Running a Small Business (While Running on Empty).
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Some days, running a business feels like you’ve got it all together!
Other days, you're printing shipping labels at midnight, answering DMs with a toddler climbing your face, and wondering if that one email typo will be the downfall of your empire...
Welcome to small biz life: where the wins are sweet, the coffee is cold, and burnout is always lurking just off-screen.
If you’re a small business owner quietly struggling behind the scenes... this one’s for you.
Here’s what no one told me when I started:
You don’t have to do it all to be successful.
But oh, how I tried.
When I first launched my small business, I thought success meant being across everything.
Every order, every caption, every customer message, every decision. And for a while? I did it. I was it.
But eventually… I burnt out. 😅☕️
Because no one prepares you for the mental load of wearing all the hats while also navigating life outside of the business (mum life, chronic illness, mental health, finances, relationships, you name it. All the things you deal with ON TOP of running a biz).
And if you’re in that season right now? Please know: you’re not alone. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just human!!
A few things I’ve learned (the hard way):
1. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
I know it’s cliché... but it’s also true.
Your energy is a resource. If you’re constantly depleted, the business suffers too. Make rest part of the plan, not just something you do when you crash.
2. Focus on what moves the needle.
It’s easy to get caught up in doing everything... but most of it isn’t actually growing your biz. Look at what’s working (socials, email, product range?) and double down on that.
3. Done, is better than perfect!
Perfection will keep you stuck. Progress builds momentum. Show up with what you have, and refine as you go!
4. Your business should support your life... not drain it.
You didn’t start this to be miserable and exhausted! Give yourself permission to adapt, evolve, and build something that fits your reality.
For the small business owners quietly struggling right now:
You’re not lazy.
You’re not failing.
You’re likely just overwhelmed. Exhausted. Doing your best with what you’ve got.
Running a small business is hard. Especially when you’re running it solo, running it from your lounge room, or running it in between day care drop-offs and late-night scrolls looking for answers.
But you’re still here. Still trying. Still showing up in your own way.
And that counts for something. It counts for a lot.
If no one has told you this today:
You’re doing better than you think.
You’re allowed to take a breath.
You’re allowed to build your business slowly, gently, and your way.
Because success is not just about scaling fast or making 6-figures in 6 weeks...
Sometimes, success is just not giving up when it would’ve been easier to walk away.
I truly hope you resonate with this, I see so many small business owners trying to do it all and becoming so exhaused (and i've been there). Don't be afraid or take breaks, to outsource some of the workload, to invest in learning to grow without headaches & to prioritise the parts of the business you enjoy doing most.