3 Indicators You’re Overloading Yourself with Tasks

As a fellow Type-A-Go-Getter entrepreneur, I totally understand believing you can handle an endless number of projects and still deliver amazing results. But after running my own business for over a decade, I’ve learned one important lesson: Sometimes I’m wrong.

We hate saying no to new work because it means more money and more chances for long-term client growth. But it can also lead to stress, anxiety, and subpar work. If you find yourself answering “yes” to any of the following questions, it’s a sign you’ve taken on too much. It’s time to step back and reassess.

Recently, I was trying to take my usual afternoon nap, but the thought of this article and the others I need to write kept me awake. I know, First World Problems.

It’s normal for entrepreneurs to lose sleep thinking about their businesses. But if sleep becomes scarce and you’re constantly exhausted, your brain might be signaling that you’re overstretched.

Typically, your clients are happy with your work, but lately, you’ve noticed some skepticism. You don’t want to admit that the quality is slipping (because you know you’re awesome), but if more clients are highlighting flaws, it’s a warning sign.

When customers notice something’s off, you’re in the danger zone. You risk losing them if you can’t get back to your usual high standards. Struggling to manage too many tasks at once can lead to this.

Being overworked also impacts your personal life. Working late occasionally isn’t a big deal, but if it’s become a habit, you might be overdoing it. Ask your loved ones to let you know if they notice you’re spending too much time at work.

So, what do you do if you’re overwhelmed? First, start saying no more often. You likely ended up in this situation by saying yes to everything. But I bet you don’t love every project you’re working on. Next time a project you’re not excited about comes up, politely decline. This will allow you to focus more on the projects you’re passionate about.

Another option is to outsource some of your work. Delegate what you don’t enjoy so you can concentrate on what you love.