Dave Conde
Next Level Systems
Stress is inevitable at times. For business owners it often seems to be inevitable all of the time. Trying to keep up with the demands of running a business can be overwhelming. Sometimes even the most successful owners may question their decision to launch their own venture.
Often, this is just a temporary feeling that will pass. We all know that things tend to happen all at once and when they do, that is when it seems you do not have enough time in a day. Part of the problem is that when this happens, it does not feel temporary. Quite the opposite, it can feel like your world is crashing down around you.
So how do we deal with this phenomenon, without pulling out our hair and going on a killing spree? Here are some ideas...
Take Stock. Quite often, things are not quite as bad as they seem. But in the pressure of the moment, we tend to think very negatively. This is a great time to organize your thoughts, and your problems. Make a list of what is troubling you. Quite often, when you put them in writing your problems will seem less daunting. This happens because in your mind, the negative thoughts and "what if" scenarios are swirling in a unorganized chaotic cyclone. When you write them down, you organize them into a clear and logical order and they can immediately feel less frightening. The problems are seldom as insurmountable as they seem in the moment and this method will often help you see that.
Take a Deep Breath. Better yet, take several. Sometimes all you need is a moment to clear your head and bring some clarity. One successful business owner I spoke with told me that in these moments of chaos, she closes the door to her office, turns off her devices and spends 5 minutes breathing deeply. She described it as "not exactly meditation" but just time to herself to calm her nerves and relax. Afterwards, she would take an organized approach to the issue (or issues) that were troubling her. For her, this brief pause was often all she needed to bring clarity and relieve the feelings of dread.
Talk Yourself Down. As mentioned earlier, this overwhelming feeling is most often temporary. Take a moment to remind yourself of that fact. You can say it out loud or silently but repeat these words 5 times to yourself. "The way I feel right now is temporary. It will pass." By doing this, you may reset your mindset. This can be an effective way to get out of the panic cycle and get into a more positive mentality.
Launch an Attack. This method works really well with #1. Once you have written down the problems, go on the offensive. I like to clear my mind and get laser focused on the issues, starting with the one that is most daunting. I will look at each one and just attack it until it is resolved. Then, I immediately move onto the next one until I have worked my way through the list. This frenzied activity may last for hours but when I emerge from the "battle", those problems are resolved or at least significantly diminished. Even if I do not get to all of them, I will have greatly reduced my troubles and feel better as a result. This provides encouragement and motivation to resolve the rest as soon as time allows.
Get Help. Sometimes, the issues are outside our wheelhouse or we simply do not have the time to properly address them. In either case, do not be afraid to get help from someone who has the expertise and/or time to resolve the problem(s). This could be as simple as assigning an employee to handle them. Maybe you can go to your spouse or another relative who is an expert, or has the time to help. Of course, you can always consult with Next Level Systems. We offer a variety of solutions that can free your time to overcome these obstacles. We can answer your phones, handle your QuickBooks, process invoices, and much more at a lower cost than hiring an employee. If it is time to bring in additional resources, we can help.
Regardless of how you deal with being overwhelmed, it is important to have a plan that works for you. Small business owners like you drive our economy. You makeup the infrastructure on which our communities and even our nation are built. So hang in there and this too, will pass. We need you!
If you would like to learn more, or share your method for dealing with these feelings, please reach out. I love nothing more than talking to business owners like you. Perhaps I can help you or maybe you can help me gain insight to help others. Email me at dave@TheNextLevelSystems.com and let's grab a cup of coffee soon!
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