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Freeze Mode in Business: the Entrepreneur's Block - Why It Happens and How to get out of it

Writer's picture: Alessia GuarnieriAlessia Guarnieri
Get unstuck and grow your business: strategies for when you have a million ideas but don’t know where to start.
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Have you ever felt stuck in your business?

Maybe you have a million ideas running through your mind, an endless to-do list, but no clue where to begin. Instead of taking action, you stay frozen, overwhelmed by indecision and the urge to “get everything perfect.” You procrastinate, distract yourself with other activities, and at the end of the day, feel like you’ve wasted precious time. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Well, you’re not alone—and no, you’re not lazy. You’re simply in freeze mode!

This state, known as functional freeze mode, is an automatic response from your body and mind to stress or fear. It’s much more common than you think, especially for entrepreneurial women and freelancers who are running everything on their own while trying to turn their passions into a sustainable and profitable business.


Do you want to break free from freeze mode and take your business to the next level? Together, we can create a tailored plan for you.


What Is Freeze Mode?

Freeze mode is a physiological reaction our bodies adopt when faced with perceived threats. Like the well-known "fight or flight" response, freeze mode is an evolutionary survival mechanism—but it often manifests in subtler ways.

According to psychotherapist Tina Chummun, freeze mode can feel like a state of paralysis, indecision, or difficulty completing even the simplest tasks. It’s as if your brain goes into standby mode, unable to decide where to start.


Can you blame us? In the age of social media, we spend hours scrolling through curated photos, flawless reels, and success stories that seem unattainable. We constantly compare ourselves to other people's “Chapter 10” while we’re still on our “Chapter 1.”

When I started my own business journey, I often felt overwhelmed. I struggled to post consistently on social media, didn’t have clear ideas for content (even though I felt I had so much to say), and every post I wrote seemed full of flaws. So, I gave up.

It wasn’t until a session with my coach that I realized the root of my block: I was comparing myself to entrepreneurs who had a team of 20 people supporting them. Competing with them was impossible. This realization was a turning point for me.


To help you become aware and recognize if you are in freeze mode, especially if you are an entrepreneur, here are some of the most common signs:

  • Constant anxiety: A feeling of fear or unease that you cannot explain.

  • Procrastination and difficulty completing tasks: Even if you have a to-do list, you cannot decide where to start.

  • Chronic fatigue: Feeling exhausted, despite rest.

  • Desire to isolate yourself: Avoiding calls, messages, or social interactions to escape into solitude.

  • Disconnection from yourself: Emotions, thoughts, and feelings seem less intense or more distant than usual.


When and Why It Happens in Business

Freeze mode can strike at any stage of your business. Maybe you’re just starting out and afraid of failing, or you’re at a pivotal moment, overwhelmed by the pressure to make the “right” choice. In both cases, your mind interprets uncertainty or fear as a threat and freezes.

As entrepreneurs, we constantly generate ideas, strategize, and plan projects. But we often get stuck in the idea phase, unable to turn thoughts into action. Why? Because we focus too much on achieving perfection instead of embracing imperfection and learning as we go.


Why You Feel Stuck: The Pain Points of Entrepreneurs

Many entrepreneurs find themselves in freeze mode due to these common reasons:

  • Fear of failure: You don’t want to disappoint yourself or others, so you don’t move forward.

  • Overload of tasks: Managing a business, social media, clients, and perhaps even family is a tough balancing act.

  • Comparison with others: It seems like everyone else is succeeding but you.

  • Perfectionism: You delay everything because “it’s not good enough.”


Recognizing these blocks is the first step to overcoming them.


Too Many Ideas and No Direction? Focus.

It’s Time for Clarity

One of the main causes of freeze mode is having too many ideas but no clear direction. This happens when we try to do everything at once:

  • You want to create a new product or service, but you lack a concrete strategy.

  • You’re overwhelmed by the amount of content you think you need to produce because “you have to be consistent on social media.”

  • You’re trying to meet everyone’s expectations, fearing judgment from clients or your audience.


Sound familiar? When everything feels urgent and important, it’s easy to freeze and do nothing.


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If You Have a Thousand Ideas but Don't Know Where to Start: Strategies

Yes, we've all been there... Some sooner, some later.

The enthusiasm of those who are starting an entrepreneurial adventure, or those who are taking their business to the next level is a bit like gasoline on a fire - after a while it fades.

So, to not lose the rhythm and above all not lose heart, here are some strategies to get out of freeze mode and find clarity:


  1. Brain Dump

    Write down all your ideas, no matter how big or small. Getting them out of your head and onto paper will make it easier to organize your thoughts.

  2. Focus on One Priority at a Time

    You can’t do everything at once. Choose one main goal and work on it. Maybe it’s launching your first service, creating a simple content plan, or improving your online presence.

  3. Make Imperfect Decisions

    Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before acting. Take imperfect actions and learn as you go. Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to improve.

  4. Move—Literally

    If your mind feels stuck, get physical. A walk, yoga session, or a few minutes of stretching can help unlock your energy and bring clarity.

  5. Create Excitement Around Your Projects

    Involve your audience from the start. Even if everything isn’t ready, sharing your project’s evolution can generate interest and motivate you to keep going.

  6. Seek Support

    A coach, a community of fellow entrepreneurs, or a consultant (👋 that’s me!) can help you find clarity and build a system to support you through tough moments. You don’t have to do it alone.


Grab a virtual coffee with me and discover how we can build a clear strategy for your business together. Book your FREE consultation.



The Power of a Support System

To break free from freeze mode for good, you need a system that supports you:

  • A clear strategy: Break your goals into actionable steps.

  • Simplified routines: Don’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary processes.

  • A partner, coach, or consultant (👋 here I am!): Someone to help you recognize when you’re slipping into freeze mode and guide you back on track.


Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Every entrepreneur experiences moments of being stuck. What matters is knowing that you can overcome them, one step at a time.


Feel like it’s time to get unstuck and give your business a clear direction? Let’s talk. Together, we can transform your ideas into actionable steps.


You’re Not Stuck—You’re in Transition

Freeze mode isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and restart with greater clarity. Every small step brings you closer to your goals.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on what truly matters for your business and personal growth. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to start. And when you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to unlock your potential and gain clarity.



You don’t have to face it all alone.

If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk: together, we can find solutions that truly work for you.


 


AG Studio guides bold entrepreneurs in the hospitality and personal development industry with personal and/or business brands to conscious growth and sustainable success, helping them stand out online.  CLICK HERE to learn more about my services and how I can help you!

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Hey! Don't forget to check out the free resources below ⤵

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