There’s something about a Sunday afternoon.
Spending time in the pool or on the couch with family, enjoying the peace and calm of just being. As the day goes on, though, it becomes harder to focus and stay present, feeling rushed to squeeze in memories til the last second of the weekend.
In the back of your mind, there’s this weight—a creeping sense of anxiety about the week ahead.
It’s the Sunday Scaries.
Have you ever heard of this?
It’s a phrase that’s thrown around pretty commonly, especially in a traditional 9-to-5, mainly associated with the dread that comes with the end of the weekend and having to go back to work the next day; It’s the fear of Mondays.
This is why we see people going from being an employee of somebody else's business to being an employee of their own business. They change everything when it comes to opportunity and possibility by stepping into entrepreneurship.
But, then end up repeating the same patterns or having the same feelings as before.
You didn’t start your business to feel like this. You built it to escape the rigidity and stress of the 9-to-5 grind. You wanted freedom, passion, and the excitement of calling the shots. But somewhere along the way, those "Sunday Scaries" started creeping back in.
You’ve built your own path, created opportunities, and stepped into entrepreneurship with excitement.
So why, after years of running a successful and even highly profitable business, does the sense of dread sometimes creep back in?
This is something I’ve seen time and time again with mom entrepreneurs and business owners. In the experience with my clients who have been in business for multiple years, this feeling of not wanting to go back to work is actually telling us something.
So today I want to how you can overcome this sense of dread, reclaim your time, and rediscover the joy you once felt in your business.
Strapped for time? Listen to the podcast episode here instead!
“The Tipping Point” of Entrepreneurship
In the beginning of entrepreneurship, everything feels exciting. You’re hustling, trying to get as many clients in the door, trying to maybe make back the capital that you've put into the business, and seeking profitability.
And once you get to a place where you're profitable, you think, “Okay, now this can be easier, right?”
But even when you reach the point where the business is running profitably, things don’t always feel as easy as you imagined they would.
That overwhelming sense of dread comes back, whether it’s returning from a month-long vacation or if it's just simply going back into your schedule as usual after a weekend.
These feelings aren’t necessarily a sign that you’re in the wrong business, though. They’re more often an indicator that something deeper needs attention. So when your business starts to feel like a burden to you, there are two directions you need to look into.
1. Shift Your Perspective
The first direction and the most powerful change that we can make is our perspective.
In moments of dread, it’s common to become apathetic, feeling disengaged from your work, but stepping back and shifting into a state of gratitude has the power to realign your perspective.
Take a moment to consider what your business has provided for you:
Financial security
Flexibility
Ability to serve others
Countless opportunities for growth
This may sound silly, but every time we get groceries, when we load our fridge, I will take a few seconds to look at my fridge and just feel a sense of gratitude in that my work is feeding my family. We get to go to the grocery store and not have to look at prices. We always have everything that we need to feed ourselves and stay healthy.
Sometimes when we're so deep in our feelings and we've come so far, we may lose sight of those little things. So you want to move back into a state of gratitude for your business, first.
The Unseen Mental Load of Mom Entrepreneurs
When I'm working with business owners, yes, there is the physical load of the hours that they're working, the responsibilities of being a mother, running a team, and tangible things to be in charge of. But really what's heaviest is the mental and the emotional load, especially for moms.
Strapped for time? Listen to the podcast episode here instead!
I reopened The Freedom Collective to address this very challenge; To learn how to take back control — of your schedules, your energy, and your passion. It’s a space to learn how to run a thriving business and show up for your family without sacrificing yourself in the process.
2. Address the External Changes
While mindset shifts are essential, the second step is to look at the tangible aspects of your business that contribute to the dread you’re feeling. This is where you dive deep into how you’re spending your time.
Often, external factors like an overloaded schedule, unsustainable offerings, or misaligned systems can exacerbate burnout. Take time to get clear on your priorities, set new boundaries and make sure that you’re pouring back into your cup so you can show up fully for your businesses, your family, and yourself.
“It’s not about working more hours or getting more done — it’s about getting the right things done so you can show up fully for both your business and your family.”
Here are three external factors you can look at right now:
Audit Your Calendar: Look at your weekly meetings and tasks. Are there any that are redundant or can be consolidated?
Set Boundaries: Designate specific blocks of time for strategic planning and creative work. Avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings.
Optimize Systems: Implement tools that streamline communication and project management, reducing the need for constant check-ins.
Reevaluating these external factors and adjusting them to fit your current needs will help you regain control and create a business that works for you, not the other way around.
A Path to Peaceful Sundays
Overcoming the entrepreneurial “Sunday Scaries” begins with acknowledging that something needs to change—both internally and externally. Shifting your mindset through gratitude, addressing tangible business factors, and making changes that align with your values is key to creating a sustainable business and life.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. By focusing on both, you can build a business that serves you just as much as you serve it.
Ready to reclaim your passion and purpose? Apply for the Freedom Collective and take the next step toward a more balanced, fulfilling business and life.
Strapped for time? Listen to the podcast episode here instead!
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