How to reset yourself and your small business to turn stress into success

In brief

Michelle Broadbent is a business strategist who founded the accountability network Accountability Circle to help women entrepreneurs thrive. Her experience supporting countless stressed women in business led to her creation of the RESET method to de-stress, which she details below.

We’ve all been there: you’re kicking goals, growing your business and outwardly thriving – but inside, you’re barely holding it together. Success, it turns out, doesn’t always feel successful. If your wins are making you feel like a mess, it’s time to hit the reset button.

I don’t know who decided that stress is the price you must pay for success. It doesn’t need to be this way. It is possible to refocus and reclaim your sense of calm while still achieving big things. That’s where my five-step RESET can help you move from frazzled to focused without ditching your longed for business goals.

R – Review

The first step in any RESET is an audit of where things are at for you right now to identify exactly what is causing the stress. Ask yourself:

What’s working? Identify the areas of your business you love, the things that feel easy and energising.
What’s draining you? Pinpoint the parts that feel heavy, chaotic, or unmanageable.
What’s missing? Sometimes the gaps are what cause the overwhelm – whether it’s a missing team member, clarity on your goals, or simply boundaries.

Look at your business with the objectivity of an outsider. How would you rate your operations, your service, your team and even your mindset? Be honest – this is your baseline for improvement.

E – Explore + Plan

Once you’ve completed your audit, it’s time to explore what you truly want next. Stop and consider: “What would a “stress-free” version of my life look like?”

With that vision crystalised, create a plan to make it happen.

What small tweaks could you start to make that lead you to living this version of your life? Maybe it’s outsourcing tasks, saying ‘no’ more often or taking Fridays off to recharge.

Imagine your ‘stress-free’ self as a character in a movie. How do they act, work, and live?

S – Systems + Structure for Success

Here’s the secret sauce: systems and structure. Without them, even the best-laid plans can fall apart.

Think about the areas of your business that could benefit from a bit of streamlining.

Treat this like Marie Kondo-ing your business. If a process or task doesn’t “spark joy” (or at least serve a clear purpose), it’s time to automate, delegate or delete it.

Common culprits include scheduling, client management, and team communication. The goal here is to free up your mental bandwidth so you can focus on doing what you do best.

E – Engage Support

Even the most capable entrepreneurs can’t do it all alone. Success – and the peace of mind that comes with it – requires a strong support system.

Look at the people around you:

Who can you delegate to? If you’re a solo operator, it might be time to hire your first VA or contractor.
Who can you lean on for accountability? A mentor, business strategist, or even a trusted peer can keep you on track when the going gets tough.
Who cheers you on? Don’t underestimate the value of emotional support from family and friends.

Think of this as building your personal ‘dream team’. Who do you need to bring onboard to help you win?

T – Transformation

With the groundwork laid, you’ll start to see real change – not just in how your business operates, but in how you feel about it.

Transformation doesn’t always mean a massive upheaval. Sometimes it’s as simple as having time to go to the toilet between meetings, finishing work at a reasonable hour, or finally getting your weekends back.

It’s important to acknowledge your transformation and celebrate your progress. I encourage my clients keep a Ta-Dahs List as a way of capturing their wins and keep them committed to maintaining their new approach.