What to Do When You Feel Behind on Everything in Your Business

Let’s talk about that oh-so-familiar feeling: falling behind in your business. The inbox is overflowing. Leads have gone cold. Tasks from current clients are piling up. And the projects you were actually excited about? They keep getting bumped down your to do list by more “urgent” things.

If you feel like you're behind on everything in your business, I want you to know this is not your fault.

You’re not broken. You’re not bad at business. You’re just human. And likely a solopreneur or small business owner wearing every hat possible.

Maybe you’re burned out. Maybe you’re a little overwhelmed. Maybe you’re neurodivergent and executive function is taking the day off. All of that is normal. And today, I want to walk you through some ways to ease the pressure and move forward, even when it feels like everything is on fire.

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Let’s Stop Trying to “Catch Up”

I know, I know. That to-do list is screaming at you. But here’s the thing: the idea of getting “caught up” is a myth when you run a business.

Your to-do list will always grow. New ideas, client work, content, admin—it never stops. Even when you finish something, there's always a next thing. Especially if you have ongoing client relationships, there’s always a next project, a next task, a next deliverable.

And that’s not a bad thing. It means your business is alive. Growing. Thriving.

So let’s stop chasing “caught up” and start asking: What’s one small step I can take today to get out of the weeds?

One Small Step > All the Things

Seriously. Just one.

Maybe that’s replying to a single email. Following up with a lead. Sending one contract. Checking in with one current client.

If you’re neurodivergent or dealing with executive dysfunction, you’ve probably heard of the “eat the frog” method (start with the hardest thing). But that doesn’t always work when we’re overwhelmed. In fact, sometimes it backfires.

So instead, try this: pick the easiest task. A quick win. Something low lift that gives you just a little bit of momentum.

And if even that feels like too much? Ask a biz buddy to hold space while you do it. (Body doubling or accountability can be a game-changer.)

Use What You Already Have

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you’re trying to get back on track.

Chances are you already have templates, notes, workflows, old plans, or systems tucked away somewhere. Revisit those. Even if they’re outdated, they can still be a helpful starting point.

Duplicate a workflow and tweak it. Open that spreadsheet and see what still applies. Use the tools you’ve already invested in—both time-wise and money-wise—to support yourself now.

Reconnect With Real People

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to shut down and withdraw. But connection can be a lifeline.

Reach out to clients. Follow up with leads. Post something on your stories if that feels fun.

Message a fellow business owner and say, “This week has been a lot. You too?”

You don’t have to give a whole TED Talk. Just a quick update or check-in is enough. Most clients deeply appreciate a simple, “Hey, I got behind but here’s where we’re at now.”

And reconnecting doesn’t always mean marketing. Sometimes it’s just reminding yourself you’re not in this alone.

Let Go of What Doesn’t Actually Have to Happen Right Now

This one might sting a little—but hear me out.

Take a hard look at your to-do list. What really has to get done this week?

Start with what’s essential: client deliverables, invoices, onboarding steps—anything directly tied to revenue or active client relationships.

Everything else? That’s a “nice to have,” not a “must do.”

Some tasks can be pushed to next week. Some can be outsourced. And some (be honest) never really needed to happen in the first place.

This is not about giving up. It’s about getting honest about your capacity, energy, and priorities.

Progress > Perfection

Falling behind is not failing.

Say it with me: Falling behind is not failing.

The real question is: what happens next?

Even the smallest action counts. Forward motion, even the tiniest baby step, still moves you out of overwhelm and toward the business you’re building.

So the next time you look at your never-ending list, remember: if you got to the end of it, it might mean you don’t have clients anymore. Or goals anymore. Or momentum.

A full to-do list can actually be a sign of success, not failure.

You’ve got this. One small step at a time.

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Feeling stuck or not sure where to start? I’m always here to help untangle the systems spaghetti. Leave a comment or send a message if this resonates or if you want support.