How Overextending Yourself Can Kill Your Business (and How to Stop It)

Let’s talk about something I’ve learned the hard way in my 35-plus years in the insurance industry: overextending yourself can kill your business. Not just your business—overextending yourself can ruin your personal relationships and drag you into a pit of stress you didn’t see coming. I know because I’ve been there. Back when Hurricane Katrina hit, I put my name and personal phone number in the local paper to help survivors with their insurance needs. My heart was in the right place, but my world fell apart trying to keep up with everyone else’s emergencies while ignoring my own limits. Yah, you can read more about my Katrina experience in my book.

Running your business without limits is like cooking gumbo without a roux—eventually, it all falls apart. When you’re stretched too thin, even the best intentions can leave you in a mess. That’s why Universe of Coverage and Insurance Agent Tool Kit are here to help you set boundaries, work smarter, and keep your business simmering just right. So, if you’re an insurance agency owner—someone who thrives on helping others—I get it. You want to be everything to everyone, especially when disaster strikes. But let me tell you, overextending yourself is a recipe for burnout.

Here are five proven strategies I’ve honed over decades to manage the chaos and regain control of your life and work.

Key Mindset #1: School is Never Out

First off, let’s agree on one thing: life is a constant learning curve. When you stop learning, you stop growing. The world isn’t going to slow down for you, and the information keeps pouring in: emails, phone calls, unexpected meetings, and piles of paperwork. How you handle that incoming flood makes all the difference.

Here’s the deal: when something comes into your world, you’ve got five options. That’s it. You must choose one and act. Sitting on it, stacking it in a pile, or “getting to it later” isn’t one of them.

Option 1: Do It

If it’s something you can knock out in under two minutes, do it right then. No excuses.

Option 2: Delegate It

Is it something someone else can handle? Pass it on. Stop holding onto tasks that others can easily manage. You’re not a superhero—you’re a leader. Leaders delegate.

Option 3: Shred It

Here’s a spicy truth: most of that paperwork doesn’t matter. If you can’t act on it and it doesn’t serve a purpose, shred it. Seriously. The sound of that shredder is music to my ears—it’s like clearing mental clutter.

Option 4: File It

If it’s something you’ll need later, file it. Use a Day 1-31 accordion folder. This system works like a charm. You drop the paper in the folder for the day you’ll need it, and when that day rolls around, boom, it’s right there waiting for you.

Option 5: Set an Appointment

Can’t tackle it now but need to deal with it later? Block out time on your calendar. It’s not procrastination—it’s planning.

Key Mindset #2: Check Your Day 1-31 Folder Daily

This habit is non-negotiable. Every day, open your folder for that day. If there’s nothing there, great—move on. If there is, handle it. This simple routine eliminates forgotten tasks and piles of “I’ll get to it later” clutter.

You can also create reminders. For example, if you file an electric bill in Day 4, set a notification in your task management app or email to remind you to check the folder. When Day 4 comes, you’ll be ready to take care of business.

Why Piles Are Killing You

Let’s talk about those piles of paper on your desk. You might think you’re “organizing” or keeping things “accessible,” but those piles are doing nothing but sapping your energy and causing anxiety. The stress of seeing everything undone can weigh you down, even if you don’t consciously realize it.

Here’s the mantra: No piles. No excuses. No exceptions.

Key Mindset #3: Set Boundaries and Appointments

Overextending yourself often happens because you don’t set boundaries—not with clients, not with family, not even with yourself. When a project or task comes in, assign it a specific time on your calendar. That way, you can focus fully on it when the time comes, rather than letting it lurk in the back of your mind.

Need to write a report? Schedule it for 3 p.m. tomorrow. Want to catch up on emails? Block out 9 a.m. after your coffee. By setting appointments, you give yourself permission to tackle things in a structured, intentional way.

Overextending yourself doesn’t just wear you down—it’s the slow leak that sinks the boat before you even notice. But you don’t have to let the tide pull you under. With Universe of Coverage and Insurance Agent Tool Kit, you’ll find the tools to keep your focus, protect your energy, and steer your business toward success.

A Final Word of Encouragement

I know this system works because it saved me. I went from drowning in tasks and feeling like I was failing everyone to being in control of my business and my life. Did I tell you about putting my personal phone number in the local paper after Hurricane Katrina? That doozy is in my book. I’m not saying it’s easy—I’ve been refining these strategies for decades, and I’m still learning. But every step you take toward managing the overwhelm is a step toward more peace and productivity.

You’ve got this. Take these strategies, implement them, and watch the magic happen. Your clients, your family, and most importantly, you will thank you for it. And remember: if this old Cajun can figure it out, so can you.

Peace, love, and gumbo,
Marvin LeBlanc