It’s the height of summer and wedding season is in full swing. Everywhere I look my wedding industry friends are lamenting about how busy they are, how tired they feel, and just how much they’re really looking forward to winter… and a well deserved lie in! Whatever industry you’re in, there are likely to be particular times of year that are much busier than others. So how do you survive, no thrive, when you feel in completely over your head?

I could give you plenty of tips for getting through a busy period – saying no more often, taking a day off, giving yourself rewards, being an excellent list writer – but really there’s just one thing you need in order to power through. Perspective.

Most of us run our own businesses because we’re passionate about what we do. We love our work, we cherish our clients and it’s immensely satisfying overall. Well, it is when you take the time to look back at what you’ve achieved. When you’re in the thick of it, it can be very difficult to see the wood for the trees. It’s hard to remember why you do it at all sometimes, especially when you’re rushing about from place to place, client to client, deadline to deadline.

So right now, take a few moments to realise just how lucky you are. Look at what you’ve managed to do. Be proud of yourself. Tell yourself that you’re doing a good job. Realise that running your own business isn’t easy, and that many people try and fail to do exactly what you’re doing right now. Everyday take the time to acknowledge how grateful you are that you’re so in demand. Especially on the busiest ones.

Then, once this manic time comes to an end, take what you’ve learnt from this season and move forward much better equipped for next year. Do you need to raise your prices so you’re taking less bookings? Do you need to bring on an assistant? Do you need to say no more often?

You may be really stressed right now, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always be running around like a headless chicken. Seeing an end in sight is exceptionally motivating and making plans to do things better next time will help to keep you on track.