10 Tips for Managing Overwhelm in Q4 and Year Round - EP 175

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Entrepreneurial overwhelm is part being a small business owner, especially during the 4th quarter. But that doesn’t mean feeling overwhelmed is a fact of entrepreneurial life you can’t do anything about. 

Overwhelm leads to two things: burnout and bad decisions. Burnout is bad for your health – physically, mentally, and emotionally. And bad decisions can cost your business a LOT of money. 

I have 10 practical strategies you can use to reduce overwhelm and stay focused not only during Q4, but all year long. 

10 Ways to Manage Entrepreneurial Overwhelm

1.  Early Planning

Start planning well in advance in order to stay ahead. Don’t have a plan for Q4 yet? Start now and plan for the rest of the year to ease last-minute pressure. Then start planning for next year. 

2. Prioritize Self-Care

If you get burned out and overwhelmed, you won’t be able to give what you need to your business or your family. 

Prioritizing self-care doesn’t mean spending a day (or a weekend) at the spa. But when you can, do that, too! Instead, create simple, non-negotiable daily rituals like morning coffee or evening baths. Things that restore your energy and reduce the chance of burnout. 

3. Stay Hydrated and Rested

Yes, these are basic needs. But… When things get busy, especially during the 4th quarter, it’s easy to neglect basic needs. Your body knows what it needs – regular hydration and quality sleep are essential for productivity and mental clarity… even during busy seasons. 

4. Dedicated Email Support Times 

Your inbox is a time suck. Avoid checking your emails constantly. Silence notifications and set aside specific times to handle emails. This simple switch allows you to avoid interruptions throughout your day.  

5. Dedicated Social Media Times 

Have you ever lost track of time because you were scrolling on social media and got sucked in? Of course you have. We all have! Set aside times for social media, especially if it's a necessary part of your business operations. 

6. Set Clear Boundaries 

Boundaries are necessary and healthy for everyone, including entrepreneurs. Define boundaries for yourself, your team, and your customers. This allows you to keep personal time sacred and avoid overwork. 

7. Direct, Delegate, and Prioritize for Your Team 

As a leader, help your team manage their tasks by giving them a clear focus each day. This allows them to manage their own overwhelm and handle whatever the day brings calmly. 

8. Batch Tasking Over Multitasking

Multitasking does not lead to greater efficiency. The opposite is actually true. Instead, focus on one type of task at a time, like emails or order processing. You’ll improve efficiency and reduce errors caused by frequent task-switching. 

9. Learn to Say No

No is a complete sentence. If saying yes to a request adds undo stress, it’s okay to decline. Keeping a “no mindset” opens up time for self-care and focused priorities.  

10. End-of-Day Wrap-Up Routine

How you end your day has a big effect on your stress level and feelings of overwhelm. Close each day by reviewing tasks, celebrating small wins, and moving unfinished tasks to the next day. An end-of-day routine creates closure, reduces stress, and helps you sleep better!  

Join me for this episode where I share 10 tips for managing entrepreneurial overwhelm during the 4th quarter and beyond. Grab your notebook!