Breaking Free from Limiting Cycles: A Guide for Women in Business

As working women, especially those running small businesses, we often find ourselves trapped in seemingly endless cycles that limit our potential. You’ve probably felt it - your brain fogs up, eyes glaze over, and you can’t distinguish all the different thoughts running through your mind:

“They can’t know I'm stressed.”

“I don’t deserve a break yet.”

“I need to get it together like her.”

“I just need to multitask everything.”

From feeling like we need to handle everything ourselves, to falling into the trap of comparison, these challenges can be overwhelming. But it’s possible to break free and cultivate a healthier, more productive approach to work and life. Here’s how:

Refusing Help: Embrace Support

We’ve all been there—feeling like we need to tackle every task on our own. This mindset not only increases stress but also hinders productivity. Accepting help, whether through delegating tasks, seeking mentorship, or collaborating with colleagues, is crucial. Leaning on others doesn’t signify weakness; instead, it’s a strategic move to enhance efficiency and overall performance, and it’ll make you feel whole again. Help is closer than we think if we’re willing to reach out. Platforms like Upwork.com provide access to affordable freelancers, and you can also tap into the fresh talent of college students looking for internships or experience. By allowing ourselves to share responsibilities, share experiences, and share a laugh, we can focus on what truly matters and achieve our goals more effectively. Breaking the cycle of trying to do it all begins with embracing the support available to us.

Not Prioritizing Yourself: Self-Care is Essential

In the rush of managing a business, getting a project done, or even trying to just sort out your schedule, it’s easy for self-care to take a backseat. Yet, prioritizing our own health and well-being is essential for long-term success. This includes making time to stay active, fuel our bodies with whole food, and spend time with the family. Taking the walk, eating the snack, and sitting down to play with your kids will go SO far. Starting your day at the gym is especially important, especially as a business owner. Not only does it boost your confidence and give you the energy to tackle the day, but the gym is also a great place to network. The moment you start feeling overwhelmed, do something that’s only for you or your family, and make sure your partner matches this energy. It might seem counterproductive to spend time on things other than work, but a clear mind boosts our productivity—you’ll return to your task feeling ready.

Comparison-Itis: Focus on Your Unique Path

It’s all too easy to compare our journey with others, especially in a world so competitive. This habit can erode confidence and distract us from our own goals. Instead, focusing on our unique path and celebrating our own progress is key. Each career journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. While searching social media for inspiration can be valuable, it’s essential to stay mindful and avoid slipping into imposter syndrome. We need to embrace what makes us different—there’s enough success to go around. Competition should fuel us to become better versions of ourselves and our businesses. Turn those thoughts of ‘I need to get it together like her’ into ‘I should grab coffee with her.’ After all, the success of others doesn’t take away from your own—she isn’t your competition, she’s just your parallel.

Trying to Do It All at Once: Prioritize and Focus

Juggling every task simultaneously can lead to overwhelm and decreased productivity. Breaking tasks into manageable steps and prioritizing what’s most important helps maintain focus and drive. Stop what you’re doing. Make a list. Block out everything BUT your first bullet point. Addressing one thing at a time not only makes the workload more manageable, but it’ll quiet the noise. By taking a step-by-step approach, we can navigate challenges with greater ease and achieve our objectives more systematically.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Managing the whirlwind of responsibilities, especially when running a small business like Cohesive Brands, can sometimes feel like we’re stuck in an endless cycle. Whether it’s trying to juggle every task on our own or letting our personal well-being take a backseat, these challenges are something we all face. Three things to remember: we are not alone, we are not the first to feel stuck, and we won’t be the last. Time blocking your day can help you control it before it controls you. Set aside time for working out, playtime with the kids, and moments to simply relax and do nothing. When we plan our day with intention, we get ahead of the hustle and bustle, creating space for what truly matters.