#16 Avoid Getting Caught On Steamship Misery
May 14, 2008
I talk to a lot of small business owners around the world. Interestingly, no matter which country I’m in, there seems to be a common misconception that small business is supposed to be tough, otherwise you aren’t doing it right. I call this ‘Small Business Syndrome’, and I believe it really holds small business owners back.
Small Business Syndrome relates to all the negatives of having a small business-and yes, there are a number of them, but in my opinion the positives far outweigh the negatives. And let’s be honest: if they didn’t, why on earth would you ever start your own business?
Anyone who has been in small business for any period of time will have heard all the lines about how hard it is. Staff are nothing but trouble, suppliers always let you down, money is always tight, the hours you have to work are crazy, the stress you have to endure will ultimately break you, and so on. This suffering is normally passed on in self-pity workshops with other small business owners (and I will talk about these workshops a little later).
I love my business. I describe it as exciting, energetic and stimulating. I can come and go as I please, I get to make decisions on the spot about how business is done, if I work hard I earn more, I contribute to society through my business and get to build relationships with incredible people, many of whom work with me. Sure, I have all the other stuff to deal with as well, but I don’t focus on that anywhere near as much as I focus on the good stuff.
It’s easy to forget the good points about having your own business. The grass is always greener elsewhere, and we think that everyone else’s business is better than ours. Well, I have a surprise for you-it’s not true! Common misconception: how hard can it be to run a restaurant? Cook a few meals, serve them up and the customers keep rolling in. I don’t think so.
Ask anyone who has owned their own restaurant and you will hear a very specific tale about running a tough business.
Every single business has good points and bad points. The difference is which points you decide to focus on.
What can I do today?
Think about all the positive aspects of your business. Write them down. Whenever you find yourself feeling a little blue or depressed about what you are doing, read through the list to remind yourself just how good it really is.
[tags]Balance Life, out of balance, Getting Caught, Steamship Misery[/tags]
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