Breaking Free from Analytics Anxiety: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
I started researching topics for my next blog post to distract myself from my anxiety heightening this week and then thought, that’s exactly what I should talk about…I’ve suffered with varying levels of anxiety on and off for the last 20-odd years. It manifests in different ways and there are certain things that trigger it more than others. All of which I have ways to cope and manage it, to a point.
Stating a new business has been hugely rewarding but it has also raised a few anxiety alarm bells along the way too. As a life-long people pleaser and over-thinker (such a great combo) it’s sometimes hard to work through days where there is very low engagement, reach or interaction with what I’m doing. I’ve mentioned a few times before that Instagram is a harder nut to crack these days and with that comes a sense of inner failure which starts to bubble over on bad days.
One minute you’re celebrating a win, someone new has discovered your brand, an order comes through, or a post gets a great response. The next, you’re staring at your analytics, wondering why today’s numbers are down, why that person you know saw your story didn’t engage, or why it feels like you’re shouting into the void.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel that knot of anxiety when things go quiet. It’s easy to spiral, refreshing the website, overanalysing engagement, questioning whether this is all worth it. When you run a business alone, there’s no one to dilute those moments of self-doubt. The silence can be deafening. And in those moments, it’s hard not to equate quiet periods with failure or rejection.
But here’s the truth: growth isn’t linear. And neither is confidence. Some days, you feel like you’re on top of the world; other days, it’s like wading through quicksand. What’s helped me stay grounded is recognising that success, especially in the slow fashion space, isn’t built overnight. It’s not about instant gratification; it’s about showing up consistently, even when it feels like no one is watching (because, trust me, they are).
So how do I manage the anxiety that comes with running a business solo?
1. Detach from the numbers (or at least try to)
It’s a work in progress, but I remind myself that numbers don’t define value. Website traffic dips, engagement fluctuates, algorithms change. None of that is a direct reflection of my effort, creativity, or worth. Instead of obsessing over who hasn’t engaged, I focus on those who have, the ones who message, comment, buy, and believe in what I’m building.
2. Reframe rejection
Not every ‘no’ (or lack of response) is personal. It’s easy to feel crushed when a pitch gets ignored or a collaboration falls through, but it’s often about timing, budgets, or a million other things that have nothing to do with me. Reframing rejection as redirection helps me move forward without spiralling.
3. Create boundaries with social media
It’s essential for my business, but doom-scrolling or overanalysing every post isn’t. I schedule content in advance where I can, set limits on how often I check stats, and remind myself that social media is just one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. This is a work in progress, and I do still have moments where I’m hitting refresh a few more times than I should.
4. Celebrate the small wins
It’s so easy to get caught up in what hasn’t happened that we forget to acknowledge what has. A kind DM, a repeat customer, a great conversation, these moments matter and are important to hold on to.
5. Talk about it
Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but I’m not alone in this. Connecting with other small business owners, sharing struggles, and reminding each other that we’re all figuring it out as we go makes a huge difference. If you’re in this space and you feel the same, know that we’re all in this together.
At the end of the day, running a small business is personal. It’s a reflection of our passion, our creativity, our values. But that doesn’t mean we are the business. Our worth isn’t measured by sales, likes, or website clicks. It’s in the resilience to keep going, to adapt, to create something meaningful, even when it feels tough. If you ever feel the anxiety creeping in, take a breath. Step away. Remind yourself why you started. And trust that, even on the quiet days, you’re building something real.