Giving Yourself Grace As A Small Business Owner

I was at a International Women's Day Brunch this weekend for female enterprenuers and one of my fellow vendors said something that really resonated with me. She said she was "giving herself grace in the enterprenuerial journey." I really needed to hear that. Not only am I in the action packed "growth phase" of my business where I'm balancing bringing on enough business to keep the help that I've hired, while also not overloading myself, I am also currently in law school. Between managing client relationships, keeping up with tax deadlines, and balancing my personal life with school and work, the pressure can be overwhelming. Admist all of the hustle, I try to remain kind to myself and remember that I am a human first.

Mistakes Are Part of Growth

No matter how experienced or prepared you are, mistakes will happen. Maybe you underpriced a service, forgot to file a form on time, or took on too much at once. Instead of being overly critical, view these moments as learning opportunities. Growth in business comes from experience, and experience often comes from trial and error.

Perfection Isn’t the Goal—Progress Is

Many business owners, especially those in client-focused industries like tax preparation, feel the weight of perfectionism and struggle with imposter syndrome. The reality is, perfection is an illusion. Your goal should be consistent progress, not flawless execution. Done is better than perfect, and delivering value to your clients matters far more than obsessing over every minor detail.

Prioritize Self-Care

When I was studying for the CPA exam, the best piece of advice I received was to workout every day. It helps you focus and taking a break gives your mind a much needed rest so it can function better when you come back to work. Your business relies on you, and if you’re constantly burned out, everything suffers. Schedule breaks, set boundaries, and don’t feel guilty for taking time to recharge. Whether it’s stepping away for a walk, setting work-free hours, or outsourcing tasks to lighten your load, prioritizing self-care isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your business.

Celebrate Small Wins

When you own a business, it’s easy to focus on what’s next and forget to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. Take time to celebrate the small wins, whether it’s landing a new client, filing a complicated return successfully, or simply making it through a challenging week. Recognizing progress keeps you motivated and reminds you why you started in the first place. Anytime I figure out a tricky tax form, I celebrate with a 3-minute dance party to my favorite song.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Every business owner experiences struggles, doubts, and setbacks. Surround yourself with a supportive community—whether it’s fellow entrepreneurs, a mentor, or even an online group that understands the challenges of running a small business. I highly recommend joining your local small business association or chamber of commerce just for to find your people. Seeking advice and sharing experiences can help you navigate challenges with greater confidence.

At the end of the day, giving yourself grace means acknowledging that you’re doing your best with the knowledge, resources, and time you have. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember to be kind to yourself in the process.

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