The top 3 priorities when working solo
Being your own boss is a beautiful mix of freedom, fulfilment, creativity… and at times, complete chaos. No one can prepare you for the mental pressure of running your own business. You’re the CEO, admin assistant, tech support, marketing manager, CFO, and head of snacks!
So how do you stay sane while juggling it all?
After years of building my own businesses I’ve noticed three things that consistently make the difference between spinning multiple plates and moving forward with a bit more ease and clarity. I say ‘a bit more’ because it’s never a smooth simple ride.
The 3 things are:
Organisation
Discipline
Boundaries
Here’s how they can look in practice, what gets in the way of maintaining them, and what I recommend if you want to strengthen these three foundations.
1. Organisation
Creating Space for Your Sanity
If organisation had a sound, I think it would be a gentle exhale. It’s the relief of knowing what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, and why. When you’re disorganised, it’s not just your to do list that suffers, it’s actually your nervous system. When you’re constantly in decision making mode, it’s very draining. It can feel like low level chaos all day. That panicked thought of "What am I meant to be doing right now?" doesn’t leave any space for creative thinking, deep work or appreciating how far you’ve already come.
What it looks like in my life:
I don’t run a military-style calendar but I do know what my week ahead looks like. Often 2 weeks ahead so I can prepare for more complex or challenging tasks.
I map the days with client bookings, meetings and events and if I have, any deadlines. Then blocks of time to work on recurring tasks when it’s the most realistic in terms of my energy levels. I don’t like to overload Monday because it’s a good time to get focused and ease into the week. I’m not 20 anymore and I don’t feel the need to hit the ground running anymore. I like my slower mornings with coffee and some yoga before I start work.
What tries to get in the way:
Procrastination disguised as productivity is a big one. Like endlessly reworking something on Canva instead of just posting the thing. The temptation to say yes to last minute plans or requests that eat into my time to recharge. And the false belief that “I’ll remember everything” (I definitely won’t 😄). I keep a small notebook and pen next to me bed now so I can write ideas down.
Top tips to strengthen your organisation:
Start with one week at a time. Get into the rhythm of weekly planning before you start to map out months.
Have a consistent home for your to-dos. For eg: one app, one notebook, one whiteboard. It avoids having to check multiple places!
Block time to give yourself structure but not too much restriction.
Batch similar tasks together (emails, admin) and try not to mix focus heavy and social tasks in the same stretch of time. Your brain will thank you.
Allow buffer time for the unexpected. Life happens! You’re not a robot.
Review your week on Fridays. What worked? What felt heavy? Learn and adapt for the following week.
Take into account where you are on your cycle too. What is more realistic to work on at different stages of your cycle. Here’s an article to help with that.
2. Discipline
This is the Gentle Backbone of Your Business
Discipline gets a bad rap. It can sound harsh or rigid, like forcing yourself to do things you hate. But that’s not the discipline I’m talking about. I mean the kind of discipline that’s rooted in kindness and clarity. The version that says, "I’m showing up for myself because I care about this dream."
Without discipline, it’s easy to drift. You might have all the right ideas and intentions, but nothing sticks because there’s no follow-through. You don’t need to be harsh, you need to be consistent.
How it shows up in my life:
I’ve learned that self discipline doesn’t mean saying yes to everything on my list. It means knowing what matters most and protecting the time and energy to do that thing. Some days that looks like sitting down to write even when I don’t feel like it because I know I’ll feel better when it’s done. Other days, discipline means taking a walk and putting word aside because I won’t be able to produce anything good right now. It’s about making choices aligned with your long game.
What gets in the way:
Comparison. Perfectionism. The myth of motivation where I’m waiting to “feel like it” before taking action. These things can pull you into firefighting and reactive mode instead of staying connected to your purpose.
Top tips to strengthen your discipline:
Set mini goals with clear boundaries. “I’ll write for 25 minutes” is easier than “write the blog”.
Reward your consistency, not just your outcomes.
Pair tasks with simple rituals like tea & emails, music & bookkeeping. This helps to create a consistent rhythm.
Be honest about your distractions. Notice your patterns without judgement. Be kind to yourself. Again, you are a human!
Remember your why. It’s much easier to be disciplined when you know what it’s all for.
Here’s some further exploration on discipline as an act of self love.
3. Boundaries
The Invisible Container That Holds It All Together
Working for yourself means no one’s setting your hours or telling you when to log off. That sounds like a dream but it also means the lines between work and life can get very blurry. Without boundaries, you can end up saying yes when you mean no, checking emails at midnight, or never fully switching off.
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out though, they’re about letting the right things in at the right time. They help protect your energy, focus, and joy.
How this shows up in my life:
I’m really clear about my communication windows. I don’t reply to WhatsApp messages from clients at weekends. I don’t schedule calls on Fridays, because that’s my creative day. I’ve also learned to lovingly tell friends or family if I’m not into something they’re suggesting we do. This took me a long time to feel ok about but of course, the world didn’t end and everything was fine. I just felt a lot better about being honest (with kindness). My time is valuable so when I treat it that way, others do too.
What tries to get in the way:
Guilt. People pleasing. The idea that “it’s just this once.” Fear that someone will think you’re rude or selfish. But in truth, boundaries are deeply respectful. To you and the people you’re communicating with.
Top tips to strengthen your boundaries:
Be proactive, not reactive. Let people know what to expect.
Use “I” language. “I’m not available on weekends, but I’ll reply on Monday.”
Set digital boundaries. Mute notifications. Use app timers. Close the inbox tab.
Respect your own time as much as you respect your clients’ time.
Know what is non-negotiable for you. What’s sacred? Protect that fiercely.
Here’s an article about the 10 different types of tired. If there was ANY reason to take your boundaries seriously, this is it 🙌
How These Three Pillars Work Together
I love that these aren’t isolated practices. They support and reinforce each other. When you’re organised, you create space for discipline. When you’re disciplined, you uphold your boundaries. And when you protect your boundaries, you make room to stay organised. It becomes a virtuous cycle rather than a draining one.
And yes, of course some weeks are better than others. This isn’t about perfection though, it’s about creating structures that support your freedom, not limit it.
Working for yourself is a long game. Anything worth doing requires care, clarity, and a bit of courage. By nurturing organisation, discipline, and boundaries, you build a business that doesn’t just look good from the outside, but feels good to be inside of.
I don’t think success is about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, in a way that sustains you.
Reflection questions
Where could you bring in more organisation this week?
What does kind self discipline look like for you right now?
Which boundary needs to be reinforced or gently introduced?
Start with one small shift and trust that it all adds up. It really does….