Success is a trap - how can we escape it?

You built your business for freedom, right? To do meaningful work, have an impact, control your own schedule, and live life on your terms. But instead of having that guilt-free day off whenever you feel like it, you’re struggling to get through your inbox, second-guessing yourself, and wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea.

Let’s be honest: entrepreneurship can be a bit of a rollercoaster (to say the least!). One minute, you’re on top of the world. The next, you’re convinced everyone will find out you have no idea what you’re doing. (Spoiler: Everyone else feels like this, too... I promise!)

Why do successful people feel stuck?

Because no one talks about this part of success. The part where you’ve built something amazing, but now you feel trapped by it. You’ve done everything ‘right’ - but you still feel off. Imposter syndrome creeps in. The to-do list never ends. And somewhere along the way, you lost the confidence and energy you once had. Not to mention the passion and motivation.

I know this because I’ve been there. I’ve built businesses, led teams, made big decisions and still found myself wondering, "Is this it?"

For years, I powered through, telling myself that pushing harder was the answer. 'Hard work pays off' was a mantra I lived by! I just worked more, figured out the right strategy, and got through my never-ending to-do list, and I’d feel better. But instead, I hit a wall. A rock-solid one. Burnout crept in, stealing my energy and passion for the work I once loved. I lost sight of why I started in the first place.

It didn’t just affect me - it affected my business. My ability to think, plan for the future, and make decisions started slipping. Instead of leading with confidence, I was trying to keep my head above water. And that was the scariest part - realising that I was the bottleneck in my success.

That was the wake-up call I needed. Something had to change, but it wasn’t about another productivity hack or mindset trick. It was about redefining what success meant to me and creating a business (and life) that worked for me, not against me.

That is why I do what I do. I don't want to see other entrepreneurs go through the same thing as I did.

The secret to feeling like you again

It’s not about pushing through and burning the candle at both ends. It’s about clarity, confidence, and reconnecting with what lights you up.

As an accredited transformative coach, I work with ambitious founders, CEOs, and business owners who want to:

• Ditch imposter syndrome and feel like a leader again (instead of a tired imposter).
• Get unstuck and figure out their next move - whether that’s scaling, pivoting, or taking a much-needed breath.
• Reignite their energy and motivation so work feels exciting again, not like an endurance sport.
• Create success on their terms (because what’s the point of freedom if you’re still a prisoner to your business?).

Three simple shifts to help you start feeling like yourself again

If you're reading this thinking yes, this is me, here are a few small shifts you can start today... Yes, today! Go on, I dare you.

1. Reconnect with your ‘why’

Remember why you started your business in the first place – the real reason, not the polished story you tell on your 'About' page. Was it freedom? Impact? Flexibility? A burning desire since you were 10? Grab a pen and jot down what still feels important and what’s shifted. Our purpose evolves – it’s okay if your business needs to as well. Mine certainly did over the years of building a business.

2. Question your ‘shoulds’

Feeling trapped often comes from building a business more aligned with other people’s expectations than your own. What are you doing because you should? Posting daily on social media? Offering a service you don’t love anymore? Try replacing “I should” with “Do I want to?” and see what shifts. You don't "have to" do anything. You are in control of your own business.  

3. Give yourself permission to pause

One of the most powerful things I did was to slow down. And to be honest, I should have done that much, much sooner. It would have saved me a lot of time in the long run. Pausing doesn’t mean failure – it means you’re choosing sustainability. Where can you carve out some moments of quiet and rest in your day (without screens)? Sometimes, a little break is all you need to get clarity and a fresh perspective. 

Let’s get real

You don’t need another ‘how to be productive’ article. You need a conversation about what’s holding you back. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start leading with confidence again, then please reach out to a professional.