Is Anxiety Actually Running My Business?
5 Anxiety Red Flags to Watch & How to Reclaim Control
It’s the classic “chicken or the egg” situation: did the anxiety come with running a business, or was it always there, fueling your success? As women business owners, we’re no strangers to pressure. If you’re like many of us, you probably have a history of being an overachiever. That part of you is what helped launch your business, but now you’re wondering if you can be ambitious without being anxious. Here are some warning signs to look out for and tips for reclaiming control over your anxiety:
Anxiety Red Flags
Anxiety is sneaky. As an overachiever, you are accustomed to performing - even well - under enormous amounts of pressure. Anxiety has fueled you and disguised itself as perfectionism, productivity, or a relentless drive to do more. You don’t question your anxiety as it's been seen as an asset and yes, some level of anxiety is adaptive and even necessary for survival. But your goal as a business owner isn’t just to survive—it’s to thrive. Here are some signs anxiety might be in charge:
Struggling to “clock out”: Your work email is connected to your personal phone and you find yourself constantly checking notifications no matter the time.
Failing to delegate: You’re wearing all the hats in your business and haven’t outsourced - even though you need to.
Personalizing rejection: Every “no” feels personal and like an overall negative reflection of your business as a whole.
Imposter syndrome: You question whether or not you belong in rooms you’ve earned your way into.
Wearing the hustle as a badge: You praise yourself for being a “boss babe” who “hustles” and “grinds” all the time.
Reclaiming Control Over Anxiety:
Re-visit your business’s core values and mission statement - when you lead from your “why”, decisions become easier and more aligned.
Set boundaries like a boss - successful business owners protect their time, energy, emotional space and finances. They know that nurturing their personal lives makes them better leaders. That email? It can wait.
Shift your mindset - every “no” is clearing space for a more aligned “yes.”
Practice self-care - focus on the essentials like eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, moving your body, and breathing deeply. These small habits regulate your nervous system and boost clarity.
Talk to someone - whether it’s a trusted fellow entrepreneur or a therapist, having a space to process the emotional weight of business ownership can help you feel less alone and much more in control.
You’ve probably heard the in-flight safety announcement: Put your oxygen mask on before helping others. You must put your oxygen mask on before you tend to your business too. In fact, nurturing yourself and your personal relationships first will make you a better business owner. A great business owner is one who doesn’t let anxiety steer the ship.
As a woman business owner myself, I’ve experienced every red flag on this list. I’ve also used these same tools to create a more grounded approach to my business leadership and I wholeheartedly believe you can too!
Cheers,
Rachel Policay, LMFT
Chesapeake Bay Counseling, PLLC
About the Guest Author
I'm Rachel Policay, an online licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) located in Virginia, but more importantly, I am a recovering people pleaser and former 'good girl'. I understand all the reasons that bring you into therapy because they are the same reasons I pursued therapy myself. Our practice specializes in working with women who wear many hats - and in all stages of life. If this resonates with you, go to our website to schedule your free 15 minute video consultation to ensure we'll be a great fit.
