Beverlee Rasmussen CEC PCC Owning a business is stressful at the best of times. Unmanaged stress in business situations can slowly but surely rob us of our health.
Notice I didn’t say “can be stressful”? The facts are, like a CEO of a major corporation, small business owners constantly find themselves in a state of fight or flight, either moving towards something exciting or away from a problem.
Stress during the holidays
At a major community holiday time like Christmas, you could find yourself dealing with a higher-than-expected volume of sales. This could lead to stress in fulfilling orders or having to tell customers you don’t have the stock.
Or you could experience the opposite “no sales” and instead you are worried about how to pay the rent in January.
Around the holidays, you may be rushing to get things done for customers so you can take a much-needed break.
Humans aren’t meant to deal with this much stress!
How to reduce stress for the new year
First, acknowledge the stress you feel and step back to see if you can name the missing or broken systems that have contributed to this stress. For now, just put them on a list. Then review them and ask which systems and structures are most relevant to your stress (or lack thereof).
Do you need a better ordering system, cash-saving system or possibly a time-away-for-you system? Think about what you want and need out of owning this business to gain greater health and happiness.
Resolve in the new year to set goals to get more organized. This means putting tighter systems in place that will in turn dramatically reduce your stress.
Remember to take time away from the business to think. Downtime! Even if you are SO busy you feel like you can’t breathe it is imperative you step away so that you can.
In thinking about reducing stress in your business consider asking:
- What do I need to do differently as a leader to reduce my current stress load?
- What are 3 missing or broken operational systems that if fixed would help?
- What financial information do I need in 2024 so I’m not stressing out about money?
- How can my team work together better to reduce everyone’s stress?
- If I had a marketing plan for 2024, would it be less stressful than winging it?
What about you?
Consider your own personal goals. When was the last time you could easily pay for a worry-free vacation while knowing the company was running just fine without you? It’s a great cure for reducing stress. (I know you think it’s impossible, but it’s not. It’s totally possible.)
Most of all remember that we are human. Give yourself grace. Consider that most of what we worry about doesn’t really matter. The holidays are about the things that do matter: family, friends, peace and caring. Say no to the stress and say yes to you and yours.
Until next time, enjoy your Entrepreneurial Journey!
Are you ready to take on the new year stress-free?
Let me know if you are interested in less stress and more profits in 2024.
We have 1-on-1 coaching, courses and books that can help you in the new year! You can book a free coaching session with a Certified Systems Business Coach and see which option best suits you!
