Running a Small Business When You’re Not at Your Best

Being a small business owner isn’t always glamorous. Some days you’ve got a full tank of energy, ideas flow, and the to-do list actually shrinks. Other days… well, not so much.

For me, like many sole traders, those “not at my best” days still happen — whether it’s brain fog, low energy, or simply feeling run down. And the reality is, the business doesn’t stop. Clients still need looking after, emails still need sending, and the work still needs doing.

Over time, I’ve found a few approaches that help me keep things moving, even when my head isn’t firing on all cylinders.

1. Break tasks into the smallest steps possible

“Send a quote” might sound simple, but if you’re foggy or tired it can feel like climbing Snowdon. Breaking it down into micro-tasks — open template, adjust client name, tweak price, save, send — makes it more manageable. You don’t have to do it all in one go.

2. Prioritise what actually matters

On low-energy days, not everything is urgent. I try to focus only on what needs doing to keep things moving — client communication, deadlines, and bookings. The rest (tweaking my website, fiddling with social captions) can wait until tomorrow.

3. Use systems and templates

Having a bank of templates — whether it’s quotes, contracts, or social posts — is a lifesaver. It means less thinking from scratch, and less chance of forgetting something important when you’re not on top form.

4. Be honest, but professional

You don’t have to tell clients every detail, but it’s okay to say, “I’ll get that over to you tomorrow” rather than push through at 10 p.m. and make mistakes. Most people appreciate honesty and clear communication more than superhuman speed.

5. Ask for help (or automate it)

Whether it’s a trusted peer to bounce ideas off, or using tools to automate tasks (like scheduling posts), leaning on help doesn’t make you less capable — it makes your business more sustainable.

A gentle reminder

As small business owners, we’re not robots. There will be off-days — and that’s okay. What matters is having strategies that keep you moving, even at 70% capacity.

And if updating your own photos has been on the “to-do later” pile for a while, I can help tick that box for you. Fresh headshots or branding images don’t just save time — they make sure you and your business look your best, even on the days you don’t feel it.

👉 Book a session here