You Are Not Your Business

There’s a phrase we use a lot in accounting that sounds dry and technical, but is quietly powerful:

You and your business are separate entities.

It applies on paper.

And it matters emotionally too.

This post is about both.

Part One: The practical separation (the accountant bit)

From an accounting point of view, you and your business are not the same thing.

Even if:

• you’re a sole trader

• you’re a one-person limited company

• you do everything yourself

They are still treated as separate.

That’s why we recommend (and in some cases require):

• a separate business bank account

• clear tracking of money you put in and money you take out

• records that show what belongs to you and what belongs to the business

For limited companies, this separation is non-negotiable.

For sole traders, it’s not legally required - but it’s still a really good idea and if you haven’t done it yet, this one thing will make your business life a DaM lot easier.

Why?

Because clarity reduces stress.

When everything is mixed together:

• it’s harder to see how the business is actually performing

• money decisions feel emotional instead of factual

• it’s easy to feel like you are the problem, rather than the numbers needing attention

Good records aren’t about being “good at admin”. They’re about giving yourself distance, perspective, and choice.

Part Two: The emotional separation (the human bit)

This is the part we don’t talk about enough.

When you run a business - especially a small one - it can become wrapped up in your identity.

You don’t just do the business.

You are the business.

So when:

• sales dip

• something doesn’t work

• you feel behind, stuck, or exhausted

It doesn’t feel like a business problem. It feels like a personal failure.

I know this because I’ve been there.

I’ve had a business that I had to close because it wasn’t working - financially or energetically. And even though I knew, logically, that businesses close all the time… I still felt guilt and shame.

Like I hadn’t tried hard enough. Like I’d “failed”. (I talk more about that in this post)

But here’s the truth:

Businesses fail.

Projects end.

Energy changes.

As long as you’re acting legally and responsibly (which, frankly, most people are), this doesn’t say anything about your worth, intelligence, or capability.

It just means something didn’t work in that form.

And there is always something to learn from that.

Finding the lessons (without beating yourself up)

If you’re in a tough season with your business, try these prompts - gently, without judgement:

• What is this situation teaching me about how I work best?

• What have I learned about my energy, capacity, or boundaries?

• What parts of this business do light me up - and which drain me?

• If this were happening to a friend, what would I say to them?

• What would “adjusting” look like, rather than quitting or pushing harder?

You don’t need all the answers. You’re just creating space to see clearly.

When the business takes over everything

Another hard truth: running a business can be all-consuming.

Especially when:

• money feels tight

• you’re overwhelmed

• you’re doing everything alone

It can feel impossible to switch off. Like if you stop, everything will fall apart.

I get it.

But here’s something I’ve learned (the hard way):

Things will not fall apart in one afternoon.

Or one evening.

Or one day.

Stepping back - even briefly - often gives you more clarity than pushing on ever will.

Rest isn’t a reward for being “on top of things”. It’s a requirement for making good decisions.

A gentle reminder

You are a whole person. Your business is just one part of your life.

Its performance is data, not a verdict on you.

If this resonated, follow along for more calm, practical support around business numbers and mindset - without judgement or jargon.

And if you want to, tell me: what’s the biggest struggle you’re dealing with in your business right now?

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If you want to find out how I can support your and your business, have a look here

You don’t have to carry it alone.