Episode 195

Why You’re Tired Before You Even Start

Published on: 18th April, 2025

In this episode of Business with Chronic Illness, I’m unpacking the unseen, unspoken emotional workload that so many of us carry before we ever open our laptops or talk to a client. From managing symptoms in silence, to performing “fine” for others, to overthinking how we’re perceived — this episode is about the labor that never makes it on our to-do list, but deeply impacts every part of how we run our businesses.

I’ll share personal stories, client moments, and the powerful mindset shifts that have helped my clients reclaim their capacity, set true boundaries, and build businesses that actually honor their health — not compete with it.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why your emotional labor counts (even if you don't see it, if no one else sees it)
  • How the invisible cost of “being fine” shows up in pricing, planning, and perfectionism
  • The real reason you’re tired — and why it’s not your fault
  • A simple question to help you design your business around your actual capacity
  • How to build in space for recovery, without guilt or shame

🔗 Resources & Next Steps:

  • Research mentioned in this episode - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6430278/
  • 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Business with Chronic Illness
  • 💬 DM me the word GENTLE or Thrive on Instagram to learn about Chronically You & Profitable — my program for building a sustainable coaching business with chronic illness.

✨ I use HoneyBook to simplify client onboarding, automate my calendar, and keep my business flowing—even on low-energy days. Check it out here to save 50%.

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To Start and Grow A Coaching or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

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About the Podcast

Business With Chronic Illness: Simple Sustainable Growth and Burnout Healing For CEO Women
A podcast for entrepreneurs who want success while keeping their health first in business.
Running a business while living with chronic illness is not easy, and most business advice ignores the reality of burnout, living with autoimmune disorders, unpredictable energy, and navigating everyday health and wellness while starting and growing a business. That’s why this podcast is designed to help you build a business that works with your body, not against it.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur, creative, or CEO navigating chronic illness, burnout, or healing and recovering from hustle culture, this show is for you.

Every week, host Nikita Williams brings you simple, sustainable business strategies rooted in her four core content pillars:
• Business Systems and Operations: capacity-first planning, automation, and flare-proof operations.
• Sustainable Marketing and Sales: creative, voice-first strategies like podcasting that convert without social burnout.
• Mindset & Life with Chronic Illness: stories, resets, and tools to honor your health and energy.
• Empowering Entrepreneur Stories: real women building profitable businesses with chronic illness.

Expect a mix of coaching insights, practical strategies, and inspiring interviews delivered with warmth, realness, and the reminder that rest is a strategy and you can be successful at whatever pace you have right now.

As a globally-ranked podcast host (top 2.5%), award-winning business coach, and speaker, Nikita has built a six-figure business while navigating endometriosis, Hashimoto’s, Fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. She’s helped hundreds of women say yes to building profitable businesses that align with their health, life, and values.

Featured guests include thought leaders like Jasmine Star, Danielle Bayard Jackson, Natasha Samuel, and more.

Business With Chronic Illness is where women come to find support, clarity, and simple strategies to grow without the hustle.

Follow the show now so you don’t miss an episode, and visit craftedtothrive.com
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About your host

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Nikita Williams

Welcome to Business with Chronic Illness — the podcast for women who are building big dreams with limited energy.
I’m Nikita Williams, and I know what it’s like to be living in pain, carrying a diagnosis (or several), and still wanting more — more purpose, more income, more alignment, more ease. After leaving behind a traditional path and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of chronic illness, I decided to rewrite the rules of success. And now? I help other women do the same.
Here, we have honest conversations about what it really takes to build a sustainable, profitable business when your health is unpredictable. No hustle culture. No toxic positivity. Just powerful stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that work — even on flare days.
You’ll hear from guests who get it, solo episodes from my heart to yours, and insights I’ve learned coaching dozens of women through launching and growing their dream businesses — on their terms.
Because business is personal. And when you build it that way, it not only becomes easier… it becomes life-giving.
💬 Tune in, take what you need, and know this: You Are Crafted To Thrive.