This Too Shall Pass

My grandma had a saying whenever one of us was going through a difficult time.  "This too shall pass."  And even though at the time we sometimes doubted, it turns out grandma was right.  The situation always changed.


I have found myself repeating that phrase many times in my life.  Especially as an entrepreneur.  Business slow?  It will pass.  Difficult client?  It will pass.  Team members dropping like flies?  Yes, even that will pass.  Technology issues, impossible deadlines, short on cash, doubtful family and friends, health concerns, fallout from doing something when you knew better (😐) - all this will (and did) pass.


Things aren't suddenly going to be all rainbows and unicorns just because you have decided to pursue your passion and become an entrepreneur.  There will be good days.  There will even be great days.  But there will also be bad days.  But you will get through them.  This too shall pass.


The trick is to know that bad days will come and to be ready.


Now some crises really aren't.  They are just imagined.  And when that happens you need to take time to get your mindset straight.  That's why it is so important to surround yourself with a group of people who will lift you up and support you while you are struggling with your doubt and fear.  I know what it's like.  Why would anyone listen to me?  I'm just a poor girl from the wrong side of a small town from nowhere.  When those feelings hit, my support circle quickly pointed out how wrong that thinking was.  And it passed.  And became less frequent as I realized I did have something to share that people wanted to hear. 


Tip #1 - surround yourself with the right kind of people.  The ones who will lift you up when need it - and who will give you a swift kick when you need that.


Some crises seem worse at the time than they really are.  Your business will experience many little bumps in the road.  Don't panic!  Actions taken in panic mode will often only make things worse.  Assess the situation and determine if you need to take action or if you simply need to wait it out.  If action is required, look at all options before making any decisions.  If you're unsure, find a trusted mentor or coach and ask their opinion.


Tip #2 - Never make a decision out of fear or panic.  Look at all of your options.  Get help from a mentor or coach.  Remember that sometimes doing nothing really is the best choice!


Of course, there will always be the chance that something will go horribly wrong with your business.  When that happens the steps are pretty much the same as for minor crises.  Don't panic.  Assess the situation.  Look at all your options.  Take the necessary action. 


Many major crises can be averted simply by reviewing what is happening in your business and in your industry and adjusting as necessary.


Tip #3 - Be proactive not reactive.  Know your numbers (income, outflow, etc).  Periodically review your business and make any adjustments necessary to keep on track.  Keep current with your industry but be careful not to jump on every new trend that comes along.  Make sure it's right for you and your business before you do.


These three tips will help you over the daily hurdles that come with running a business.  But when all else fails, just remember what grandma said.  This too shall pass!