Sickness doesn’t have to negatively impact your business

I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts + strategies on how to manage your business when seasonal sickness hits, as it has struck the O’Neill family once again. Poor Mr 7 is off to the doctor today for some antibiotics and it’s his birthday tomorrow so hopefully he feels better soon 🤞🏻

As Mums in business, we know that dealing with sickness can feel overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to derail our progress or negatively impact our businesses.

Here are a few tips that have helped me navigate these tough times:

Stick to your non-negotiables

When sickness hits, I always revert to my daily non-negotiables in life + business. These are the minimal tasks that need to be done to keep everything ticking along. By getting clear on what your non-negotiables are, you can maintain some level of productivity even when you’re not at your best.

The juggling analogy

An analogy I often share is to think of yourself as juggling both glass and plastic balls. The glass balls represent the non-negotiables—those critical tasks that must be done to keep your business running. The plastic balls, on the other hand, are the nice-to-haves, such as updating your website, creating a new offer, finishing a book, or binge-watching a Netflix series.

When sickness or any other crisis strikes, it’s okay to drop the plastic balls. Focus solely on the glass balls until you have the capability to pick up the plastic ones again.

Mindset shifts

Maintaining a positive and flexible mindset is crucial during times of sickness. Remind yourself that this is temporary and that it’s okay to adjust your plans. Give yourself grace and prioritise self-care. Practicing mindfulness and stress-reducing techniques can also help you stay grounded and focused.

Strategies – simplify + delegate where you can

Simplify your to-do list to focus only on the essential tasks. Delegate responsibilities where possible, whether to a team member, a virtual assistant, or even family members or a friend (if possible). This can significantly reduce your workload and stress, allowing you to concentrate on recovery and the most critical aspects of your business.

Automations – let technology do the work

Utilise automations to keep your business running smoothly. Here are a few areas where automation can be a lifesaver:

Email Marketing

Set up automated email sequences to nurture your audience + keep them engaged.

Social Media

Use scheduling tools like Meta Business Suite or Planoly to plan and automate your posts.

Client Management

Employ CRM systems to manage client communications and appointments without manual effort.

Sales and Payments

Implement automated invoicing and payment systems to ensure your cash flow remains steady.

By leveraging these tools, you can maintain business continuity even when you’re not at full capacity.

Let go of the non-essentials

In navigating sickness, I’ve learned to drop the laundry and housework pretty quickly. Prioritising your health and well-being is crucial, and it’s perfectly okay to let go of non-essential tasks. This way, you can conserve your energy for the things that truly matter.

Remember, taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure you can continue to take care of your business + your family. By identifying your non-negotiables and giving yourself permission to drop the less critical tasks, you’ll be able to manage through sickness with less stress and more grace.

Hope you + your family are well and I will tea you later ☕