Lets chat about running a business as an introvert
Sometimes I still feel like I’ve tricked everyone a little bit.
I run a people-focused business, I facilitate sessions and events, I reply to emails and plan creative projects and talk to families all the time... but I’m actually pretty introverted. And I have ADHD. Which makes for an interesting mix.
I’ve always loved deep conversations, one-on-one connection, sitting down and really getting to know someone. I love the idea of community, shared values, and creating something meaningful together. But I don’t love constant small talk. I don’t love being “on” all the time. And I find it really hard to push through when something feels off in my body or nervous system. Things that seem small for others—like back-to-back conversations, being in crowds, or last-minute changes—can leave me absolutely wrecked for days.
Then throw ADHD into the mix.
For me that means I get a big idea and feel like I need to act on it right now or it’ll disappear. I’ll say yes to something in a rush of excitement or inspiration—like a festival, a stall, or a speaking event—then when the day actually comes, I get so overwhelmed or nervous that I freeze up. I end up quiet, unsure, withdrawn. I don't feel like myself, and I walk away feeling like I didn’t represent my business or message the way I’d hoped to. Then I go home and overthink every part of it, wondering why I even said yes in the first place.
It’s a cycle I’ve been working to notice and shift.
Because I love what I do. I love Mindful Wild Steps. I love the community it’s built, and I care so deeply about the children and families who come along. But to keep doing this long-term, I’ve had to learn what my own nervous system needs. I’ve had to figure out how to run this thing in a way that actually works for me, instead of burning me out.
So I thought I’d share a little of what that looks like.
This might help someone else who’s neurodivergent, who’s introverted, who’s trying to build something meaningful without breaking themselves in the process.
It might even just make you feel a bit less alone in the way you work and move through the world.
The structure I’ve had to build
I’ve had to slow down and actually look at what overwhelms me.
For me, that means I don’t run sessions every single day. I space them out. I try to only do one or two things on any given day, not six. I set up the night before. I keep days after big events quieter on purpose. I give myself breathing room between social events. I can’t always answer messages straight away, and I’m learning to be okay with that. I have times where I’m present and responding, and other times where I give myself permission to step back. Otherwise, I get stuck in panic and freeze mode, and nothing good comes from that.
I also make decisions slower now. Or at least, I try to.
If I’m invited to something, I don’t say yes straight away anymore. I ask myself: will this actually support my work? Do I really want to do this, or am I saying yes to please someone? What will the lead-up look like? Will I be overwhelmed the week before, or resentful on the day?
If the answer is yes, I either say no, or I adjust the plan to better suit me. For example, sometimes that means sharing a digital resource instead of going in person. Sometimes it means offering a pre-recorded session, or coming as an attendee instead of a presenter. There are ways to show up that don't require pushing yourself to the point of collapse.
Some things I’ve learned along the way
You can have boundaries and still care deeply.
I used to think that replying late made me look unprofessional. Now I know that slow replies make space for better answers. People don’t need you to be instant. They just want you to be honest and real.
You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity.
Sometimes people will ask you to speak, to host, to collaborate. It’s okay to say no if it doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t make you less worthy. It doesn’t mean you’re missing your chance. Real alignment brings the right people at the right time, and you’ll feel it in your body when it’s a good fit.
Planning helps more than I thought it would.
Having to plan ahead is something that took me a while to accept. My ADHD doesn’t love it. But now I know: future-me needs calm, not chaos. So I prep before sessions. I get clothes ready the night before. I make backup plans. I write lists, use calendars, and check in with myself often. The more I do this, the less I panic when life happens.
You don’t need to grow fast.
This was a big one. You don’t need to push your business to explode overnight. I used to think I had to keep launching, keep scaling, keep growing. Now I care more about slow, sustainable growth that still lets me be present with my kids, rest when I need to, and keep showing up with heart. It’s okay to grow in seasons. Some seasons are for planting. Some for resting. Some for showing up big. They all matter.
If you’re building something too…
I just want to say that your pace is allowed. Your energy is valid. Your business doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
You can still build something powerful without having to be loud all the time.
You can be a quiet leader. A thoughtful one. Someone who leads by listening, who creates depth instead of hype.
You can rest and still be successful. You can slow down and still build something real.
You don’t have to be at every market. You don’t have to be posting every day. You don’t have to push yourself to burnout just to prove your work matters.
It already does.
You matter.
And if you ever feel like you’re not showing up “enough,” maybe take a breath and ask: am I being true to myself? Because that’s what your people will feel most. Not the polish. Not the hype. Just you, being honest. That’s what I try to hold onto now.
I’m still learning, still adjusting. But this rhythm is more sustainable. I feel more like myself in the way I show up now. And I hope this post reminds you that you can build your work around your energy and still make something beautiful.
