By Sarah Wilson

I have this thing where I get obsessed with new ideas. The spark hits, my brain lights up like a pinball machine, and suddenly, I’m deep in research mode, convinced that THIS is the thing that will change everything. But then, reality sets in. I look at the endless to-do list: website, branding, social media, email funnels, offer creation, pricing… And before I know it, my multi-tasking brain is spiraling into decision paralysis, fueled by approximately five cups of coffee and a Google Doc titled “BUSINESS PLAN” that I may or may not ever open again.

Sound familiar?

Starting a business is exhilarating… until it’s not.

That initial rush of excitement quickly turns into overwhelm when you realize just how much there is to do. Maybe you’re questioning if you even have the skills or knowledge to pull this off. Maybe you’re stuck in research mode, consuming every podcast and blog post but taking zero action. Or maybe you’re doing ALL the things but feeling like you’re making no real progress.

Here’s the thing: overwhelm is normal. It’s actually a sign that you care. But it’s also the thing that can stop you in your tracks if you don’t learn how to move through it.

So let’s talk about how to keep going when your brain is screaming, “This is too much!” and you’re heading into shutdown mode.

How to Move Through Overwhelm When Starting Your Business

1. Zoom Out Before You Zoom In – When you’re drowning in tasks, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, take a step back. What’s the ONE thing that will move your business forward right now? Start there.
2. Ditch the Perfectionism – Perfectionism is just fear in a fancy outfit. You don’t need the perfect website, the perfect Instagram aesthetic, or the perfect offer before you start. You just need to start.
3. Take Messy Action – Clarity comes from action, not from overthinking. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Every successful entrepreneur has a cringe-worthy first version of their business. The only difference is they kept going.
4. Learn as You Go – You don’t need to know everything today. Business is a constant learning process, and you’ll figure things out as you move forward. Take it one step at a time.
5. Find Support – Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Find a mentor, join a community, or take a course that simplifies the process.

Speaking of which…

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in research mode, or unsure of what to prioritize, we’ve got something for you. Our masterclass, Storytelling & Strategy: The Secret to Simple Marketing for Entrepreneurs, is launching this week, and it’s designed to help you cut through the noise and take focused, strategic action in your business. Because you don’t need more information. You need a clear path forward.

And the best part is that the masterclass is free for a limited time!

Sign up now at https://content.makingthemostofmarketing.com/masterclass and let’s move through the overwhelm together.

Because trust me, you’ve got this. (Even if your Google Doc graveyard says otherwise.)