You know those weeks when everything that can go wrong, does?
For me, it happened right in the middle of my busiest season; the last two weeks of the month when I’m wrapping up content, scheduling posts, and making sure everything is ready for clients to review and approve.
Out of nowhere, Canva stopped working on my laptop.
At first, I figured it was just a temporary glitch with the platform. But no, turns out, my computer was slowly giving out.
And, of course, it happened right as I was onboarding two new clients who needed me to design graphics. Cue the stress and that desperate, “No, please not right now!” feeling.
Thankfully, the Lord was gracious.
Canva still worked just enough for me to finish a few important projects, even though not all the features were working properly.
I also forced myself to stop, breathe, and pray before rushing into any decisions.
That moment of calm helped me think clearly and make a plan:
I researched and purchased a new computer and picked up an external storage drive so I could safely back up everything from my old laptop before the new one arrived.
It was still a hectic couple of weeks, but things could have been so much worse.
Looking back, that whole experience taught me a few valuable lessons about handling stress in business and about remaining calm when things start to unravel.
If you’ve ever had to juggle deadlines, client work, and unexpected tech trouble all at once, maybe these lessons will encourage you too.
1. Pause Before You Panic
When things start falling apart, it’s easy to go straight into “fix-it” mode. But reacting too quickly (especially when you’re stressed) often leads to more problems than solutions.
When Canva first stopped working, I’ll admit, my stress level shot through the roof.
After a week of failed troubleshooting, I finally stepped back, took a deep breath, and prayed. That pause helped me get out of panic mode and make a smarter, calmer decision.
Tip: Before you do anything, give yourself a few minutes to pause. Step away from your computer, stretch, or grab some fresh air.
Write down what’s actually happening, not what your mind is spinning into worst-case scenarios.
That quick pause is often what separates an emotional reaction from a wise response.
2. Have an Emergency Plan (Even a Simple One)
No matter how organized or experienced you are, chaos will find a way to sneak into your business.
The good news? A little bit of preparation can make a huge difference.
When my laptop started failing, I was so thankful I could still access my files long enough to back them up to an external drive.
That one step saved me from losing client work and hours of time.
Here’s what that kind of preparation can look like:
1. Back up your files regularly.
2. Keep a list of your key tools, logins, and workflows.
3. Schedule a quick “tech check” once a quarter.
4. Build small backup systems.
It’s not the most exciting part of running a business but it’s worth it when things go sideways.
3. It’s Okay to Slow Down
If you run your own business, you probably know the pressure to keep going no matter what.
I felt it big time.
Between onboarding new clients and trying to get my new computer set up, I didn’t think I could afford to slow down, and honestly, that made things harder.
Looking back, I wish I had given myself permission to pause for a couple of days to get my systems set up properly.
That short reset would have saved me from so much extra frustration.
Lesson learned: Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind; it means you’re setting yourself up to move forward with confidence.
4. Communication Is Everything
When something unexpected affects your work, keeping quiet usually creates more stress. You don’t have to give clients a full play-by-play, but a quick, honest update can go a long way.
When I told one of my new clients that I was in the middle of transitioning to a new computer and might need an extra day to make sure everything was running smoothly, they were completely understanding. They actually appreciated that I let them know rather than going silent.
Tip: Try something simple like, “Hey, I’m getting my new laptop set up today, so I’ll have your project ready by tomorrow afternoon. Thanks so much for your patience!”
Clients appreciate transparency—and it builds trust.
5. Reflect and Reset
Once things settle down, take a moment to reflect.
What worked well? What could you do differently next time?
That’s part of why I wanted to share this story.
This experience showed me that I wasn’t as prepared as I thought when it came to my tech setup and that I tend to underestimate how long it takes to get new systems running smoothly.
Now, I build in extra time each quarter to double-check my tools before my busiest weeks roll around.
Tip: Reflection turns chaos into clarity. Every unexpected moment is a chance to strengthen your systems and your confidence.
When Chaos Becomes a Teacher
Chaos is going to show up in business.
It always does. But it doesn’t have to derail you; it can actually shape you into a stronger, more grounded entrepreneur.
For me, that stressful week ended up being a lesson in preparation, patience, and grace.
The Lord allowed just enough to keep me moving forward, and I came out of it more resilient and grateful.
So, when your plans unravel and everything feels shaky, take a breath. Pause, pray, plan, and keep going one steady step at a time.
Lessons I’m Taking with Me
To handle chaos in business, I remind myself to:
1. Pause before reacting.
2. Prepare for the unexpected.
3. Be honest with clients.
4. Give myself grace to slow down.
5. Reflect and reset when it’s over.
Running a business isn’t about avoiding chaos, it’s about facing it with confidence, wisdom, and peace.
And of course, if you need help with the chaos, please reach out.
