Running a business is challenging. It’s a constant balancing act of decisions, responsibilities, and adapting to change. Stress and complexity are part of the journey you signed up for. The key to thriving isn’t avoiding these realities but improving your mindset to face them head-on.
Let’s break this down into actionable steps with detailed examples.
Acknowledge Your Choice
You chose to start or run your business. Remind yourself why. Whether it was for financial freedom, passion for your product, or the drive to make an impact, reconnect with your purpose. This simple act reframes your stress. It’s not something forced upon you but a direct result of the path you willingly took.
Write down three reasons why you started your business. Place them somewhere visible, like your office wall. On tough days, glance at this list to refocus your energy.
Take this exercise deeper by revisiting your original business plan or early notes. Reflect on how far you’ve come since the beginning. If you don’t have these documents, write a “memo to self” about the early struggles you overcame to remind yourself of your resilience.
Separate Facts From Feelings
Stress often amplifies problems. Your perception of a situation may make it seem worse than it is. Train your mind to separate the facts from your feelings.
- Write It Down: When faced with a stressful situation, list the facts objectively. For example, instead of saying, “The business is failing,” write, “Sales dropped by 10% last month.”
- Identify Triggers: Ask yourself why this is bothering you. Is it fear of failure? Financial pressure? Understanding your triggers helps manage your reactions.
If a key client leaves, your immediate feeling might be panic. Instead, note the facts:
- The client’s revenue was 20% of your income.
- You have three proposals out that could replace this.
- The team’s capacity has freed up for new work.
Once you’ve outlined the facts, draft a simple plan of action to address them. For example, list specific steps for client retention or outreach to replace lost income. Break larger goals into smaller tasks to make them manageable and less overwhelming.
Create a Morning Routine
Your mindset is shaped by how you start your day. A structured morning routine helps set the tone for productivity and positivity.
- Wake Up Early: Give yourself quiet time before the day’s demands.
- Journal: Spend five minutes noting your goals or what you’re grateful for.
- Move Your Body: A short walk or workout boosts energy and mood.
- Set Priorities: Identify the top three tasks for the day.
A routine eliminates decision fatigue and builds momentum. By controlling your morning, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed later.
Customise your routine to suit your personality and goals. If journaling isn’t for you, consider meditation or reading something motivational. Track your progress over a month to see how your mood and productivity improve.
Focus on What You Can Control
Worrying about things outside your control wastes energy. Shift your mindset to focus on actionable steps within your influence.
If a supplier delays a shipment, you can’t control their timeline, but you can:
- Communicate transparently with your customers.
- Research backup suppliers.
- Adjust your marketing efforts to manage expectations.
Ask yourself, “What is the next best step I can take?” This question redirects your focus to solutions.
Use tools like a whiteboard or project management software to visually map out what you can control. Seeing your options visually helps reduce anxiety and gives you a clear path forward.
Develop Resilience Through Reflection
Failures and setbacks are inevitable. What sets successful business owners apart is their ability to learn and grow from these experiences.
- Conduct a Weekly Review: Dedicate time to assess what went well, what didn’t, and why.
- Ask Questions: What did this experience teach me? How can I apply this lesson?
If a marketing campaign underperforms, don’t dwell on frustration. Analyse the data:
- Was the messaging clear?
- Did it target the right audience?
- Were there external factors, like timing or budget constraints?
Go beyond surface-level reflection by keeping a journal or a digital log of lessons learned. Review these logs quarterly to spot patterns and track your growth over time.
Surround Yourself With the Right People
Your environment shapes your mindset. Surround yourself with people who challenge, support, and inspire you.
- Build a Support Network: Join a mastermind group or connect with other business owners. Share challenges and solutions.
- Hire Thoughtfully: Build a team that aligns with your values and complements your strengths.
- Limit Negativity: Distance yourself from people who drain your energy or sow doubt.
If you’re stuck on a growth strategy, brainstorming with a trusted peer can spark ideas you hadn’t considered.
Seek mentors who have faced similar challenges. Regularly schedule check-ins or coffee meetings to gain insights and stay accountable. Celebrate team successes publicly to foster a positive environment.
Prioritise Your Health
Your physical and mental health directly impact your mindset. Neglecting it leads to burnout and poor decision-making.
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours to recharge.
- Nutrition: Fuel your body with balanced meals.
- Exercise: Regular movement reduces stress and boosts focus.
- Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to reset.
Set a timer to remind yourself to stand and stretch every hour. Block out 30 minutes daily for physical activity, even if it’s just a brisk walk.
Incorporate mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises or yoga into your routine. Use health apps to track sleep and nutrition, ensuring consistency.
Embrace Delegation
Trying to do everything yourself is a fast track to overwhelm. Delegating frees you to focus on high-value tasks.
- Identify Tasks: List tasks that someone else can handle.
- Train Your Team: Invest time in training to ensure quality.
- Let Go: Trust your team to deliver.
Instead of managing day-to-day admin, hire a virtual assistant. Use the saved time to strategise or build client relationships.
Use delegation as a development opportunity for your team. Assign tasks that align with their strengths and provide constructive feedback to help them grow.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledging progress keeps you motivated and focused on growth.
- Track Milestones: Use a dashboard to visualise progress.
- Reward Yourself: Treat yourself to something meaningful when you achieve a goal.
- Recognise Your Team: Share successes and show appreciation.
If your business hits a monthly revenue target, share the news with your team and take them out for lunch. Celebrate the effort behind the achievement.
Create a culture of recognition within your business. Encourage employees to share their wins and support each other. Use social media or internal newsletters to highlight achievements.
Keep Learning
A growth mindset is essential for long-term success. Stay curious and open to new ideas.
- Read Regularly: Choose books or articles that challenge your thinking.
- Take Courses: Invest in training to sharpen your skills.
- Seek Feedback: Ask clients, employees, or mentors for insights.
If you’re struggling with cash flow management, take a short finance course or consult an expert. Apply the knowledge to improve your systems.
Set a goal to learn one new skill or concept every quarter. Document how you’ve applied it to your business and the results it produced. Share this knowledge with your team to foster a learning culture.
Be Honest About Your Limits
You don’t have to be perfect or know everything. Recognising your limits allows you to seek help and avoid unnecessary stress.
- Admit When You’re Stuck: Reach out to mentors or professionals.
- Learn to Say No: Decline opportunities that don’t align with your goals.
- Accept Imperfection: Progress is better than perfection.
If managing IT issues is draining your time, hire a specialist. Freeing up your energy allows you to focus on what you do best.
Create a list of areas where you consistently struggle. These are opportunities to delegate, outsource, or automate. Revisit this list periodically as your business evolves.
Remind Yourself: You Signed Up For This
Running a business is a privilege, not a burden. You signed up for the challenges because of the potential rewards. Reframing your mindset around this truth keeps you grounded.
When stress hits, ask yourself: “What’s the next step I can take to move forward?” Focus on action, surround yourself with support, and keep your health and priorities in check. Growth comes from the challenges you face and the mindset you develop to overcome them.
