The Long Game: Building a Business That Outlasts the Burnout!
Running your own business isn’t a sprint — it’s a marathon. It takes pacing, preparation, and the ability to keep going even when your legs (or your brain) feel heavy. There are times you push through, and times you have to slow down, catch your breath, and find your rhythm again.
I’ve always been someone who works hard to please people. I get a real sense of reward out of helping others — it’s in my nature. My job is all about rescuing small business owners from the tasks they can’t do, don’t want to do, or simply don’t have time for.
I work hard, I commit, and I get involved — sometimes a little too involved. Because I only work with people I genuinely like, it’s easy to form real relationships. I get to know their stories, their goals, and sometimes even the personal challenges behind the business. I’ve been the sounding board, the extra pair of hands, the shoulder to cry on. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But here’s the thing — this approach means I have to work equally hard at looking after myself.
I’ve had to learn (and keep relearning) how to focus on the job of the moment, give it my best, and then switch it off when my allocated time is over. Being in the moment is everything — when I’m working, I give it my all. But when I’m done, I need to be done. That means being present for my family, my husband, my chickens, my garden, or simply enjoying a coffee in bed on a lazy morning.
Last night was a perfect reminder of what happens when I don’t follow my own advice.
I spent all day buried in numbers, reports, Excel sheets — trying to reconcile a report that just wouldn’t balance. I was determined to finish it. But I didn’t. And as I crawled into bed, my brain refused to switch off. The numbers just kept spinning. I tossed and turned all night, and today… well, let’s just say I’m not at my best.
Sound familiar?
Self-employment can blur the lines between life and work. It’s a constant balancing act of strategy, planning, research, delegation, commitment, sacrifice, and those incredible wins (and tough losses) that shape us.
But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes, you have to stop trying to push through.
The body and brain need rest.
Taking a break isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
When you manage your time intentionally — work time, sleep time, eat time, social time, family time — you actually become more focused and productive. You make better decisions. You stay in the game longer.
And in a world of instant access, that’s not easy.
We’re constantly connected — emails, messages, notifications, updates — it’s endless. Somewhere along the line, we’ve forgotten how to truly switch off. So part of my new strategy to stay sane is having a full day offline. No emails, no socials, no notifications. Just life — real life. It’s amazing how different the world feels when you step away from the constant buzz of digital noise and remember what’s right in front of you.
Because this business journey we’re on? It’s not a sprint. It’s the long game.
And when you’re the helper, the rescuer, the support for everyone else, you have to ask yourself: who supports you?
For me, it’s the little things. My chickens, my garden, long walks where I can clear my head, or a chat over coffee with my husband — who has a way of keeping things real (and sometimes frustratingly honest).
“I built this life so I could do it my way — with people I enjoy, at a pace that feels right.”
I love what I do. And on the days I forget why, I remind myself:
I built this life so I can do it my way.
Work with people I enjoy.
At a pace that feels right.
And celebrate the wins — loudly and often.
Because this is what the long game looks like: showing up, caring deeply, resting when you need to, switching off (completely), and keeping your eyes on what really matters.
So here’s your reminder: take a day offline. Step back. Let your brain breathe. Your business will thank you for it — and so will your future self.
Better Business Together.
