Yes. Just one more thing.
Multitasking Causes Overwhelm
Multitasking can cause overwhelm. I know you’re probably thinking that you’re great at multitasking. Most people do.
The thing you need to understand is that human beings are not designed to multitask. That’s because there is no such thing as multitasking. You’re never actually doing five things at a time.Click To Tweet[Meghan] Ut oh. I feel a rant coming on! LOL
[Theresa] I promise that I will refrain from getting up on my soapbox today. What I will say is that multitasking can hurt your productivity by 40%! FORTY PERCENT!
When you “multitask” you are actually just switching rapidly between tasks. And guess what you’re doing in reality? You’re interrupting yourself and wasting time.
[Meghan] And you know how much I hate wasting time! None of us has time to frivel away!
But, back to the point that Theresa is making. Multitasking diminishes productivity. And as she said a bit earlier, this starts the merry-go-round of decreased productivity, overwhelm and stress.
[Theresa] I want to say one final thing about multitasking before we move on. Multitasking is not a skill that gets better with practice. Research shows not only that you don’t do it well, but also that the more you multitask, the worse you are at it.
OK. I’m done. LOL
[Meghan] Theresa is very passionate about this topic for sure!
So, now you know the consequences of being overwhelmed and what might be causing you to feel overwhelmed. The next question is, what can you do about it?
3 Strategies You Can Use to Minimize Your Overwhelm
Practice Mindfulness
[Theresa] Yes, let’s discuss how to minimize overwhelm in your small business.
One strategy is to use mindfulness techniques to disrupt your feelings of overwhelm.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed your thoughts can carry you away. One small thought can spiral out of control. Before you know it, you feel like the walls are caving in on you. Your brain starts thinking about the past and the future. And you can feel out of control.
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention into the present moment. There are tons of techniques, but one of my favorites is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.
[Meghan] Is that Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule?
[Theresa] No. The 5-Second Rule involves a countdown that pumps you up to get you into action. The 5-4-3-2-1 technique involves your five senses. It’s easy to do and it helps.
Here’s how you do it:
5 – Look around and name five things you can see around you right now.
4 – Listen and name four things you can hear.
3 – Notice three things you can touch, like the feel of the fabric of your clothing or the smoothness of your cell phone.
2 – Breathe in and name two things you can smell, like a lit candle or the coffee in your mug.
1 – Name one thing you can taste: a sip of coffee, or even just the taste you have in your mouth.
This particular technique interrupts overwhelm by accomplishing two things:
First, it brings you back to the present moment by refocusing you on your senses.
Second, the act of keeping track of your senses and counting down disrupts your spinning thoughts.
I find it very calming. It’s a strategy I keep in my toolbox along with breathing techniques, meditation, and crocheting.
[Meghan] I am going to have to try that myself. It sounds wonderful. Plus, I like that I don’t have to buy anything, and I can do it anywhere. I mean, my five senses are always with me!
As Theresa said, there are many mindfulness techniques. So hit up Google to find some others. It doesn’t have to be the one she shared. Find what works for you.
[Theresa] The mindfulness techniques are helpful when you’re in a moment of overwhelm. However, another way to minimize your overwhelm is to avoid it in the first place.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
One of the easiest ways to do that is to work smarter, not harder.
[Meghan] Theresa has talked about doing the right work in your business many times on this podcast. When you do the right work, you end up doing less. But even if you’re doing the right work, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have periods of overwhelm.
When you do the right work, you end up doing less. But even if you’re doing the right work, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have periods of overwhelm.
If you want to know how to minimize overwhelm in your small business, here are some tips for working smarter.
[Theresa] Getting relief from your feelings of overwhelm doesn’t have to be hard. I believe when you work smarter, business gets easier. So here are a few things you can do to overcome overwhelm:
- Only do work that matters.
- Take advantage of slow seasons in your business.
- Plan better.
- Say no more often.
- Outsource some of your business tasks.
- Stop multitasking.
[Meghan] We’ve discussed many of these topics in past episodes, so we linked to them in the bullets above.
Any other tips, Theresa?
Accept that You Won’t Get It All Done
[Theresa] Yes. But this one might take some practice because it involves mindset. One of the best things you can do to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to simply accept that you won’t get it all done.
[Meghan] Ooohhh. That will take some practice. I know how it makes me feel when I don’t finish work. Then, when it all piles up, “hello, overwhelm!”
[Theresa] This could probably be its own topic, but here’s what’s important to know right now.
You can plan, time block, and do all of the right things. However, sometimes stuff happens and gets in the way of your progress. In this case, keep it in perspective. Take a step back and figure out your next best move.
Do you need to reschedule the task? Was it something that isn’t actually important that you can dump? Can you ask someone for help?
Regardless, when you get behind in your work, the overwhelm may not be caused by having too much to do. Instead, it may be caused by what you make it mean. Having to push off a task or completely get rid of it doesn’t say anything about who you are.
You can plan, time block, and do all of the right things. However, sometimes stuff happens and gets in the way of your progress. In this case, keep it in perspective. Take a step back and figure out your next best move.Click To Tweet[Meghan] Yes! Don’t let that negative self-talk creep in and mess with your head. Tell yourself, “I’m exactly where I need to be right now.” Then, look for solutions.
Final Thoughts on How to Minimize Overwhelm in Your Small Business
[Theresa] Yes! Solutions, not excuses.
Now, in the spirit of today’s topic, I want to remind you that you shouldn’t try to implement every strategy all at once. That would be overwhelming!
My suggestion is that you start paying attention to when you feel overwhelmed so that you can identify the trigger. Once you know what’s causing it, then you can implement a strategy or two to combat it.
[Meghan] Go on the offense instead of the defense, that’s a sure way to improve things.
[Theresa] And, you don’t have to use our suggestions on how to minimize overwhelm. We want you to have a good place to start.
Do you want to add anything, Meghan?
[Meghan] Yes. If you are struggling with acute overwhelm, please ask for help. You are not alone. There are many small business owners who struggle with this. And the overwhelm you’re feeling may be worsened by things that are outside of your control, like a pandemic.
So, seek help. It can be a trusted friend or family member, a member of the clergy in your church or a professional. There’s no judgment. Don’t suffer. Get help.
[Theresa] I agree!
