A CHILL CHECKLIST FOR SMALL BIZ SANITY

TL;DR: Feeling scattered in your creative business? Here’s a simple checklist to keep you grounded, clear, and moving — without the burnout.

Running a small business is like juggling flaming swords on a trampoline.

One week you’re killing it.

The next, you’re googling “how to file taxes in Canada” while crying into your coffee.

We get it.

And while we don’t have all the answers, we do have a few things that help us stay afloat (and sometimes even thrive 👀).

Here’s our no-pressure checklist we come back to whenever we’re feeling overwhelmed:

✅ Have you moved the needle today?

Big or small. Doesn’t matter. Words of encouragement on someone's post? Sent an email? Edited a reel? Sketched a new idea? That counts.

✅ Have you connected with a human?

This could be a client, a vendor, your cousin who always hypes you up. Community matters.

✅ Do you know your money this week?

What’s coming in? What’s going out? Open your Stripe, PayPal, or notebook — just peek. Awareness is power.

✅ Is your next offer, post, or project clear?

Clarity makes action easier. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe the thing you’re trying to do needs a name, a deadline, or a simpler plan.

✅ Did you eat something that isn’t just vibes?

Coffee is not a meal. Granola bars are not self-care.

Our tip: drink one glass of water with main character energy.

You must feed the machine, artist.

✅ Have you rested on purpose this week?

Not a doom scroll. Not zoning out. Actual rest.

Something that fills your cup — even if it’s a nap, a walk, or 20 minutes of silence.

✅ Did you remember why you started?

Revisit your “why.” Look at old work. Read a message from a client who believed in you. Remind yourself this isn’t random — it’s yours.

You don’t need to do everything.

But doing something — consistently, intentionally — adds up.

Print this. Screenshot it. Stick it to your fridge.

Let it anchor you when things feel too loud.

WANT TO WORK WITH SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO GET IT?We’re real people building a real business, one messy masterpiece at a time. Visit wetpaintsociety.com to book a live painting or just say hey. Based in Toronto, serving all of Canada.