That’s the Life Question We’re Exploring Today

If you’re a small business leader, you’ve likely faced the long to-do lists, the constant mental load, and the guilt that creeps in when you try to rest — all while knowing the work doesn’t stop. In this post, I’m diving into what balance looks like (and what it doesn’t), how we can support each other as leaders, and the small ways we’re redefining success beyond the grind.

My Life Journey from Team Member to Business Owner

My path to becoming a small business owner has been anything but traditional.

I started at Simplified SEO Consulting as an SEO Specialist — working directly with clients to optimize their websites and improve search engine visibility. I often carried a full caseload (and then some), helping business owners grow their online presence. Unexpectedly, the company came up for sale. Owning a small business had always been a dream of mine, so my husband and I sat down, crunched the numbers, and made the leap. We reached out to the previous owner, expressed our interest, and within months, we became the new owners of Simplified SEO Consulting.

That shift — from team member to team leader — was enormous. Overnight, I became responsible not just for my work, but for the entire business. I was working 18-hour days, learning the systems, understanding what needed to change, and making key decisions that affected the entire team. It impacted my family life dramatically at first.

I was afraid this intense pace would become my new reality. Thankfully, with time, structure, and trust, I’ve found a rhythm that lets me lead, serve clients, and still spend meaningful time with my family.

Why Life Balance Is So Hard in Leadership

The Constant Mental Load

Even when I’m not actively working, my brain doesn’t stop. I’m always tracking client needs, deadlines, internal improvements, and how my team is doing. That ever-present dialogue is one of the hardest parts of leadership — and the hardest to turn off.

Emotional Responsibility

Leadership means steering the ship and making sure no one falls overboard. I’m responsible not only for my family’s livelihood, but also for my employees’ well-being and the success of our clients. That emotional weight is heavy, and it doesn’t end at 5 p.m.

Guilt When Resting

I struggle with the belief that if I’m not constantly available, something might fall apart. That guilt shows up when I try to rest, spend time with family, or even sleep. It’s hard to be present when a part of me is always checking for problems, emails, or things I might be missing.

Invisible Labor

There’s a layer of work that’s hard to see: the emotional regulation, the mental tracking, the check-ins with team members and clients. These leadership tasks don’t always get credit, but they are essential — and exhausting.

What I’ve Learned (and Continue to Learn)

Redefining Success

Success used to mean doing as much as possible, often working multiple jobs, burning the candle at both ends. But that approach led to emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and frustration. Now, I’m learning to define success differently — with balance at the center.

Success for me today means:

• Time with my family
• Space to rest and reflect
• A job I love that doesn’t demand every ounce of my energy

My value isn’t measured by how much I produce — it’s defined by who I am and how I show up in the world.

Work – Life Boundaries as Leadership Tools

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we don’t just talk about boundaries — we live them.
We protect weekends. We don’t expect anyone to be “on” after work hours. We offer flexible schedules and prioritize work-life balance for every team member, including me. These boundaries aren’t just for our employees — they’re necessary for me as a leader, too.

Delegating with Trust

I’ve had to overcome the urge to “just do it myself.” I work with the most talented, capable team, and learning to delegate based on their strengths has been freeing. It’s still something I work on, but trusting my team to make decisions has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Rest Is a Leadership Practice

Rest doesn’t always look like a vacation. Sometimes, it’s a quiet afternoon when the kids are out, a favorite movie, or a walk with music. These small acts of self-care are vital. Rest helps me reset so I can lead with clarity and compassion.

How We Support Each Other at Simplified SEO Consulting

Transparency and Emotional Check-Ins

We start every Monday team meeting by asking, “How are you? Where are you at? How can we help?”
We believe emotional well-being matters more than metrics. If our team members aren’t okay, they can’t show up fully for their work — and we honor that. We provide resources, paid mental health days, and offer space for vulnerability.

Role Alignment and Passion Projects

Each team member at Simplified SEO Consulting has a defined role and a unique area of passion they can explore. Whether that’s technical SEO, social media, or consulting, we encourage our team to pursue what excites them. We support continued education through certifications and learning opportunities to help them grow.

Trust as the Foundation

Our team operates on a foundation of trust. There’s no drama, no infighting — just respect, support, and shared commitment. We’ve even gone on cruises together! That kind of connection isn’t accidental; it’s built intentionally, and I’m proud of it.

What “Having a Life” Looks Like for Me

For me, having a life doesn’t mean jetting off on some luxurious vacation (though I wouldn’t say no to one!). It means I get to enjoy the simple, everyday moments I love — without feeling guilty.

• It’s being able to sit down on a Sunday and watch football with my family, fully present and relaxed.
• It’s pulling out my yarn and crocheting something just because I enjoy it — not because it’s productive.
• It’s picking up a book and getting lost in it, not checking the clock or my email every few minutes.
• It’s being at my kids’ events and actually soaking it in — cheering, laughing, and taking photos — instead of feeling like I “should” be doing something else.

There were times when I felt like I had to earn those moments, or justify them to myself. But I’ve learned those are the moments that make my life feel meaningful. Those are the moments that remind me who I am outside of the business — and when I allow myself to enjoy them, I don’t just get through the week… I actually live it.

Closing Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Grind to Lead Well

Here’s the truth: balance doesn’t magically happen. It’s not something that falls in your lap one day when the stars align. It takes intentional choices — boundaries, support, and a whole lot of reminders to yourself that you’re allowed to slow down.

As small business owners, we need to remember: we didn’t build our businesses just to burn ourselves out in them. I didn’t come to Simplified SEO Consulting so I could grind every day until I dropped. My goal is to create something meaningful — and I’ve realized I get to define what that looks like.

And for me, success looks like being able to lead with integrity and still have space to live my life. I truly believe we don’t have to hustle ourselves into the ground to lead well. In fact, the more rested and centered I am, the better I lead.

So I’ll leave you with two questions to reflect on:

• What areas of your life have you unintentionally sacrificed to keep the business afloat?

• And what might you be able to reclaim if you asked for more support — or gave yourself permission to redefine success on your terms?

 

About the Author

Mary Walker is the owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, where she leads with empathy, strategy, and a strong belief that sustainable success is built through collaboration. As a small business owner herself, Mary knows firsthand how challenging it can be to balance leadership with real life — which is why she’s created a company culture rooted in psychological safety, teamwork, and mutual support.

With Master’s degrees in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary blends a deep understanding of human behavior with effective, data-driven SEO strategies. But for her, success isn’t just about higher rankings — it’s about helping others grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

When she’s not mentoring her team or supporting clients, Mary is likely cheering on her favorite football teams, spending time with her five kids, or crocheting her way to a moment of calm. She’s passionate about showing that it’s not only possible to lead well and live well — it’s essential.

Listen to our From Keywords to Connections Podcast: Can You Lead a Business and Still Have a Life, Here

For as long as I can remember, every job I’ve had has followed the same leadership model: authority, structure, and results. It was all about hitting client quotas, meeting productivity goals, and doing exactly what you were told—without question. If you were struggling, the solution wasn’t support; it was punitive consequences like write-ups or warnings. You kept your head down, did the work, didn’t rock the boat, and swallowed your concerns because leadership believed they had all the answers. Feedback wasn’t welcome from a “lowly” employee.

Even during my time working in the mental health field—an industry that talks a lot about empathy—it often felt like an empty buzzword, not a real practice.

As I grew into leadership roles and eventually became a small business owner, I knew I wanted to break that cycle.

Employees are not just worker bees, completing tasks on a checklist. They are people first. And to be an effective leader, you have to recognize that at the center of everything you do.

 

Empathy Is Not a Weakness. It’s a Superpower.

Empathy allows you to recognize when your people are overwhelmed, struggling, or in need of support—even when they’re still “getting the job done.” It gives you the opportunity to step in early, offer guidance, and find solutions before small struggles turn into larger problems.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, every Monday during our team meetings, we don’t start by diving into tasks or deadlines. We start by asking, “How are you doing?”—personally and professionally. We invite honesty, transparency, and vulnerability. And if I’m struggling myself, I’m open with my team. I show up human first, leader second.

That connection builds trust—the kind of trust that fuels loyalty, resilience, and true team spirit. When people know they are seen beyond their output, they are more willing to invest their energy, creativity, and loyalty into the business. Empathy fosters not just better work but stronger relationships that become the backbone of a thriving organization.

Empathy: Feedback Isn’t About Criticism—It’s About Collaboration.

During quarterly reviews, we ask important questions like, “Do you feel supported by leadership?” And when the answers aren’t all positive, we don’t get defensive. We listen.

Feedback isn’t something to fear. It’s an opportunity for growth on both sides. When team members are comfortable sharing concerns or frustrations, it highlights gaps that leadership might not see from the top. It gives us the chance to improve systems, offer new resources, and create a workplace that meets real needs instead of just focusing on performance.

If someone expresses concerns, our first response is, “How can we support you more effectively? What would make this process better for you?” This kind of listening, with an empathetic ear, creates space for honest feedback—and more importantly, for real change.

It shows our team that they’re valued, not just evaluated. When employees know their voice matters, they become more engaged, more innovative, and more committed to the organization’s success.

Empathy: It’s About Growth, Not Just KPIs.

Sure, we have goals, KPIs, and benchmarks. Metrics matter. But at the end of the day, I’m not just building a team—I’m building a community that can thrive.

We encourage every team member to explore what they’re passionate about and bring it to the table. When employees love what they do, that passion infuses the entire business. Enthusiasm is contagious, and clients can feel the difference when they interact with a team that is truly invested.

That’s why we invest in extra training, certifications, and education. Growth isn’t a checkbox—it’s part of our culture. We want our people to be better tomorrow than they are today, not because we demand it, but because we foster it. We celebrate curiosity, encourage innovation, and support professional development because when our people grow, our company grows with them.

Focusing on growth over rigid KPIs also makes space for flexibility, creativity, and adaptability—skills that are crucial for long-term success, especially in rapidly changing industries like SEO.

Empathetic Leadership Isn’t About Avoiding Accountability.

Let’s be clear: Leading with empathy doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations or letting standards slide. It’s how you approach accountability—with compassion, curiosity, and fairness.

Accountability conversations are not about blame. They are about understanding. They are an opportunity to ask, “What got in the way?” instead of immediately assuming laziness or incompetence.

By approaching mistakes and challenges with empathy, we create a culture where people feel safe owning their missteps—and motivated to grow from them. Instead of hiding problems, employees are encouraged to bring them forward, allowing leadership to respond proactively.

It’s about recognizing the whole person, not just their work performance. Because when people feel seen, heard, and supported, they’re more engaged, more loyal, and ultimately, more successful. Accountability and empathy aren’t opposites—they are partners.

Final Thought: Empathy as the Foundation of Lasting Success

Leading with empathy has made me a better business owner, a better leader, and honestly—a better human. It’s not always easy. It requires vulnerability, patience, and a willingness to grow alongside your team. But it’s always worth it.

Empathy changes leadership from a top-down structure into a collaborative, human-centered experience where everyone—leaders included—has the space to thrive.

If you’re building a business, don’t underestimate the power of empathy. It could be the very thing that sets you, your team, and your mission apart.

Let Simplified’s People First Approach Help You Grow Your Business in a Positive and Engaging Way

Looking for a team that believes people come first? At Simplified SEO Consulting, we’re not just passionate about helping businesses grow — we’re passionate about creating a culture where people thrive. Ready to build your visibility with a team that truly gets it?

Let’s connect.

About the Author

Mary Walker is the proud owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, a company dedicated to helping private practice owners and small businesses grow through strategic search engine optimization. Since taking the helm, Mary has continued to build upon the company’s strong foundation, guiding the team to empower hundreds of businesses to connect with their ideal clients and achieve sustainable growth.

With a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary brings a unique blend of expertise to her work. She combines a deep understanding of human behavior with advanced SEO techniques. Her leadership ensures that Simplified SEO Consulting remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

When Mary isn’t leading her team or strategizing SEO solutions, she’s a proud wife, a mom of five, an avid crocheter, and a devoted football fan. Her passion for ethical practices, meaningful connections, and creating balance in life shines through in everything she does.

Self-doubt is a common experience—one that nearly everyone encounters at some point. “Am I making ” the right choice? Am I making the right decision? Is this the best option?” These questions, while normal, can sometimes spiral into something much deeper, leading us to question our abilities, decisions, and overall competence. When those feelings of uncertainty become chronic and ingrained, they lay the groundwork for a powerful and often paralyzing experience: Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is characterized by internalized feelings of being a fraud, even in the face of clear accomplishments and evidence of success. It’s a phenomenon where individuals minimize their achievements, attributing them to luck, timing, or external circumstances rather than their effort or talent. Despite outward evidence of competence, those experiencing Imposter Syndrome live with an ever-present fear of being “found out.” This constant ongoing inner dialogue can often lead to overwhelm and burnout.

A Personal Perspective on Imposter Syndrome

From a personal perspective, I often struggle with this internal dialogue, particularly as a small business owner. That voice in my head frequently whispers, “You’re not really qualified for this,” or “It’s only a matter of time before someone realizes you don’t belong here.” Even when I receive praise or achieve a significant milestone, I find myself minimizing it—attributing success to external factors like luck, timing, or the efforts of others. Rarely do I stop and acknowledge my own skills, hard work, or perseverance.

Instead, I tend to focus on the negative. One small mistake or oversight can feel like a massive failure, overshadowing weeks or even months of accomplishments. This kind of thinking creates a vicious cycle: I set impossibly high standards for myself, fall short—as anyone would—and then harshly criticize myself for not measuring up. That cycle fuels the belief that I’m not good enough, which in turn makes me try harder to prove my worth, often at the expense of my own well-being.

Therapy has been vital to breaking this pattern. It’s helped me put a name to these thoughts—imposter Syndrome—and recognize them for what they are: deeply ingrained, untrue beliefs shaped by past experiences, not current reality. I’ve started to make progress through self-compassion, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness, which allows me to pause and challenge negative self-talk instead of just accepting it as truth.

I’ve also learned to celebrate small wins, acknowledge progress, and accept that I don’t have to be perfect to be valuable. But like many high-achievers, I’ve come to understand that overcoming Imposter Syndrome isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing journey of healing, self-awareness, and learning to trust myself again. The more I recognize these patterns and speak them out loud, the less power they hold over me—and the more I can show up as my authentic self in both life and business.

Self-Doubt vs. Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome are deeply intertwined. While self-doubt involves uncertainty and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities or decisions, Imposter Syndrome takes that a step further. It transforms occasional uncertainty into a constant inner narrative of fraudulence and inadequacy.

Here’s how self-doubt contributes to the development and persistence of Imposter Syndrome:

1. Cognitive Distortions and Biases

People experiencing Imposter Syndrome often engage in distorted thinking patterns:

• Discounting the positive – dismissing achievements as luck or timing.
• Magnifying failures – allowing one mistake to eclipse many successes.
• Selective attention – focusing solely on shortcomings while ignoring strengths. These thought patterns reinforce the belief that one’s success is undeserved, feeding the cycle of self-doubt.

2. Attribution Theory and Externalization

Those with Imposter Syndrome frequently externalize their achievements and internalize their failures. They credit successes to chance or external help and view mistakes as personal shortcomings. This lopsided attribution style intensifies feelings of inadequacy, despite contrary evidence.

3. Perfectionism and Unrealistic Standards from Imposter Syndrome

High achievers often set impossibly high standards for themselves. When they inevitably fall short, it reinforces the belief that they’re not good enough. This relentless pursuit of perfection becomes both a symptom and a cause of Imposter Syndrome.

4. Fear of Exposure and Social Anxiety

A central element of Imposter Syndrome is the fear of being exposed as a fraud. This fear can lead to social withdrawal, procrastination, or avoidance of opportunities—ironically preventing individuals from proving their competence even to themselves.

5. Low Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Concept Related to Imposter Syndrome

Underlying all of this is often a negative self-image. When someone sees themselves as fundamentally unworthy or not good enough, no amount of external success can override the internal belief that they don’t deserve it.

Where It Begins: The Roots of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome doesn’t emerge in a vacuum. It often stems from childhood experiences, such as:

• Growing up in highly critical or demanding households
• Experiencing inconsistent praise or unclear standards
• Being compared to siblings or peers

These early environments shape how we see ourselves and how we internalize feedback. Insecure attachment patterns can also play a role, leading to difficulties with self-validation and chronic feelings of inadequacy. Cultural and societal messages—especially those surrounding gender, race, or achievement—can exacerbate these feelings.

Strategies for Breaking the Cycle of Imposter Syndrome

Fortunately, there are ways to challenge and reduce the impact of Imposter Syndrome:

Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you identify and reframe distorted thoughts. Practice acknowledging your accomplishments and attributing them to your effort and skill, not just external factors.

Self-Compassion

Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend. Understand that mistakes and imperfections are part of being human—not evidence of fraudulence.

Reality Testing and Feedback

Seek out objective feedback. Compare your internal narrative with how others see your work and value. Often, the gap between these perspectives is more expansive than we think.

Social Support

Talk about it. Connect with peers, mentors, or therapists. Hearing that others feel the same way can be a powerful reminder that you’re not alone.

Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

Practicing mindfulness helps you observe thoughts without judgment. This emotional distance can reduce the intensity of self-critical thoughts and make room for more balanced thinking.

Final Thoughts About Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome isn’t about erasing self-doubt altogether. It’s about understanding its roots, challenging distorted thinking, and building a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself. If you’re a small business owner or high-achiever who struggles with these feelings, know that you’re not alone—and that these thoughts don’t define your worth or your abilities.

Give yourself permission to celebrate your wins, own your successes, and embrace the fact that you are not an imposter—you’re a work in progress, just like the rest of us.

If growing your business feels overwhelming because you’re carrying the weight of doing everything yourself, Simplified SEO Consulting is here to support you. We help small business owners build their visibility and online presence so you can spend more time doing what you love—and less time doubting yourself. Reach out now!

About the Author

Mary Walker is the proud owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, a company dedicated to helping private practice owners and small businesses grow through strategic search engine optimization. Since taking the helm, Mary has continued to build upon the company’s strong foundation, guiding the team to empower hundreds of businesses to connect with their ideal clients and achieve sustainable growth.

With Master’s degrees in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary brings a unique blend of expertise to her work. She combines a deep understanding of human behavior with advanced SEO techniques. Her leadership ensures that Simplified SEO Consulting remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

When Mary isn’t leading her team or strategizing SEO solutions, she’s a proud wife, a mom of five, an avid crocheter, and a devoted football fan. Her passion for ethical practices, meaningful connections, and creating balance in life shines through in everything she does.