If you’re a small business owner like me, chances are you’re used to doing everything yourself. Marketing, website management, photography – it’s a never-ending balancing act.
Long before I officially formed my own business, I was doing everything myself. For years it was me, myself and I.
I did it for three reasons.
One – I wanted to learn the ins and outs of my business and know how to do everything.
Two – I didn’t want to have to shell out big bucks every time I needed something done. As a result, I learned how to edit longform videos, designed flyers, take photos and did basic bookkeeping.
And, three – I didn’t want a stranger all up in my business. Just being honest.
At first, it felt good. I was a one-woman-band running my business all on my own.
But, what I quickly realised is that doing everything yourself as a small business owner was leading to serious burnout. I was tired, frustrated and wanted much more for my business than I could give.
It ultimately stunted my business’ growth. Everyone around me was telling me to hire help. But, doing made me feel like I wasn’t enough for the business.
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I wished for an extra set of arms or that I could duplicate myself to do the work.
The Dangerous Myth Of The ‘Doing Everything Yourself’ Entrepreneur
People have a tendency to glamorise entrepreneurship. I know because before I was a business owner, I did it, too.
I figured if I could work hard for someone else, surely I could do the same for myself.
The problem is, my old bosses had hired me to help with their business. But, I didn’t hire anyone to help me with mine.
In the online space, if you promote yourself as a hustler, a boss or a mogul people automatically see you in a different light. A positive one. Basically, they see you as a mover and shaker who gets things done.
But, a lot of those people who operate as solopreneurs – if they’re honest – will tell you, they are struggling to hold it together behind the scenes. That’s because it’s a lot of pressure and a ton of work.
While the intention is good, the result is burnout and fatigue.
Trying to do everything alone can cause serious health implications. Not only that, but it also puts your business at risk. If you were to get sick or drop dead, your business would end with you.
Five Signs You’re Doing Too Much
Sometimes, it’s not always obvious when you’ve taken on too much. Here are some warning signs:
- You spend all your time working in your business, not on it.
- You’re missing growth opportunities because you’re mentally and sometimes physically maxed out. Been there.
- You feel creatively drained, not inspired.
- There’s a tendency to avoid asking for help because you feel you should be able to handle it on your own.
- You are spending time with loved ones, but aren’t really present.
Let me speak to that final point.
I cannot tell you the number of times I have been out to dinner with friends and family and was there in body only.
Mentally, my mind was back in my studio secretly wishing I had more time to create or edit a video or shoot content, or write a blog post.
I began to secretly resent going out – not because I didn’t want to be with my loved ones, but, because I knew that the longer I was sitting there with them, the less work was being done, and I would have to stay up late or until the early morning hours catching up on work.
There’s A Big Difference Between Employer And Employee
People who work 9 to 5 jobs can clock out. In many cases, they can leave all their tasks at the office until the next day . They can slack off sometimes and still get paid the same amount of money. Content creators can’t do that.
For example, if you’re a digital content creator who relies on views to make money, you can’t afford to not get eyeballs on your videos. Your bottom line will be impacted.
This is why so many content creators can’t turn off. Their business depends on them always being on.
It also explains why you see so many creators shooting videos in airports, filming themselves doing mundane tasks and even taking their cameras to lunch.
It may make good content for the viewer, but these are symptoms of a business model that’s unsustainable long term.
Why Doing Everything Yourself As A Small Business Owner Doesn’t Scale
As your business grows, so does the complexity and the demands.
Every so often, we see new social media platforms emerging, demanding more of your creativity and time.
If you’re still handling it all yourself, you’re likely stuck in maintenance mode—spending energy just to keep the machine running.
You need capacity to innovate. And capacity doesn’t come from more hustle—it comes from smart delegation.
What To Do Instead
First of all, you don’t need a full team or big budget to start shifting out of solo-overload. So, let that go.
Try these steps:
1. Automate First
Use tools like:
- Canva for templates
- Final Cut Pro to edit videos
- Lightroom to edit photos
- Hootsuite to schedule content
2. Outsource What Drains You
These days, I am all about outsourcing. Whether it’s email management, editing, or tech tasks—consider hiring part-time help or freelancers.
Sites like Upwork or Fiverr can be a great starting point.
In fact, I recently found an incredible video editor on Upwork, and I found my web developer on Fiverr.
Also, if you’re a content creator in need of a company to help keep you on the IRS’s good side, I would highly recommend Cookie Finance. This company offers tax and bookkeeping services specifically for content creators and influencers.
3. Protect Your Energy – Schedule Breaks
This one is going to be hard at first, but you have to work on boundaries. Batch your tasks and schedule CEO time. That’s the only way you’re going to avoid the trap of always being “on.”
Think about it. If you were working for somebody else’s company, you would have a lunch break and time off. Why aren’t you giving yourself those same breaks?
Don’t sit at your computer eating and working either. Give yourself a proper break.
Real Growth Requires Support
The truth is, doing everything yourself as a small business owner might feel necessary—but it’s not sustainable. Delegating is not a luxury—it’s a strategy.
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t superheroes. They’re people who focus on what only they can do—and build support systems around the rest.
So, if you’re burnt out and tired from having to juggle it all, this is your sign to stop doing everything yourself, strategise and grow.
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