Learning what you can and cannot control: A business owner’s reality
If this blog has sparked your interest, then this is something you are currently struggling with: control. I have had my own business for just over 5 years, and this is still a continuous battle. I struggle with a bit of OCD (my husband would probably disagree with the ‘bit’ part) so I really struggle when I cannot be in control of everything. When us as business owners, begin to feel out of control of certain aspects, we tend to go down a terrible spiral. However, having a business is a journey, and just like any journey, you have to learn as we go. The key to long-term success is focusing on what you can control while learning to navigate what you cannot.
What you CAN control
- Your reactions
Business is often unpredictable, no matter how much we plan. How you react to challenges, setbacks, low-income months or unexpected changes will determine how far you will go in business. No one is in control of our reactions but us. Yes, we may feel a certain way without helping it. But allowing space to feel before you react, is control.
- Consistency and work ethic
Show up. No matter how badly you would rather just pull the covers over your face or cancel those meetings. Effort shows over time. Even if you do not have clients that day or any orders, set your diary to be impactful. So even if external factors slow down, the ethics you have, will ensure you are always moving forward.
- Financial Management
Finances often feel like it is the one with thing in business we cannot control and yes, we might not be able to control how many sales you make but you can have control over your numbers. Budgeting wisely, setting financial goals, and making strategic investments in your business will help you stay financially healthy, even in tough times.
- Marketing
You can’t control whether every potential customer chooses your business, but you can control how you position yourself. Building a strong brand, maintaining a professional online presence, and engaging with your audience regularly will increase your chances of attracting and retaining clients.
- Your Time
I am guilty of often saying I have no control over my time. However, I know this is not true and I am actually lucky that I have set boundaries and made priorities to have control over this. You might not have control over when you get booked with a client, but you have control over what you do with your day. Spending time on your business goals, your boundaries, working on the business, is all within your control. Often, setting time to do things we are in control of can help us with things we cannot control.
What we CANNOT control
- The Economy and Market Trends
The big one for first. Perhaps the most frustrating part of being a business owner is when you have done everything possible to sign clients and the economy plays against you. Guess what: ITS NOT IN YOUR HANDS. What we do have control over is keeping informed and educated on what the economy and market trends are doing and being flexible enough to change the business model if need be.
- Clients’ Decisions
You can’t force people to buy from you, but you can ensure you are giving 100% every time with each client. Focus on the clients experience with you. Build relationships with them. If you give an amazing service, they can refer you or recommend you even for when they can’t support you.
- The Unexpected
Oh, when the internet decides to not work or your IT guy has no clue why your systems are down… You have done everything in your power to run things smoothly and than life happens. I was at the peak of my one business (my beauty business) and than got told the building I was renting from was getting sold and had to be out within two months. I was not prepared at all! Financially and mentally. However, it was a reminder that we cannot control everything, but we can have contingency plans, stay flexible, and respond with a clear head instead of panic.
It’s all about putting in energy in things you can control. Trying to control the uncontrollable only leads to frustration and wasted effort. Instead, put your focus on consistent action, strategic planning, and adaptability. Having a successful business isn’t about avoiding the uncontrollable but learning from the uncontrollable. Having a coach to help you through these time helps you identify when you are trying to control what is uncontrollable (even I have been opened to when I tried to control the uncontrollable by my coach). We often need to hear what we don’t want to hear – “you cannot control everything in your business.” Double down on what you can control and move on from what you cannot.
