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.

A man sits at a desk late at night while the moon shines above surrounded by clocks and to-do lists representing the one of the many myths tied to small business ownership, you have to be busy all the time.

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.

A small business owner sits alone, overwhelmed even though people are reaching out to help him, representing one of the myths help by small business owners that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

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.

A man climbs to the top after learning from his mistakes and discarding his belief in myths that were holding him back in his small business journey.

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About the AuthorMary Walker, owner of Simplified SEO Consulting stand in a tree lined area as leaves litter the ground.

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.

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 woman stands with her arms crossed as people walk by her on a busy urban street, surrounded by people she feels alone while filled with self-doubt.

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.

A woman stands in front of a mirror looking at her reflection questioning herself as she deals with the self-doubt that comes with imposter syndrome.

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.

A woman strolls happily down a city street lined with trees an people, full of confidence and free of self-doubt as she has overcome imposter syndrome.

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 AuthorMary Walker, owner of Simplified SEO Consulting stand in a tree lined area as leaves litter the ground.

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.

I am going to be completely honest here. For as long as I can remember, even in my childhood, my self-worth has been inexorably tied to my productivity. If only I could do more, be more, or accomplish more, would I have done “enough” to be liked, valued, and loved by the people around me? This is something I learned in my early formative years with parents who were not supportive or loving towards me. Frequently tossed aside or left to my own devices, I began to realize that the more I did, the more I received praise and attention. Thus, the cycle that I have been trying to break for years began. Don’t get me wrong, I have made progress. Logically, I know this is flawed thinking, but on a deeply emotional level, I still believe it to be true.

A small business owner sits at her desk surrounded by stacks of paper feeling overwhelmed by the need to do more representing the concept of hustle culture and the toxic impact it can have on mental health.

The Impact of Hustle Culture on My Life as a Business Owner

So what does this have to do with my life now, as a small business owner? Outwardly, I probably look like I am living the dream. I run a business that I am passionate about, doing something that I love, and working for myself. However, inwardly, it never feels like I am doing enough, and self-doubt lingers in my mind far too often. As a result, I push myself to be constantly productive, rarely taking breaks or allowing time for myself. And as I wrote in my last blog, this path leads to one thing: burnout. Yet still, I push myself to the limit, burning the candle at both ends, convincing myself that if I just do a little more, I will feel like I have done enough.

The Toxicity of Hustle Culture

I think our society perpetuates this concept as well. The whole “hustle culture” mentality has taken over. This idea that relentless work, productivity, and constant self-improvement are the only ways to get ahead places work above everything else and ties our productivity to our identity—a concept I completely understand. We are a society that equates long hours with success and glorifies the grind because we place ambition and high achievement on a pedestal that we tell ourselves we should be striving for.

Many employers encourage this mentality, pushing employees to do more and more in shorter time frames with fewer resources. The expectation to always be available, to work beyond business hours, and to prioritize work over well-being is ingrained in many industries. Unfortunately, little acknowledgment is given to the toll this takes on mental health. People are working themselves into anxiety, exhaustion, and even physical illness, all in pursuit of an unattainable ideal of success.

This mindset is not only toxic but also unsustainable. If our measure of success is purely based on productivity, where does that leave our well-being? How can we show up fully in our work and personal lives if we are running on empty?

So, how do we break the cycle?

A woman sits on the couch laughing with her husband and children as she practices setting boundaries as a small business owner to break the cycle of the hustle culture mentality.

Breaking the Cycle of Hustle Culture

Through working with a therapist and educating myself, I have discovered several ways to step away from the “hustle culture” mentality and find balance. While it is a work in progress, these changes have helped me reframe my mindset and set boundaries that support my mental health.

1. Setting Boundaries Between Work and Life

I have learned to be intentional and mindful about setting boundaries between work and personal life. Because I work from home, this one is hard for me—no sugarcoating it! Work and home are the same place, so separating them can be challenging. However, I do my best to implement small but effective changes, such as:

  • Not staying in my office past 6 p.m.
  • Avoiding emails and work-related messages in the evenings.
  • Setting aside intentional, tech-free time with my family.
  • Practicing being present in the moment, rather than constantly planning my next work task.

Am I always successful? No. But I am learning that small changes eventually lead to big results. Creating a habit of setting work boundaries allows me to recharge and prevents burnout from creeping in unnoticed.

2. Redefining Success

I have started to realize that I need to redefine my concept of success. It’s not just about money, job titles, or the number of tasks I complete in a day. Success is also about the life I have created outside of work—the moments I spend with my husband, my kids, and even my dogs.

They see me as a mom and a wife, not as a business owner. They do not judge me based on how many consults I did today or how much I checked off my to-do list. In their eyes, my worth is not tied to productivity but to who I am as a person. That realization has been life-changing.

If we continue to measure our worth based on professional achievements alone, we will always feel like we need to do more. By shifting our focus to what truly matters—our relationships, well-being, and fulfillment—we can find a healthier and more sustainable definition of success.

3. Prioritizing Self-Care (My Way!)

Lastly, and I will only touch on this briefly because I wrote about it extensively in my last blog, I have learned the importance of self-care—done my way!

Self-care doesn’t have to look like meditation or yoga. It doesn’t have to be bubble baths and reading. For me, self-care is playing a good video game for hours, spending a relaxing day with my family, or going out for lunch with my son. The key is finding what recharges you personally and making time for it without guilt.

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? I’ve learned that I need to do things that bring me joy and relaxation so I can show up for others as the best version of myself.

A woman practices self-care by sitting on the couch with her dog playing a video game representing the need for small business owners to engage in self-care to break the cycle of hustle culture.

Moving Forward and Leaving the Hustle Culture Mentality Behind

This journey has been a long one, and there are still days when I catch myself tying my worth to my productivity. But those days are fewer than they used to be. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistently making small, positive changes that add up over time.

If you struggle with the weight of hustle culture and the pressure to always do more, I encourage you to take a step back. Ask yourself: What truly defines my worth? The answer isn’t in your productivity, your job title, or your workload. Your value is inherent—it is found in who you are, not just in what you do.

I hope that each of you can break away from the “hustle culture” mentality, slow down, and enjoy life a little more. You deserve rest, joy, and a life that isn’t dictated by unrealistic productivity standards. Let’s redefine success together.


Help For Small Business Owners

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand the pressure that small business owners face when it comes to growing their businesses while maintaining a sense of balance. That’s why we’re here—to take the burden of SEO off your plate so you can focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s spending more time with your family, prioritizing self-care, or simply stepping away from the constant hustle, we help you build your online presence without the overwhelm. Let us handle the technical side of SEO while you focus on running your business and reclaiming your time.

 

 

Self-Care in a Chaotic World


I don’t know about you, but today’s world seems extremely chaotic and stressful to me. There is so much uncertainty I am being faced with right now from all fronts. It seems that I cannot even escape from it at home. I run constantly, as there is always something that needs to be addressed as a small business owner. Add in being a wife and mom of five (plus four dogs, a tortoise, and two cats), and things get really complicated. It’s not unusual to find myself working from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. I am trying to squeeze in family time, dinner, and household chores in the evenings. Who has time for self-care?

Weekends are really no different as I often fail at setting those work-life boundaries. Often, I feel like things just HAVE to be done! This frequently leaves me feeling exhausted. Pulled in ten different directions at once, I often struggle to prioritize tasks, get everything done, and honestly, feel like a failure a lot.

So what to do? How can I better care for myself and still accomplish all the things that need to get done and not feel burnt out and overwhelmed?

The Role of Self-Care in Burnout Prevention

In working with my therapist, I have come to realize the the importance of self-care. I have also learned about its connection to preventing burnout. Let me share some of what I have learned.

First, and maybe the biggest one for me personally, is that if I do not take care of myself, it directly impacts my interactions with others. It also impacts my ability to care for others in my life. This can be with employees, family, or friends. When I am burnt out, I am not sharing my best self with anyone. In fact, I can often be distracted, unfocused, and short-tempered. Burnout can manifest in different ways, including emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. When I prioritize my own well-being, I find that I am more patient, more engaged, and able to approach challenges with a clearer mind. I have more energy and am more emotionally balanced. I can also provide the support my family and business need without feeling completely drained.

Additionally, when I take time to care for myself, I notice an increase in my overall motivation and creativity. When burnout takes over, my ability to think clearly and problem-solve sometimes disappears. However, allowing myself space to decompress benefits me emotionally. It also benefits me in how I am able to approach tasks. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, taking breaks actually allows me to be more productive in the long run. It is a shift in mindset—realizing that self-care is not selfish, but rather something that is actually a need in itself.

A woman sits on the floor with her cup of coffee next to her writing in a journal, practicing self-care that works for her to help prevent burnout as a small business owner.

Self-Care is Personal and Unique

Second, self-care looks different for everyone, and I have to find what works for ME! I am not one for meditation, sitting quietly, reading, taking a long bath, or a lot of the things that are frequently associated with self-care, but that is okay. For me, relaxing and decompressing can look like playing a video game on the weekend or taking my son to lunch. I have learned that you can’t force yourself to try and fit that self-care mold.

I am unique, and my self-care needs are going to be unique too, and that is okay. If you try to force yourself to do “normal” self-care activities that really do not work for you, it is not going to help relieve and release stress, nor will it help prevent burnout. Instead, it may feel like yet another obligation, adding to the exhaustion rather than relieving it. The key is to find activities that genuinely restore your energy and bring you joy.

Some people find movement-based self-care helpful, like going for a walk, dancing, or even gardening. Others recharge through social interaction, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in creative hobbies. The key is recognizing what makes YOU feel better and doing those things without feeling guilty. Self-care does not have to be elaborate or time-consuming—it can be as simple as listening to music that makes you happy, stepping outside for fresh air, or even setting aside five minutes for deep breathing exercises. Small, intentional actions add up over time.

A man sits on a colorful couch with a video controller in his hand in a vibrantly colored room, represents that self-care looks different for anyone, but no matter the type can help prevent burnout for small business owners.

Intentionality is Key in Self-Care

Third, I have found that practicing self-care, at least for me, has to be intentional. I almost have to schedule it, or I will find excuses not to do it. If I don’t, it leads me right down the path to burnout once again. So being intentional with self-care is important for me, and that is okay too. Just like I schedule meetings or work tasks, I have learned to set aside time for things that replenish me—whether it’s a quick walk outside, a lunch break without work distractions, or setting boundaries on work hours. After a while, it will become muscle memory and part of my routine, but for now, I just need to be patient and set the time aside. The benefits of burnout prevention hugely outweigh the effort I have to put into it right now!

Intentionality also means setting boundaries that protect your well-being. Learning to say no, delegating tasks, and recognizing when you need a break are all part of consistent self-care practice. Many of us fall into the trap of believing that productivity equals worth (lord knows I do), but the reality is that constant busyness does not always translate to effectiveness. Giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge ultimately enhances our ability to show up in all areas of our lives.

A woman walks on a boardwalk styled path through a vibrantly colored forest as she practices her version of self-care as a small business owner.

You Are Worth the Effort

Regularly practicing self-care can reduce stress and help prevent burnout. It may take some time, effort, and extra energy on our part when we start. It allows us to show up for the people in our lives that we care. We are available more fully, with deeper meaning, and deeper connections that strengthen our relationships. It also improves our view of ourselves. When we prioritize self-care, we are modeling healthy behavior for those around us. We help show our children, employees, or friends the importance of self-care. Taking care of yourself is not just about personal well-being; it is about setting an example for others to do the same.

So, if you’ve been putting yourself last, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what self-care means to you. Then think about how you can begin implementing it in ways that truly serve you. I am worth the effort and so are you!

Mary Walker, owner of Simplified SEO Consulting shares tips and ideas on how to stay relevant with SEO strategies in an ever changing world.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. She has guided 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, 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.