1. Beware the seduction of the adrenaline buzz
A new business can feel like a new toy to start with, especially once you can your hands on the really fun bits, which interestingly often are to do with design or tangible aspects (like business cards, websites and packaging). It’s a real adrenaline rush. But be aware if and when this means you are hurtling between various activities like a kid in a sweetie shop rather than strategically working towards your business goals. The excitement can tip quite dramatically into anxiety if it’s running away with you.

2. Breathe
Take some breaks, even if they are only a few minutes. Change scene and take some deep breaths. Better still make sure you are taking some time off for sleep, exercise and some kind of social life. Without these, the busy-ness is unsustainable long term.

3. Be very clear about what’s urgent, what’s important, what’s both (and what’s neither)
Some things are urgent and important – do them. This might include unexpected crises. Key client requests (not necessarily ALL client requests). A tax inspection. That kind of thing.

Some things are urgent but not necessarily important if you pause to think about it. The urgency is often to do with what other people want so the task comes with a breathless request for you to do whatever it is RIGHT NOW.  It’s easy to find yourself dropping everything to respond. And sometimes the urgency has been brought upon yourself by letting things drift towards their deadline (the all night essay syndrome).

Many things are important but not urgent (yet) – this includes preparing good business plans; having good financial and administrative systems; training your staff; communicating well with clients, staff and suppliers; your own physical and psychological health and fitness; good marketing strategy. Not always the most exciting things. But if you don’t do these they eventually become urgent needs, and end up taking more time to do (eg. If you don’t keep a passport up to date, eventually you need to do it urgently – which is a right old stressful process). Research by Stephen Covey, author of First Things First, shows that the most successful businesses spend much more time doing the important but not yet urgent tasks than average businesses (who are rushing around being busy with urgent but not necessarily important stuff).

A few things are neither urgent nor important – but attractive in their “faffing around” potential. Aimless searching the internet is a great example of this. If you enjoy it as relaxation or for inspiration then it’s important but not urgent (the category above).

In summary, it may feel counter-intuitive, but slowing down and taking a step back to plan your next year, month, day, five minutes can work wonders. Identify what is urgent and important and do that first. Then tackle as many of the important but not yet urgent tasks as you can (put them in order of priority). You’ll be really pleased you did later on. It’s a good investment of time and energy.

And you have to accept that you will never reach the end of your “to do” list! I speak from experience....


Sarah Dale, Author of Keeping Your Spirits Up