It starts small. Another late night, another packed calendar, another promise to “catch your breath next week.” But as the weeks pass and turn into months, feeling overwhelmed starts to feel normal.
When constant stress becomes the norm, the brain stays in alert mode. Leaders in this state often find it harder to make clear decisions, think creatively, and stay patient. Neuroscience shows that prolonged overwhelm raises cortisol, which keeps the body in survival mode. Over time, this changes how leaders think. They start focusing on quick results instead of long-term goals, and their relationships often suffer first.
I worked with a business owner who said his 80-hour weeks were only temporary. Two years later, he was still stuck in survival mode. He missed important opportunities to adjust his business, argued with his team over small problems, and said he felt numb to both progress and setbacks. Once feeling overwhelmed became normal for him, he lost the clear view that had made him a strong leader.
So how can business owners stop overwhelm from becoming their normal state?
1. Institute micro-pauses in your day.
Instead of waiting for long vacations, build three-to-five minute breaks between meetings. Research shows short breaks regulate cortisol and restore focus.
2. Audit your commitments weekly.
Ask: “What on my calendar aligns with my leadership role, and what could be delegated?” This helps you see clearly where to focus your effort.
3. Create a personal “early warning system.”
Notice two signs that you are starting to feel overwhelmed, such as being easily irritated or having trouble sleeping. Tell a trusted colleague or partner about these signs, and ask them to check in with you when they notice them.
When you don’t manage overwhelm, it leads to more than just tiredness. It slowly reduces your influence as a leader. As a business owner, taking care of your focus is not optional. It is necessary. On Friday, we will reflect on one simple daily question to check if you are surviving or truly leading.
My Practice Leaders offers workshops and one-on-one coaching to help people grow in their leadership and everyday work. If you’d like to see what we can do for you, book a discovery call here: https://mypracticeleaders.com.au/