Q. I run a small broking business and, to be honest, EOFY is starting to do my head in. Cash flow’s tight, costs keep creeping up, and now, there are more changes coming in. I feel like I should have it all sorted by now, but I’m under the pump. How do you handle this without burning out?
You’re not alone, EOFY has a way of turning the pressure dial up, especially when you’re not just looking after small-business clients – you are one.
The thing most brokers don’t say out loud is that the stress you feel isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about what those numbers mean. They can quickly become a measuring stick – am I doing well enough? Am I falling behind? Should I have this figured out by now? And yep, a lot of people beat themselves up with it.
It’s okay – we’ll get through this together. Here’s your action plan:
First, separate facts from story. The facts are your revenue, pipeline, and obligations. The story is everything you’re layering on top. Get clear on the numbers in black and white. It immediately reduces uncertainty, which is what your brain is reacting to.
Second, shift from reactive to intentional. Instead of trying to “survive EOFY”, decide what a solid next 90 days look like – who are your top clients? Where is the cleanest opportunity for revenue? Keep it simple and focused.
Third, tighten your inputs. Sleep, movement, and boundaries are not luxuries right now – they are performance tools. When these slip, decision making and resilience go with them.
And finally, check your expectations. This is a high-pressure environment with real economic headwinds. Feeling it doesn’t mean you’re failing – it means you’re operating in reality.
The goal isn’t zero stress – it’s staying clear-headed enough to move through it.
If you have a question that you’d like answered by psychotherapist Bronwyn Penhaligon in the Your Health in Mind section of The Adviser, you can email your question in confidence to [email protected].
Or if you feel you need more support, you can visit penhaligons.com.au to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
