3 Common Roadblocks Stopping Solo Entrepreneurs from Growing—and How to Overcome Them

Running a solo business means you’re the go-to for everything, from brainstorming strategy to actually doing the work. It’s rewarding, but it can be exhausting—and sometimes, it feels like something is silently holding you back. Let’s break down three common roadblocks that may be doing just that, and see how to move past them.

1. Perfectionism: The Double-Edged Sword

Perfectionism can seem like a positive trait at first glance. After all, who doesn’t want to deliver their best work? But for solo entrepreneurs, perfectionism often translates into an inability to complete projects, constant revisions, or an overemphasis on getting every detail right. This can slow you down significantly, making it difficult to launch new services, promote content, or experiment with new ideas.

Signs You Might Be Struggling with Perfectionism:

• Spending excessive time tweaking minor details instead of focusing on core tasks
• Procrastinating on launching or promoting something because it’s “not ready yet”
• Constantly second-guessing your work, leading to endless revisions

How to Overcome It:

First, let yourself off the hook a bit! Focus on progress, not perfection. Try setting mini-deadlines so you can keep moving forward without getting bogged down in details. Defining what a “good enough” version looks like for your work can be liberating—and remember, you can always refine things based on feedback once it’s out there.

2. Fear of Visibility: Avoiding the Spotlight

Many solo entrepreneurs find the thought of putting themselves “out there” intimidating. Whether it’s sharing personal stories, showing up on social media, or pitching to larger clients, the fear of judgment, criticism, or failure can keep you playing small. This fear can be a major barrier to growth, particularly in service-based businesses where connecting authentically with your audience is essential.

Signs You Might Be Struggling with Fear of Visibility:

• Hesitating to share content or insights that could position you as an authority
• Focusing on behind-the-scenes tasks to avoid public-facing ones
• Avoiding networking opportunities or client pitches

How to Overcome It:

It’s totally normal to feel a bit vulnerable when putting yourself out there. The truth? Your ideal clients want the real, authentic you—not some “perfect” version. Start small by posting helpful content or showing up on platforms where you’re comfortable. Embrace the idea that showing up—even imperfectly—is powerful. Try setting weekly goals to share a little more of your expertise with your audience.

3. Lack of Systems: The Trap of Constant Busy-ness

Many solo entrepreneurs are caught in a cycle of constant activity without real productivity. If you’re managing everything manually or juggling multiple tasks without a streamlined approach, you’re likely wasting valuable time and energy. Without proper systems, it’s easy to burn out and miss out on growth opportunities that could be easily managed with a bit of organization.

Signs You Might Be Struggling with Lack of Systems:

• Frequently feeling overwhelmed by your daily workload
• Struggling to stay organized, with tasks slipping through the cracks
• Spending too much time on admin work instead of focusing on growth

How to Overcome It:

Simplify your day-to-day with tools that cut down on repetitive tasks—think email automation, scheduling apps, or a quick project checklist for each week. Dedicate time at the start of each week to map out your tasks and prioritize those that directly impact growth. When you have systems in place, you’ll find it much easier to keep your business on track and stay focused on big-picture goals.

Find Out What’s Really Holding You Back

Recognizing these roadblocks is the first step toward overcoming them, but every entrepreneur is unique. Curious about what’s really holding you back? Take my Hidden Roadblocks free quiz —it’ll give you a fresh perspective on what might be keeping you from reaching your goals and how you can move past it.

With awareness and action, any roadblock can be overcome. Here’s to breaking through and building the business you envision!