I got an email earlier this week from a friend who is in a tough spot with his business. He said that he feels like he’s in triage mode with his business. It’s definitely an emergency and he doesn’t know how to fix it, which really bothers him because he’s a super smart guy. He’s used to fixing things. He’s used to being a solutions guy.
The fact that he can’t figure out what is the best next move isn’t because he’s not smart enough. It’s because he’s running on empty and feeling panicked.
Here’s an excerpt from the email I wrote back to him (with his info removed, of course), because I think it’s something we’ve all experienced in one way or another:
It makes total sense that you don't know how you're going to get out of this situation, because the feeling/emotional weight is crazy-heavy. I'd imagine it's all you can think about (the stress, pressure).
Just to throw another analogy in the mix, I think of it as the backpacker who has been hiking for hours and hours under load in the rain, but can't/won't stop to drink water, eat a snack, or fix their blister because "they still have so far to go." When in fact, taking that little pause will actually be the thing that gives him the energy and nourishment he needs to finish.
And I know you might say, "but I can't stop now. My schedule is packed. I have way too much to do."
But stopping is not actually the first step (though a rest is probably in order, too).
In my experience, the first step—the blister repair kit if you will—is reprogramming your thoughts about the current circumstance. Yep, going down the woo road a bit, but I swear it works. It sounds like you actually won't be able to make a great decision until you can breathe, and new, supportive thoughts might be like an oxygen mask. THEN once the oxygen is flowing to your brain again, you'll actually be able to think clearly and make a good decision.
I don't know what you're thinking exactly, but it might be something along the lines of:
"Oh sh*t. We’re not going to make it. I'd feel like such a loser if it failed...I've got to figure this out!"
When you have that thought (or whatever is going through your head right now), how does it make you feel?
When you feel that way (panicked? worried? stressed?), how does that influence your actions?
So, what if instead, you tried on another thought?
What if instead you thought:
"My success is inevitable."
or
"We bring money into our lives because we create value."
or
"I am on the path to creating something groundbreaking."
You get the idea. Just staring by choosing new thoughts might stop the bleeding...even just a bit.
What new thought do YOU need in your business? Not sure where to start? Click below for an overview and worksheet.