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
A space for women entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses—with mindset, strategy & rest.
Making a living with chronic illness is not easy, and conflicting business advice fails to acknowledge the realities of growing a business with them. It’s time to say goodbye to one-size-fits-all strategies and unlock the missing links to starting and growing a thriving business without compromising your health. As a globally-ranked host and award-winning business coach, Nikita Williams, who is living with chronic illness, is here to equip you with proven techniques and personal insights to conquer the unique challenges of starting and growing a business while managing chronic illness. Get inspired by the stories of successful women who decided they wanted more freedom to have the option to quit their jobs, fund their Heal Me fund, pay off their medical debt, and live more, all by starting a business! Discover sustainable ways to make money with ease living with chronic illness, and join hundreds of women who have said “YES” to creating a profitable business that gives you what you need to live and earn well.
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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.