We’ve all been there—the late nights, the tight deadlines, and yes, the looming fear of failure. Stress isn’t just part of the game; sometimes it feels like the whole darn game. But hold up. Before you let stress completely derail you, let’s have some real talk.
The Highs Are High, and the Lows Are Low
First off, let’s acknowledge something. If running a business was easy, everybody would do it.
In my previous article, “Those Who Keep Going, Get There”, we talked about the journey of entrepreneurship being filled with challenges. Remember, the path to success isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road with ups, downs, and a few unexpected detours.
The very thing that makes entrepreneurship rewarding is what makes it stressful: it’s a rollercoaster. The highs are ecstatic—landing a new client, hitting revenue targets, seeing your team thrive. But the lows, oh boy, they can be gut-wrenching. But here’s the catch—both are necessary. The lows teach you lessons that the highs never will.
Take a Tactical Pause
When the stress hits like a freight train, step back. Seriously, put down your phone, walk away from the computer, and just breathe. Call it a tactical pause. It’s not running away; it’s regrouping. Take this moment to reassess. You’re the quarterback, the strategist, the general of your little army. A calm leader is an effective leader.
The 3 Ps: Perspective, Prioritize, Proceed
- Perspective: Whatever issue you’re facing right now, ask yourself—will this matter a year from now? Five years? Sometimes the answer is yes, but more often than not, you’ll find that what feels like a crisis is just a speed bump.
- Prioritize: After you’ve gained some perspective, make a list of what needs immediate attention and what can wait. Focus on the impact-making tasks. Sometimes stress comes from juggling too many balls. Put a few down.
- Proceed: Once you’ve streamlined your to-dos, proceed with conviction. You’ve made it this far; that means you’ve got what it takes to keep going.
Look for the Silver Linings
The greatest innovations often arise from constraints, challenges, or downright failures. Post-It notes, penicillin, even chocolate chip cookies—all products of “mistakes” or stress-inducing situations that turned into gold.
Remember Your Why
You started this business for a reason. Whether it’s because you want to change the world, create a legacy, or just provide an awesome product or service, your “why” is your anchor. Hold onto it tightly.
Final Thoughts
Look, running a business is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Heck, sometimes it feels more like a labyrinth or an obstacle course. But you know what? Obstacle courses are more exciting, and they make for better stories. And the finish line has something awesome in store for you.
