Why Your Business Constantly Feels Broken
Once you fix everything, things will be better…right?
An entrepreneur out there needs to hear this today.
If you’re building a business and you’re worn out from the daily grind.
If you’re discouraged that your company isn’t as far along as you want it to be.
If you’re just starting out and overwhelmed by all there is to do.
Read on.
“If I Could Only Get To The Next Level”
I’ve been a business owner for 14 years, but even after that much time I find myself frequently frustrated that my company isn’t the “well-oiled machine” I imagine it can be.
Sales should be higher. Marketing should be more impactful. Managing people should be less frustrating. Systems should flow more smoothly.
Of course, if I look back one year or two years or ten, it’s been constantly improving this whole time, and runs pretty well actually. But day-in and day-out, what do I notice the most?
The areas that still need improving.
The problems.
The gaps and cracks and stuff that needs fixed.
The reality is, I’ve believed the lie that once my business reaches a certain level or has more people or more sales or gets the right systems in place, THEN it will be better. Then I won’t have any problems!
If I can just fix this thing once and for all, then things will be easier.
In Donald Miller’s new book “Business Made Simple,” I love this truth:
“We’ve been incredibly successful at growing this business, but it’s never not felt like a road trip across the country in a car that keeps breaking down.
You’re just constantly having to fix something, constantly.
And I used to think, well, something’s wrong. This thing should run really well. Until I realized, no, this is life.
If you’re going to attempt to accomplish something great, there will be conflict.”
It’s easy to think getting to the next level will solve all your problems, but that type of thinking will only keep you stuck in a state of frustration.
Problems Don’t Disappear, They Change
What I’ve learned is that as my business has grown, each new level has brought new challenges.
Cashflow doesn’t stop becoming something you have to watch — the numbers just get bigger.
My payroll now — which hits every other week — is more than I personally made my entire first year in business.
Back then I only had to worry about providing for my family. Now I have to provide for my team and their families.
At first you’re worn out from doing everything yourself. Then you hire people to do all the things, and you’re worn out from managing those people.
It’s easy to beat yourself up.
“Why does my business have so many problems? Is something wrong with me??”
No.
The existence of problems in your business does not mean you are doing something wrong. It means you are trying to build something great.
The Solution: Small Wins & Gratitude
Instead of focusing on all the things that need fixing, focus on making consistent improvements, one day after the next, and celebrate the wins along the way.
You’ll find this road to be much more encouraging, and far more fulfilling.
It’s easy for me to be frustrated by problems I need to fix, instead of being grateful that I’m part of the only 30% of businesses that make it more than 10 years.
It’s easy to be frustrated instead of being thankful that I get to work for myself and provide for my family.
So today, focus on being thankful for where you’re at, because it’s not where you used to be.
Focus on the one small step you can take to make progress, and don’t think about the hundred that will follow.
The “next level” isn’t going to fix your problems. You are.
Now go do it.
Hi! I’m Josh. 👋🏻
About Me: Who I Am & What I’m Working On
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