Relentlessly pounding the pavement, responding to customer demands and trying to stay ahead of the competition can be daunting. Feeling like the only one who really sees the potential of your business is lonely, and shouldering the full weight of making things happen is heavy. And sometimes, the pressure to produce feels relentless.
So, how can you effectively deal with the unique day-to-day challenges and experiences that can make business owners like you question your calling?
Here are four strategies:
Celebrate the good stuff
Think back over the last few months. What have you learned? Who has helped you? How has your business helped others? What’s happened that only God could have done? Keep at it until you get to at least ten items. Then celebrate all ten! Thank God for sending ideas, people and opportunities to you; and let the positives give you fresh fuel.
Rest up
Football legend Vince Lombardi says that “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” A lot of discouragement is related to simply being tired. Go to bed early for the next few nights. Unplug for a day or two. Take some time (even if it’s just a couple hours) to play; do something fun that restores you.
Turn the tables
Instead of focusing on how discouraged you feel (which is about you), be an encourager (which is about others). When you start encouraging others your outlook will change for the better. So, who can you encourage today? Who could you thank, help or bless?
Take God at His word
Embrace Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.”
Cheering you on!
Dr. Steve Brown
President, Arrow Leadership
