If you’re feeling like giving up on your online business, I want you to read this before you make any decisions.
Feeling like giving up on your online business? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing. Here’s what to do before you call it quits.
It usually means you’re overwhelmed, running on empty, or trying to do too much alone.
Online business isn’t hard because of the work — it’s hard because:
- You’re learning 57 things at once (or at least you’re trying to).
- You’re comparing your start to someone else’s highlight reel — and it’s giving you a complex.
- You’re trying to be a one-person marketing team, content creator, tech support, and 17 other roles.
And that’s a lot. So are you really surprised it feels a bit heavy at times?
What to Do When You’re Feeling Like Giving Up on Your Online Business
If you’re feeling like giving up on your online business, know this — it’s not a sign of failure.
1. Do a Reality Check (Not a Meltdown)
Ask yourself: “Am I failing… or just overwhelmed?”
Most of the time, it’s just information overload. You don’t need to quit — you just need a bit of clarity.
👉 Tip: Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means something’s out of alignment.
If you want a few quick strategies to help get back on track, check out this guide from Tonia Kendrick:
👉 4 Simple Strategies for Overcoming Online Business Overwhelm
2. Simplify — Like, Ruthlessly
Unfollow a few “hustle gurus” shouting about 6-figure mornings and 5-day funnels.
Shut down the browser tabs that have been open since Tuesday.
Mute that podcast that makes you feel like you’re 12 steps behind.
Now ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can do today that would actually move me forward — even just a nudge?”
Do that.
Not 10 things.
Not a 4-hour productivity routine.
Just that one thing.
✨ That’s your win today. And yes — it counts.
3. Reconnect With Your ‘Why’
Why did you start this in the first place?
- Flexibility?
- More time for family?
- Earning from home without selling your soul to a boss?
That reason is still valid.
But success doesn’t show up overnight — it’s built in small, consistent steps. Even the boring ones.
4. Talk to Someone (Not Just Your Inner Critic)
Business can feel lonely — especially when you’re doing it from your kitchen table. But isolation fuels doubt. A quick chat with someone who gets it can reset your whole mindset.
If you don’t have someone in your life who understands the online biz stuff yet, consider joining the Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs Facebook group — or shoot me a message. I mean it.
What Helped Me When I Felt Like Giving Up
One day I hit that “what’s the point” wall and wrote down:
- What I actually wanted from this
- What was overwhelming me
- What I could stop doing
It sounds simple, but it worked.
I realised I didn’t need to “crush it” every day — I just needed to keep showing up in small, doable ways.
So if you’re in that headspace right now, pause.
Breathe.
Simplify.
And don’t quit just because it’s hard — pause because it’s allowed.
🎁 Need a Little Help to Keep Going?
I send out honest tips and support for beginners who are trying to build an online business without losing the plot. No hype. No spam. Just what actually works.
👉 Grab my free checklist for beginners here:
https://tracyjmann.com/subscribe
It’s the kind of thing I wish someone had handed me when I started — before the 400 open tabs and coffee-fuelled spirals.
✍️ Want no-fluff tips for building your online biz?
If this post helped clear your head or made you feel less alone, you’re exactly who I write for.
Pop your name and email below and I’ll send you beginner-friendly advice, useful tools, and the truth about what really works online — straight to your inbox.
👇 Sign up and let’s figure this stuff out together.
💡 Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend tools I actually use and believe in. It helps support the blog and keeps the coffee flowing ☕
💬 Over to You:
What’s the ONE thing that makes you feel like giving up on your biz?
Drop it in the comments — or DM me if you don’t want to share it publicly. Either way, you’re not the only one.
SHARE — If you found this helpful, pass it on to someone else who’s figuring it out too.
