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The Small Business Owners Path of Least Resistance

Guest post by: Janis Pettit

Article Overview: Recently, I was sitting having my morning coffee, calmly looking out the window enjoying the thick cluster of oak and pine trees in my back yard. The sun was peeking through the dense leaves, and a stunning red cardinal was perched on a branch. It really felt like heaven and I felt momentarily grateful for the journey that had brought me to that moment.

The Small Business Owners Path of Least Resistance

Recently, I was sitting having my morning coffee, calmly looking out the window enjoying the thick cluster of oak and pine trees in my back yard. The sun was peeking through the dense leaves, and a stunning red cardinal was perched on a branch. It really felt like heaven and I felt momentarily grateful for the journey that had brought me to that moment.

Then I remembered how I’d felt looking at a similar morning scene some years ago when I was a first time small business owner. That scene, though lovely, seemed to mock me then as I rushed through breakfast, trying frantically to get to the overwhelming "to do" list that pulled me in twenty different directions. As a small business owner trying to grow as quickly as possible, this seemed like a necessary sacrifice. There were many moments then when I felt overwhelmed, conflicted as to which of many paths was the right one, and frustrated by my slow progress. I was working too many hours, and wasn’t making enough money. I was even questioning whether being a business owner was worth it.

What changed? I did—internally. I was fortunate to be exposed to several teachers and mentors who opened my eyes to some pretty powerful stuff. They forced me to work even harder, but not in the way you might think. They asked me to monitor my inner state, my feelings and thoughts, to find out what was driving me to act in certain ways that were not getting me the results I wanted so badly. What I discovered were some pretty uncomfortable and counter productive belief systems and habits that were like boulders in the road to success. It seems I saw struggle as a necessary vehicle to success. No, I’m not a masochist—I didn’t even realize I was acting from that belief until I began to see that if something came easily to me without struggle, I felt a bit guilty. Worse yet, I tended to think too small. I spent time and money going after the wrong, small clients, really any clients that came my way. No wonder I often felt rather frustrated and powerless.

Once I began changing my way of thinking, which requires a lot of reflection and self monitoring, I was astounded by the results. A new core of passion, commitment and inner power started to take hold along with a new confidence and certainty about what I could accomplish. This new way of being began a wonderful journey that I am still taking. On the road I’ve had the privilege of owning successful businesses built on relationships with the most wonderful clients—the right clients. I’ve learned to take the path of least resistance. The inner work that’s now a regular practice pays off in the rest of my life as well, bringing me stronger, more loving relationships and a simpler, more joyful life.

What do I mean by "the path of least resistance"? Taking the shortest, most direct and productive path possible to your goals (once you’ve identified them) means you’ll reach them faster. Most of us take the long way around because we don’t know how to do the necessary inner work and we experience unnecessary struggle.

For example, I’ve worked with business owners who are brilliant and have lots of creative ideas, plans and strategies, but because they’re spending time mulling over ideas instead of acting on them, their business is stagnating. Are you working lots of hours and still not reaching your financial goals? Are you taking on any client who comes your way even if they’re not the right clients? Are you experiencing high stress or struggle? I’d like to share a few suggestions that will help you find the path of least resistance.

Gain Clarity

If what your business offers seems too broad or unclear, or if you’re not sure what kind of client you need to attract, that will be reflected in the fuzzy results you get. Here’s an example: I could say I’m a business coach, but doesn’t it sound clearer if I say I’m a small business growth coach who works primarily with service businesses with under 30 employees who are motivated to achieve a big vision for their business. If you’re not completely clear about what you can offer the world, who else can be? Once you’re clear, a lot of details about growing your business become clear, like what specific problems you can solve, what services you should offer etc. You stop struggling with too many choices.

Identify the Payoff

When we stubbornly cling to a system, idea or way of doing things, believing it’s the only right way even if it’s not working, there’s always a reason why. I call it the payoff. If, for example, you constantly feel you’re not working hard enough, even though you put in long hours, and you can’t enjoy your time off, you’re getting something from feeling that way or you would simply change the behavior. The payoff may be negative. Perhaps you’re avoiding facing a fear or shortcoming by continuing an action that’s not working, but you’re also traveling a path of unhappiness and struggle. Identify the payoff, stop the counter productive behavior and take the path of least resistance.

Transcend

You’re got e-mails to answer, voice mails to respond to, a proposal to complete, an employee who’s not performing, an unhappy client and you’re having computer problems. You planned to quality time on your marketing but you’re not sure how you can get to it, so you feel like throwing in the towel before the day is half through. Sound like a typical day? Transcending is when you step away from whirl of activity and stress for ten or fifteen minutes, and you ask not to be interrupted. Then you breathe deeply, quiet your mind and get yourself re-focused on the big picture, your ultimate goal. Then ask yourself this question before you do anything, "how important is it?" If a task won’t serve your vision, make it secondary to those that will. Transcending also means reminding yourself that those little annoyances can’t disturb your peace of mind if you don’t let them.

Be Proactive

Stop just thinking about taking action. Do it. Get out there and network. Talk to everyone you know about your product or service. Decide which business and marketing activities are profit generating and focus on getting them done. It’s easy to spend the whole day putting out fires, researching ideas or doing a thousand other tasks that will keep you from those that will make your business soar. If you’re not asking yourself each morning what your profit generating priority actions are, you’re not heading in a forward direction. Engage! Absolutely, resolutely stick to a proactive plan. Being proactive is the opposite of procrastination, so if you’re tempted to put off an action or decision, that’s the signal to be proactive instead.

Make a commitment to yourself to take these steps to reduce struggle in your small business and to take the path of least resistance.

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