Running a pet business isn’t just about leads and harnesses. It’s about you too—your brain, your boundaries, and your bloody mental load.
In one of my recent Grad Club check-ins, a lovely mentee shared something I hear a lot:
“I feel like I’m constantly overthinking everything. I put so much pressure on myself to do it all and get it all right. And I’m exhausted.”
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: overthinking and overwhelm often show up when we care too much, not too little. We want our businesses to thrive, we want our clients to be happy, and we want to feel like we’ve got it all together. But that pressure? It’s sneaky. And it’s not sustainable.
So, if you’re someone who spirals into ‘all or nothing’ mode—or feels like you’re dropping plates left, right and centre—this one’s for you.
Here are a few tips I shared with my mentees that might just help lift some of that pressure:
The ‘One Thing’ Rule
Instead of trying to tackle everything on your never-ending to-do list, ask:
What’s one thing I can do today that will move my business forward—even just a smidge?
That’s your win. That’s your tick. Everything else is a bonus.
Try a ‘Ta-Dah!’ List
Yep, you read that right. Ditch the overwhelming to-do list and start a Ta-Dah! list. Write down what you have done, not what you haven’t.
Fed the dogs? Sorted a booking? Took a nap instead of burning out? TA-DAH! You’re doing more than you think.
Brain Dump Before Bed
If your brain won’t shut up at night, get everything out of your head and onto paper. It doesn’t need to be organised or poetic—just scribble down whatever’s swirling around.
Get it out. Give it space. Rest a little easier.
Redefine Success
What does a successful day feel like for you—not just what does it look like on Instagram?
For some, it’s getting through a full client load. For others, it’s being able to stop at 3pm and have a brew in the garden.
There’s no right way—only your way.
Rest Isn’t Laziness
Say it with me: rest is productive.
It’s not a reward. It’s a necessity. Take the break. Book the time off. You’re not a robot, and you don’t need to earn rest like it’s a badge.
Say It Out Loud
Sometimes, we just need to hear our thoughts out loud. Whether that’s in a voice note to a friend, a journal entry, or a Grad Club check-in. You don’t always need a solution—just space to feel heard.
Running a business is a lot. But here’s what I want you to remember: you’re allowed to do things differently. You’re allowed to be gentle with yourself. And no—doing it all isn’t the goal. Doing enough and feeling well is.
If this resonated, or if you’re struggling with that inner pressure cooker, I’m always here to help. The Grad Club (available once you’ve graduated the program) was built for this exact reason—to support you beyond just the spreadsheets and pricing plans. Because wellbeing is good business.
