Are your dreams about running your own business while lazing on a beach gradually being replaced by thoughts and searching on Google for suggestions on how to beat business overwhelm?
Yeah, it happens to the best of us. But guess what?
You've found the answer!
Read on to discover the 4 magical words I used to get my ever-increasing overwhelm under control.
Let’s be real... running a business can feel overwhelming sometimes. There are days when your to-do list seems never-ending and it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Sound familiar?
And that's just in your business. Throw in any family, community, social and personal commitments and the stress can seem unending.
As a coach, consultant or freelancer, you may well wear all the hats: marketer, sales rep, content creator, customer service rep and more. It’s a lot to juggle, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to burnout. But what if I told you there’s a simple mindset shift that can help you alleviate that stress?
It all boils down to four magical words: “I don’t do overwhelm.”
How I Discovered What Burnout Actually Looks - And Feels - Like:
In late 2019 I was burnt out. Completely. Actually, it had been coming on for many years and I kept pushing it aside. I kept telling myself, "I'm tough. I can handle everything." Then on the night of 4th December, 2019, I was working at my laptop at the dining table - as you do. It was a little after 10pm and I was finishing up some client work that 'absolutely HAD to be completed before morning', with thoughts running through my mind of how I was going to get through the next day.
"If I can be asleep by 11pm, then I'll have had a few hours sleep before getting up at 5.30am. Get showered and dressed... wake my son and get him ready and fed... leave by 6.45am to be at his hospital appointment in Brisbane by 7.30am. As long as the specialist isn't running late, we should be home in time for my 11am meeting that I absolutely can't reschedule. Then there's the 2pm coaching call that I can't reschedule... then the 4pm coach's training that I HAVE to attend."
Suddenly, I felt this overwhelming feeling of nausea and dread, like something horrific was about to happen. The next thing I knew, I woke up on the floor in a pool of blood, in agony and confused. My son was reassuring me everything was okay and the paramedics were on their way.
I know it sounds simple, but trust me, this mantra can work wonders. Let me walk you through why these four words are so powerful and how adopting this mindset can transform the way you approach your business - and your life.
It turns out I had lost consciousness and hit my face on the glass tabletop before landing head-first on the tiled floor.
After spending the night in hospital and getting all manner of tests and a little patching up, I returned home the next day. And you know what? All those appointments that couldn't be rescheduled or missed? They were all rescheduled or missed. I did notify all parties in advance, but still, everything was fine and the world didn't end. And I got to spend the day resting and recovering.
The Journey Continues:
I had always thought that being burnt out was a feeling of exhaustion and extreme tiredness. You get some rest, and you're right again.
But that wasn't the case for me, nor for many others who get to this stage.
My body had been telling me I needed to take better care of myself for years, but I kept pushing on. Until my body was suffering so much it forced me to stop. That night in December 2019 was just the beginning. These episodes happened many more times over the next few months and, although I tried to cut back on what I was doing, it never seemed enough. I found myself struggling to beat business overwhelm almost every... single... day.
Why Overwhelm Happens:
Before we dive into the solution, let’s talk about why overwhelm happens in the first place. Overwhelm is often the result of feeling like you have too much to do and not enough time or resources to get it all done. It comes from the belief that if you don’t do everything, and do it perfectly, something will fall apart.
Sound familiar? (I'm definitely putting my hand up here!)
We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing - overwhelm is usually more of a mindset issue than a workload issue. It’s about how we perceive the work we have to do, rather than the work itself.
Think about it: Have you ever noticed that some people seem to handle a huge workload with ease while others feel overwhelmed by a smaller to-do list? It’s not necessarily the amount of work that makes the difference - it’s the mindset behind it.
As I worked at overcoming overwhelm, I simplified and simplified... then I simplified my business - and my life - some more. But I was still overwhelmed. That's when I started to realise it really wasn't being caused by my workload, but my thoughts about my workload.
The Power of “I Don’t Do Overwhelm”:
So, how do you shift out of that overwhelmed mindset? Enter the four magical words: “I don’t do overwhelm.”
These words are more than just a mantra - they’re a mindset. When you tell yourself that you don’t do overwhelm, you’re training your brain to approach challenges with a sense of calm and control, rather than stress and panic.
Honestly, these words were an absolute game-changer for me. Perhaps even a life-saver. When I feel myself starting to get a little stressed, I repeat those words - I don't do overwhelm. And as I say them, either out load or in my own head, I sit up straight, smile and feel my confident, ever-capable alter-ego step up. I remind myself of the woman I am.
Here’s How This Mantra Can Help:
1. It Changes Your Subconscious Mind
Our subconscious mind plays a huge role in how we experience and respond to stress. When you repeatedly tell yourself that you “don’t do overwhelm,” your subconscious starts to believe it. Over time, this becomes your default way of thinking.
Instead of immediately reacting to a full inbox or a tight deadline with anxiety, your brain will automatically shift into problem-solving mode. You’ll approach tasks with a sense of calm, knowing that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.
It might sound too good to be true, but this is how our brains work. Just like how repeating negative thoughts can lead to more stress, repeating positive, empowering thoughts can help reduce stress and increase confidence.
2. It Gives You Back Control
Overwhelm often happens when we feel out of control - like things are happening to us and we’re just reacting. But the truth is, you’re always in control of how you respond to your workload.
By adopting the “I don’t do overwhelm” mindset, you’re taking back control. You’re no longer a victim of your to-do list. Now, you’re in charge of it. You decide what gets done today, what can wait until tomorrow and what doesn’t need to be done at all.
This shift in perspective is incredibly empowering. It reminds you that you have the power to manage your time, prioritise your task and protect your energy.
3. It Helps You Focus on Solutions
When you’re in an overwhelmed state, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of stress and inaction. You might feel like there’s so much to do that you don’t even know where to start, which can lead to procrastination or avoidance.
But when you tell yourself, “I don’t do overwhelm,” you’re shifting your focus from the problem (the long to-do list) to the solution (what’s the first step I can take right now?). This mindset encourages you to take action, one step at a time, without getting bogged down by the big picture.
Remember: The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The same goes for your workload. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do, focus on the next best small step you can take to move forward. It's quite possible that the next best small step forward you can take is to make a cuppa and take a few deep breaths, reminding yourself that you don't do overwhelm.
And the step after that may be to reprioritise your workload. For each task, ask yourself: "Does this really need to be done? If so, when does it need to be done by? Can I delegate it?"
How to Implement the “I Don’t Do Overwhelm” Mindset:
Ready to start using this powerful mantra in your daily life? Here’s how to implement it and beat business overwhelm once and for all:
1. Start Your Day with Intention
Before you dive into your workday, take a moment to set your intention. Say to yourself (out loud if possible), “I don’t do overwhelm. I approach my day with calm and focus.” This simple affirmation sets the tone for your day and reminds your brain that overwhelm isn’t part of the plan.
You can also pair this with a morning journaling practice or meditation to help clear your mind and centre your thoughts before you tackle your tasks.
2. Break Down Your Tasks
One of the best ways to avoid overwhelm is to break down your big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Instead of looking at your entire to-do list at once, focus on one task at a time.
Ask yourself: What’s the most important thing I need to get done today? Then break that task down into smaller steps. This makes even the biggest projects feel more doable and less overwhelming.
3. Use Time Blocking
Time blocking is a great way to manage your workload and avoid overwhelm. Instead of multitasking or jumping from one task to another, set aside specific blocks of time for each task.
For example, you might block out 9-11am for writing, 11:30-1.00 for client calls and 2-3pm for admin tasks. This approach helps you stay focused and productive, without feeling like you have to do everything at once.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Lastly, give yourself grace. We all have days when things don’t go as planned or when we feel a little overwhelmed. That’s okay. What’s important is how you respond to those moments.
Instead of beating yourself up or giving in to stress, remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Say, “I don’t do overwhelm, and I give myself permission to take a break when I need it.” Sometimes, stepping away from your work for a few minutes is the best way to reset your mindset.
Power On In Every Area Of Your Life When You Beat Business Overwhelm
Overwhelm doesn’t have to be a constant companion in your business. By adopting the mindset that you “don’t do overwhelm,” you can reduce stress, increase productivity and approach your work with more calm and confidence. It’s a simple mantra, but it’s a powerful one. Best of all, it’s available to you anytime you need it.
So the next time you feel that familiar sense of overwhelm creeping in, take a deep breath and remind yourself: “I don’t do overwhelm.” You’ve got this!
