I don’t know about you, but as a small business owner, I often find myself setting unrealistic goals and expectations for myself. These goals are well beyond what I would expect from other people, but somehow, I think it’s reasonable to set those standards for myself.
This kind of thinking is more common than you might think, especially among small business owners, therapists, and other high-achieving professionals. The pressure to succeed, to stay motivated, and to constantly prove your worth can quietly wear on your mental health. And when you’re constantly absorbing cultural messages like “hustle harder,” it’s easy to fall into some damaging thought patterns that feel normal but aren’t.
That’s why today, I want to share five mental health myths that I’ve seen time and time again in small business circles—and why we need to stop believing them.
Myth #1: “If I’m not hustling 24/7, I’m not working hard enough.”
The truth: Constant hustle is not the same as productivity—and it’s definitely not sustainable. Rest isn’t the enemy of success. In fact, science tells us rest is where innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making are strengthened. Pushing through burnout might get short-term results, but long-term? It leads to poor performance, health issues, and disconnection from your why.
How to shift this mindset: Start by defining “enough” on your own terms. Track your output and reflect on when you feel most productive—and most fulfilled. Build in rest time intentionally, even if it’s just 30 minutes of no-screen time or a short walk. Create systems that support your workflow without relying on burnout as a badge of honor. Trust that working smarter—not longer—is the real path to sustainability.
Myth #2: “Taking care of my mental health is a luxury I can’t afford.”
The truth: Mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s your most valuable business asset. You can’t make sound decisions, lead effectively, or grow your business when you’re emotionally depleted. Therapy, coaching, time off, and intentional self-care are smart, strategic investments that pay off in clarity, focus, and longevity.
How to prioritize mental health: Make mental wellness a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine. Block out time for activities that refuel you—like nature, journaling, or movement. Budget for mental health support just as you would software or equipment. And set boundaries with your schedule, clients, and even yourself. Small shifts can create space for major healing.
Myth #3: “Once I hit a certain level of success, I’ll finally feel confident.”
The truth: Confidence doesn’t magically appear with success. In fact, many small business owners feel the most insecure after they’ve hit a big milestone because the stakes feel even higher. This is where Imposter Syndrome thrives.
How to build confidence now: Practice celebrating small wins. Keep a success journal to reflect on your growth and accomplishments. Remind yourself regularly that perfection is not the goal—progress is. Surround yourself with peers or mentors who reflect your value back to you. Confidence is built through consistency and self-recognition, not just accolades.
Myth #4: “Asking for help means I’m failing.”
The truth: This one hits home for many small business owners. We pride ourselves on doing it all, but the truth is—no one succeeds alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength and emotional intelligence. Whether it’s outsourcing tasks, hiring a therapist, or leaning on a mentor, support is a smart move, not a weakness.
How to embrace support: Start by identifying one or two areas where you could use relief—like admin tasks, marketing, or household chores. Delegate or outsource just one of them. Practice receiving help with gratitude, not guilt. Reframe collaboration as a power move, not a fallback. You are the CEO of your business, not a one-person machine.
Myth #5: “If I’m struggling mentally, I’m not cut out for business ownership.”
The truth: Many successful small business owners experience anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt at some point in their journey. Mental health challenges are not disqualifiers—they’re human experiences. What matters is how you respond to them.
How to move forward through struggle: Normalize talking about your mental health—especially with peers and professionals who understand. Create systems to check in with yourself regularly. Notice patterns and seek help early, not just in crisis. Invest in routines that support your physical and mental wellness. You don’t have to “power through”—you can lead with compassion and strength.
As small business owners, we need to normalize conversations about mental health and stop believing these outdated myths. The truth is that your well-being is your business strategy.
So here’s your reminder: You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to ask for help. And you’re absolutely capable of building a business without sacrificing your mental health in the process.
Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate?
At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help small business owners boost their visibility through expert SEO, done-for-you services, and copywriting. Let us take care of the search engine stuff—so you can take care of yourself.
Let’s simplify things together.
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.