I’ve been doing a lot of networking lately, and I talk to a lot of business owners who don’t actually own a business, they just own a JOB! And worse, their job and their employees actually own them! The theme that jumped out of every conversation is that when things got tough – usually because they are too busy due to not having enough team or because they don’t trust their team – they simply put their head down, dug in, and didn’t look back up until it was too late.
They’re running and running, but not getting anywhere.
Every one of these owners feels stuck and helpless, if not hopeless. And worse, every one of these owners can’t even figure out how it happened or when exactly they lost sight of things. Every one of them is looking for a way to break the cycle but can’t figure out where to start.
Take a Step Back
Well, the good news is that starting is really simple. All you need to do is stop running forward into walls, or digging holes you can’t climb out of. All you need to do is take a step back and revisit the reason you started your business in the first place. Was it to have a job? Well, you’ve got one. How’s that working? Was it to change the world, or create a better life for yourself and your family? Whatever it is, stop, take a deep breath, and remember. Take a minute to feel the passion again. Find it; let it find you!
There’s been a ton of emphasis lately on the importance of employees finding meaning in their work, but it’s even more important for you, the owner, to find that meaning and have a passion for what you’re doing and what you’re trying to achieve. It’s the fuel that inspires you to take action and make the changes you need to make.
Decide to Change
Once you remember why you started, it is never too late to get the business back on a track to get you there. That doesn’t mean you can be there tomorrow or even next month, but if you don’t remember WHY, you will never empower yourself to get there at all. Find an accountability partner, hire a coach, do something to help you step back and remember Your Why, and then start planning to get there.
It won’t happen unless you decide it is important enough.
Author: Mark McNulty, Business Coach in Louisville, KY