When You’re Ready to Throw in the Towel: What to Do When Business Feels Like Too Much

Have you ever sat down to tackle one simple task in your business, only to look up several hours later and wonder what on earth just happened?

You went in to check on an order.

Then you couldn’t find the report.

Then you discovered something wasn’t working.

Then a customer had a question, the dog needed to go out, someone walked through your office while you were recording, and suddenly that one little task had turned into an all-day adventure.

And not the fun kind. 😅

If you’ve had a week like that, pull up a chair. You are in good company.

On this week’s episode of The Other 99%, Lisa and I showed up to record and realized we were both in the same place: frustrated, overwhelmed, and just a little bit ready to say, “I’m done!”

So we decided to talk about it. Because sometimes the most helpful conversation starts with admitting that things feel hard.

When the Little Things Pile Up

Sometimes there isn’t one big crisis causing the stress. It’s a whole collection of little things.

For me, it’s been adjusting to my company’s new website and learning how to do everyday tasks in a completely different system. For Lisa, it’s been juggling projects, deadlines, and technology hiccups while trying to run her business.

Add in family interruptions, working from home, and the occasional hot flash, and it’s a party over here. 😂

Maybe your version looks different:

• Your company changed a system you finally understood.
• You have a list of ideas but no idea where to start.
• A customer needs help when you’re already behind.
• You’re trying to work around your family’s schedule.
• A project that sounded exciting now feels like one more thing on your plate.

Whatever your frustration looks like, please know this: Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job. It means you’re human.

Ask Yourself: “What’s One Thing I Can Do?”

A friend shared a piece of advice that made a big difference for me.

When I was trying to figure out my new back office, I kept going in with one task in mind and getting pulled down a dozen different rabbit holes. I’d forget what I was looking for in the first place!

Her advice was simple: Pick one thing. Go in, do that one thing, and get out.

That’s it.

Now, before I open the system, I ask myself:

“What is the one thing I need to accomplish right now?”

Maybe it’s finding a customer order. Maybe it’s checking a report. Whatever it is, I focus on that one task instead of trying to learn the entire system in one sitting.

This works for so much more than a new website. When everything feels out of control, look for one small thing that is within your control.

You don’t have to solve everything today. You can take one step.

Get the To-Do List Out of Your Head

You know that feeling when your brain has 37 tabs open and one of them is playing music, but you can’t figure out which one?

That’s what a long mental to-do list feels like to me.

Lisa shared that when her thoughts start spinning, she writes everything down. Even though she isn’t usually a pen-and-paper person, getting the list out of her head helps her see what actually needs to happen.

Try it:

1. Write down everything that’s taking up space in your brain.
2. Circle the one thing that needs your attention first.
3. Choose one small step you can take toward it.
4. Cross it off when it’s done—and enjoy that little moment of satisfaction!

Your list doesn’t need to be pretty. It just needs to give your brain a little breathing room.

It’s Okay to Say, “Not Right Now”

I have to tell you about a message I sent Lisa.

I was excited about a BUNCO project I’d been working on and wanted her to take a look. It wasn’t urgent, but I had a question and knew she might be able to help.

She replied that she’d love to help, but she was swamped. Could I nudge her about it later?

And I said something along the lines of, “Wait a minute…did you read my workbook? Look at you saying no!” 😂

But honestly? I was proud of her.

She knew she didn’t have the capacity to take on one more thing, and she communicated that kindly. I wasn’t upset. We made a plan to come back to it when the timing was better.

Sometimes we worry that setting a boundary will disappoint someone. But a thoughtful “not right now” gives you room to take care of what’s already in front of you.

Here are a few ways to say it:

• “I’d love to help, but I can’t give this the attention it deserves today. Can we revisit it next week?”
• “My plate is full right now, so I need to pass this time.”
• “That sounds exciting! Can you check back with me after Friday?”
• “I can’t take this on, but I’m cheering you on!”

You can care about people and still have limits.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause a Project

This one has been personal for me.

I had a big project I wanted to complete by the time I turned 50. It was something I cared about, but eventually, every time I thought about it, I felt stressed instead of excited.

So I decided to put it on hold.

And you know what? It felt good to take that pressure off myself.

A project can be a wonderful idea and still not be the right thing for this season. Putting it aside doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re paying attention to what you have room for right now.

If something on your list has been weighing on you, ask yourself:

• Does this need to happen right now?
• Am I excited about it, or do I feel obligated to finish it?
• What would happen if I moved it to next month—or took it off my list for now?
• What could I make room for by letting it rest?

You can always pick it back up when the timing feels right.

Remember: You’re Allowed to Disappoint People

Whew. This one is hard for the people pleasers among us. 🙋‍♀️

I recently finished listening to Undistracted by Bob Goff, and one idea stayed with me: Misunderstandings and disappointments are part of being human.

We can do our best to communicate with kindness. We can apologize when we need to and work through a misunderstanding. But we can’t control how every conversation will land or make everyone happy all the time.

Sometimes you’ll say no. Sometimes plans will change. Sometimes someone will wish you had done something differently.

Give yourself grace, learn what you can, and keep moving forward. You don’t have to carry every disappointment with you.

Stay Connected to Your Customers

One bright spot during my website frustrations reminded me why customer care matters so much.

A customer who hadn’t ordered in a while reached out because she couldn’t find me on the new website. Thankfully, she knew how to contact me! She had my number and had been receiving my emails, so we were able to connect.

It was such a good reminder: the relationships you build with your customers are valuable, especially when technology doesn’t cooperate.

A few simple ways to stay connected:

• Send a personal thank-you after an order.
• Check in and see how a customer is enjoying a product.
• Share helpful information through your emails or texts.
• Make sure customers know how to reach you when they need help.

You don’t need a complicated system to start. A little consistent care can go a long way.

You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone

One of the best parts of our conversation was realizing that Lisa and I weren’t alone in how we were feeling.

Sometimes you need a friend who will listen while you say, “This is frustrating!” Sometimes you need someone to offer a fresh perspective. And sometimes you just need to know that someone else has been there, too.

So reach out to your person. Share what’s going on. Let them remind you that a hard day—or a hard week—doesn’t define your business.

Then take a breath, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and choose your next small step.

You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to ask for help. You’re allowed to build your business in a way that fits your life.

And if today’s biggest accomplishment is doing one thing and closing the laptop? I’d call that a pretty good place to start. 💛

Watch the full episode here:

Ready to make a little more room for you?

When life and business feel like too much, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. The Intentional Life Workbook helps you pause, reflect, and make space for what matters most. And when you’re ready to unplug, the Intentional Life Coloring Book offers a relaxing little coastal escape.

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