#34 What to Do When You Don’t Know Where to Start
First things first, my friend. You are not lazy.
You’re overwhelmed.
And not just in the "I need a nap" kind of way.
It’s the kind of overwhelm that builds up quietly… like hair stuck in the drain. Until suddenly you’re stuck, frozen, scrolling through Instagram, knowing you have 47 things to do and doing absolutely none of them.
Sound familiar?
As a salon owner, you're already holding more than most people ever see. You’re making guest experience magic, managing a team, juggling financial decisions, and still trying to find time to eat lunch. So yeah, it's no wonder your brain wants to check out sometimes.
But here’s the truth: overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do. It’s about not knowing where to start.
Brian Tracy has this concept in his book, Eat That Frog, that changed how I think about productivity.
The idea?
If you had to eat a live frog every single morning, the best thing you could do is eat it as soon as your eyes open. Get it over with. Don’t let it sit on your shoulder all day, whispering anxiety into your ear.
That frog? It’s your most important task. Usually, the one you’re most likely to avoid. And when you don’t eat the frog? That’s when overwhelm festers.
So, how do you shift from frozen to focused?
1. Name It
What’s the thing you keep putting off because it feels too big, too boring, or too scary?
Hiring that front desk lead?
Meeting with your stylist who’s been underperforming?
Finally, looking at your budget?
Write it down. Get specific. Naming it takes away half its power.
2. Break It Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Sometimes, trying to take on the full task at once is too much. So split it up.
Instead of "redo the training program," try:
Write a list of what’s missing
Ask the team what training they wish they had
Schedule 30 minutes to update the onboarding checklist
Small wins build momentum.
3. Set a Timer
This one’s my favorite.
Pick a task. Set a timer for 20 minutes. No phone. No distractions. Close out any unrelated tabs. And start.
Nine times out of ten, the anxiety fades once you begin. Your nervous system isn’t wired for multitasking; it’s wired for survival. Give it a clear path.
4. Make Action the Goal (Not Perfection)
Done is better than perfect. Or like my mom used to tell me, “Cs get degrees”. Progress beats paralysis every single time.
We’re not looking for gold stars here. We’re looking for traction. That thing you’ve been avoiding? It won’t feel heavy forever. But you do have to make the first move.
5. Give Yourself a Win
After you complete the task, give yourself something that signals: I showed up for myself today. It can be small. A walk. A fancy coffee. A sweet treat on the way home. Anything that reminds you that you did the hard thing.
Momentum is built in micro-decisions.
You Don’t Need More Time. You Need a Starting Point.
If you’re feeling stuck, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. It means your brain is trying to protect you from risk, judgment, or screwing it up.
But this is your reminder: You’re not meant to run your business from a place of fear.
If you liked this blog, you’ll love Brian Tracy’s book, Eat That Frog. Tap here to check it out on Amazon, I highly recommend it!
Salt & Light,
Heather