Coping with Grief While Running Your Business
Grief arrives uninvited, disrupting life and work in unexpected ways. As business owners, we face a unique challenge: How do we keep our businesses running when grief takes over?
I know this struggle firsthand. After my mother passed away on November 30, 2020, I found it difficult to focus, make decisions, or even muster up the energy to keep going. On top of that, I served as the executor of her estate, which meant driving 1200 miles every six weeks to handle legal and financial responsibilities. The weight of grief, combined with running a business, felt overwhelming.
In this episode of Chaos Busters 3-2-1 Action, I open up about my experience. I share what helped me, what I struggled with, and how I learned to navigate grief while keeping my business afloat.
Grief Comes in Many Forms
While I share my story about losing a parent, grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. You might be grieving:
- The loss of a child, spouse, or close friend
- The passing of a beloved client or mentor
- The end of a business relationship or partnership
Surprisingly, I’ve found myself deeply grieving the loss of clients. When we work closely with people, they become part of our routine and world. Their absence creates a void. Star Trek’s Data said it best:
As I experience certain sensory input patterns, my mental pathways become accustomed to them. The input is eventually anticipated, and even missed when absent.”
This insight captures why loss feels so disruptive—it changes our daily experience in ways we never expected.
How to Keep Moving Forward
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. It doesn’t disappear after a set amount of time. Yet, as business owners, we often don’t have the option to step away completely. Here’s what helped me manage both grief and my business:
1. Give Yourself Grace
Productivity will look different during this time, and that’s okay. Identify what must get done and let go of what can wait.
2. Lean on Systems and Support
If you have a team, delegate responsibilities. If you work alone, consider outsourcing small tasks. Creating a simplified routine can make work feel more manageable.
3. Take Breaks Without Guilt
Grief drains energy. Allow yourself to step away for a short walk, journal, or rest. These breaks will help you recharge.
4. Connect with Others Who Understand
Grieving in isolation only makes it harder. Reach out to a coach, a support group, or trusted friends who can listen and offer encouragement.
5. Honor the Loss
Finding a way to remember and honor who or what you lost can bring healing. Whether through a tribute, a written reflection, or continuing their legacy, creating meaning from grief can ease the pain.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re grieving while trying to keep your business running, know this—you’re not alone. I see you. I understand.
In this episode of Chaos Busters 3-2-1 Action, I share my journey so that others facing similar struggles can find comfort and encouragement. I hope this conversation reminds you that we can move forward even in grief—one step at a time.
🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-2rxj8-fffccf
Sometimes, We Need Someone to Listen
If you’re struggling and need to talk, please know you don’t have to go through this alone. Sometimes, we need someone to listen.
Feel free to email me or schedule a free call—I’d love to be your listening ear.
📩 Email me at lisa@olindaservices.com
📅 Schedule a free call here: Let’s Untangle Complexity Together
You are seen. You are supported. And you don’t have to navigate this alone. 💙
