Rasmussen MA CEC PCC What would shift if, as a small business owner, you stopped worrying about what others might think—and started putting yourself first?
Running a business is deeply personal. You care about your people, your customers, and your reputation. That’s part of what makes you so good at what you do. And yet—some of the most generous, capable business owners I know are quietly struggling under the weight of expectations that aren’t even theirs.
You might hesitate to raise your prices—even though your costs have gone up—because you’re worried how clients will react.
Maybe you haven’t taken a day off in months because you’re afraid the team will feel abandoned.
You might even hold back on paying yourself a fair salary because others “aren’t making that much.”
Or keep someone on the payroll long after it’s stopped working, because letting them go feels like you’re causing them harm.
If any of that resonates—you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.
It’s just that there’s another way.
Mel Robbins talks about the idea of “just let them.”
Let people be surprised by your boundaries.
Let them be uncomfortable with your decisions.
Let them have their opinions… while you make the choices that keep you, your family, and your company healthy.
When I owned my travel agency, I had to face this myself. I loved being “their” travel agent—until I realized I was trapped in a business that only worked when I did. The day I chose to build a company that served me as well as my clients was the day everything changed. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
So here’s a quiet invitation:
What would it look like to give yourself more freedom?
What might open up if you stopped carrying everyone else’s expectations?
How would your business feel if you made space to take care of you?
You don’t have to do it all, please everyone, or justify your leadership. You just have to lead from a place that’s aligned—with your vision, your values, and your wellbeing.
Because when you feel free, the business thrives.
And when you are taken care of—everyone benefits. Your family. Your customers. Your team. Your suppliers. Your community. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s your responsibility.
Healthy businesses are built by owners who learn this truth and build in the time, compensation, and capacity to live it. There’s no point running a business if, in the end, you sacrifice everything that matters most.
So take a moment and ask yourself:
What do you want?
Three-day workweeks?
$150K annual income?
Summers off?
Three weeks in Europe?
An education fund for your kids or grandkids?
Design your ideal life—then reverse engineer your business to support it. Put the systems and structures in place. Let people think what they want.
This is your business.
You’ve earned the right to make it work for you.
Does this resonate? Share the blog, post a comment. How does this show up for you?
Beverlee Rasmussen MA CEC PCC
