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Mindset & Resilience

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The Often Overlooked Strategy: Year End Celebration

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

Isn’t it astonishing when you consider that the year is coming to a close? It was only last week – or so it seems – you were making plans for the upcoming year.

Like most optimistic entrepreneurs, you executed your strategic options flawlessly. And, like many entrepreneurs, you discovered some of the strategies got you closer to your objectives and others – well, let’s face it, you wasted paper creating them. Despite wrapping up final figures, there remains one strategy requiring your attention: celebrating your achievements.

Regardless of your successes or failures, it’s worth noting that if you’re reading this, you’re still in business! The fact that the doors to your business remain open means two things: you did many of the right things and you did many things right.

Before you break out in “Auld Lang Syne” and pop the champagne on the new year, let’s put 10 minutes on the clock and see how many achievements, large and small, you have realized this past year.

Here are some questions to get you started:

  1. What did you learn that accelerates your growth moving forward?
  2. What did you learn that you know you’ll never repeat?
  3. What new skill did you add to your quiver?
  4. What skill was improved or strengthened?
  5. Whom did you meet that positively influenced your business?
  6. What area of your business is stronger today?
  7. What are you able to see along the horizon that wasn’t visible last year at this time?
  8. What events did you attend that were new and/or different this year whether it was for networking, marketing, or seeking assistance that caused you to stretch your comfort zone?
  9. What was your most proud moment?
  10. What can you say about yourself or your business today that you were unable to say last year at this time?

As you consider the response for each question, you’ll undoubtedly agree that despite the balance sheet or bank balance, you have much to celebrate that will serve you well long after this year has become a faint memory.

From our business to yours, we wish you a stellar new year!

Dare to Dream, Create, Play, and Shine Like the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

Did you experience it? I sat on the edge of my chair, glued to the game, yelling as if I was in the stadium; relieved when it was over. Another world championship title! In another nail-biting, edgy, and electrifying performance, the US Women’s Soccer Team dominated the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This isn’t their first “rodeo,” so to speak. They’ve appeared on the world soccer stage in memorable style on multiple occasions.

During their devastating loss to Japan in 2011, they showed us that sometimes the difference between winning and losing isn’t technique. It is undying belief, attitude, and grit. They showed us to never stop believing you’ll win. Even if the game has ended, it doesn’t mean it’s over so keep playing.

Read more: Top Ten Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Women’s Soccer

In their stunning return in 2015, they came ready to play. They faced their foe with ferocity, executed smart moves early in the game, took periodic rest knowing fresh legs were critical, and stretched themselves in all directions. They were galvanized. They transformed their goal into reality to capture the title of world champions. It was breathtaking…and a bit stressful.

Read more: Entrepreneurs: Learn to #LiveYourGoals Like the US Women’s Soccer Team

Their 2019 performance didn’t disappoint. By capturing the win—and our hearts—there is much that we, as entrepreneurs, can learn from them.

Here are a few of the takeaways I captured…

  1. Journey together—that’s where success begins and ends.
  2. Push the boundaries of what is possible.
  3. When you nail your goal, take a bow—unapologetically.
  4. Don’t just come to play, come to win.
  5. Continually, and incessantly, communicate with other members of your team.
  6. If at first your goal is defeated, try again.
  7. You’ll get beat up. That’s part of the game. Pick yourself up and play on.
  8. You’ll butt heads with others. Don’t let it take you out of the game—unless your health is on the line.
  9. When things don’t go your way, don’t get mad. Come back stronger, fiercer, and fight harder for the win.
  10. When you know and speak your truth, you’ll be criticized. Ignore it—and them.

Undoubtedly there were many more teachable moments for those of us with the desire to succeed. We play hard to win every day and our determination to succeed, just like the 2019 Women’s World Soccer Champions, keeps us in the game—no matter the obstacles.

Remember this…as an entrepreneur, you are equally as talented, skilled, and powerful as the US Women’s Soccer Team to dream, create, play, and shine!

How Can A Business Coach Help Defeat Caution And Improve Growth

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

There are many reasons – valid and invalid – for caution that many of us as small business owners experience. Granted, a measured amount of caution is useful. It triggers due diligence to better manage risk and make better decisions. An overabundance of caution, on the other hand, is liable to choke your business growth

Cautiousness in business is like bubble wrap. It’s cushioning material provides a protective layer. Although protective of harsh blows, it also creates delays, prompts missed opportunities, causes us to misjudge or misinterpret events, and changes our course of action that ultimately sabotages our business growth.

During my tenure as a business coach, I’ve seen many reasons for excessive cautiousness in small business owners, including:

  • failure taken out of context
  • lack of belief in oneself
  • unproven business model that is unstable and produces lackluster results
  • missing information
  • under-developed business skills
  • etc etc etc

Regardless of the cause, however, being overly cautiousness is NOT a recommended strategy for growth. In order to achieve your goals to grow your business at the rate and pace you desire – and need – for joy, fulfillment, freedom, and flexibility you seek, you have to “pop” your way through the layers of protective cautiousness.

That’s where business coaching comes in.

No longer a new and shiny object, business coaching is being recognized by more small business owners as a tool that ensures a clear mind and the necessary focus to stay on the course to upward trending growth. In essence, business coaching done right removes the protective layer of cautiousness that previously kept you stuck. It puts you on a path to accelerate your business growth.

1. Business coaching creates forward movement. With caution comes a blurred vision. Unable to see a clear way forward, valuable resources get squandered as you head in multiple directions – often simultaneously. You can’t veer off track with business coaching. Business coaching ensures your vision is crystal clear and smart strategies are implemented that are aligned with your vision to help you stay the course.

2. Business coaching prevents unrelenting cautiousness from becoming a habit. As with anything, the more we do it, the stronger it becomes. Cautiousness is one habit you don’t want to strengthen. Business coaching interrupts the vicious cycle of cautiousness (and that sense of powerlessness) by providing you with the tools, techniques, information, and skills you need to move confidently in the direction of your dreams.  

3. Business coaching opens up unidentified opportunities. It’s challenging to grow a business alone in this fast-paced, every-changing business environment. The isolation of trying to take your business to the next level is deafening – especially when it comes to innovation. Possibilities are easily overlooked. Business coaching keeps you up-to-date with industry and consumer trends and makes it easier to keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening in the world to direct your business growth. 

4. Business coaching sheds light on your numbers. If you don’t know it, you can’t grow it. Business metrics provide key performance information. Business coaching lends a hand in identifying the right stats to track. Business coaching also helps you understand key metrics that guide your business decisions and keep your business on the right track. You’ll be so impressed with yourself as you uncover the impact of data-driven decisions.

5. Business coaching helps identify the right kind and amount of resources. Selecting vendors to assist with growth initiatives can be a daunting process. One bad choice can be a costly decision for many small business owners. With business coaching, you become a smart consumer of services. You learn the questions to make sure a vendor can deliver on their promises and identify resources that are the best fit for your business. 

Ahhhh! Don’t you feel better already? Who doesn’t love the stress-relieving bubble popping of bubble wrap!? It’s irresistible. And, once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop. Business coaching is just like bubble popping. It relieves stress, injects massive calm into your day, provides the tools needed to succeed, and keeps you moving in the direction of your dreams. 

10 Reasons Entrepreneurs Achieve Greater Coaching Success Than Others

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

Taking the courageous step to engage a strategic business coach is a big deal for many entrepreneurs. For some, it means admitting they can’t grow their business alone—no matter how smart they are. It also means coming face-to-face with beliefs, behaviors, and habits that are getting in the way of success.

Having coached hundreds of small business owners in a variety of businesses at different phases of business growth, there is an expectation—by the business owner and the coach—of coaching progress and achievements to be attained. Coaching, after all, is an investment of time and money deserving of a substantial return on investment (ROI).

In fact, surveys show that the ROI on business coaching is very high. One study done on a Fortune 500 company revealed that executive coaching ROI was as high as 529%. Another study showed that for every dollar invested in coaching, the return was $7.90. That’s a whopping 690%! These statistics show just how strategic business coaching increases your business performance.

For some, business coaching speeds them quickly down the road while others slog along and make less progress than expected. What makes the difference between success and schlepping? Here are the distinguishing behaviors of our most successful clients:

1. Take responsibility for their business.

Doesn’t everyone, you ask? Not always. Many business owners are just plain exhausted and burned out. Wanting the coach to take the lead on business development is appealing to a sleep-deprived entrepreneur. However, those who achieve the most powerful coaching results take responsibility for their business and its direction. They set the tone, pace, and objective for each coaching call.

2. Make strategic planning and thinking a priority.

Rather than spending time putting out fires, meeting the demands of others, and dealing with constant interruptions, our fast achieving coaching clients arrange—in advance—for time to strategically think and plan. With greater clarity and focus, strategic implementation takes the lead in their day. It’s a fore-thought; not an afterthought on their ever-growing to-do list.

3. Do the homework.

Sounds like you’re back in school, doesn’t it? In a way, any business owner engaged in coaching is engaged in a learning process. Unlike those who wait until the night before the big test, the most accomplished businesses jump on their plan of action immediately. In fact, many allot time immediately following a coaching meeting to implement their commitment. After all, it’s a promise they made to themselves and they don’t want to disappoint.

4. Enter into the coaching engagement with optimism.

Yes, it does happen. Occasionally, an individual with a “failure to thrive” disposition gets involved with coaching. Although they want to believe coaching overcomes their dilemma, until they stop rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, it can be a tough road.

On the other hand, those who start coaching with an optimism and excitement about the success that coaching brings make progress more quickly

5. Laser focused during a coaching appointment.

Although the majority of our contact with clients is by phone or Skype, I have ninja-like listening skills and can tell when clients are multitasking. They’re not quite as engaged in the conversation and miss out on the nuances of success that coaching brings to their business.

Those who garner the greatest value are present—mentally and physically. All distractions and disturbances are eliminated. They are completely immersed in the conversation. As such, they gain enormous value from each encounter.

6. Prepare for their appointment.

We provide an online prep form that triggers coaching 24–36 hours before each appointment. It’s the time when the owner puts all other activities on pause to think strategically.

The Strategy Call Prep Form encourages them to consider their achievements for the previous week, insights (which anchors learning and sustains change), and identify their most important need and objective for the conversation.

Preparation lays the groundwork for a profoundly forward-moving coaching conversation.

7. Possess realistic expectations.

The optimistic realists don’t expect a silver bullet, or their coach to pull a bunny out of the hat, to make their business grow. The have a keen understanding of reality. They know what it takes to succeed and persist with grace and tenacity while achievement meets them where they’re at.

8. Remain engaged with their coach between meetings.

Coaching is not a once a week event. Discerning entrepreneurs know the significance of engagement with their coach between meetings to keep them clear, focused, and moving forward. Synergy is sparked with communication via Evernote’s work chat on questions and situations that arise.

9. Willing to rethink various aspects of their business, belief systems, and behaviors.

Entrepreneurs fully engaged in coaching understand what they don’t want—one year of business experience repeated ten times. That’s a certain death nail in their success. Rather, they want their experience—and results—to be different with each passing year in business. They understand that business survival is adapting at a pace quicker than the market. As such, they willingly stop doing what’s not working and adopt new behaviors, beliefs, and ways of conducting business.

10. Willing to learn.

Like food, knowledge decays. Although there’s no easy way to determine the actual shelf life of knowledge, it’s safe to say that a large portion of what we know is obsolete within a few years.

Our achieving business owners stay abreast of changes in their industry, trends in business, and advancements in technology. And, they quickly adapt to the ever-evolving needs of their clients.

…The Rest of the Story 

In essence, does business coach actually move a business forward?  Yes, it does when both the business owner and the business coach bring their A-game to the table.

Experience business coaching for yourself. Your first call is on us!

The Benefits of Strategic Coaching to Manage Change

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

It was the fall of 1995.  A United States aircraft carrier was cruising off the coast of Newfoundland when the radio operator notified the bridge of a rapidly approaching vessel. The Captain immediately got on the radio and requested the Canadian vessel to divert it’s course 5 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

To this, the Canadian radio operator requested the U.S. carrier to divert it’s course 15 degrees to the south to evade the collision. This went back and forth until the Captain of the U.S. aircraft carrier, rather indignantly responded, “This is the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. We are a large warship of the U.S. Navy. Divert you course immediately. To this the Canadian radio operator replied, “This is a lighthouse. Your call!”

Ouch! This chronicle aptly describes the life-altering phenomenon known only too well as a stable of the 21st Century — change. Known for striking angst in the hearts of even the most fearless, change is constant. And, if there was ever a time to be cognizant of what’s to come…it is NOW!

It appears the long-held rumor of a pending economic slowdown for 2019 – 2020 is true. Global economist and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, Dr. Dambisa Moyo, attributes it to “growing inequality, a workforce ill-adapted to rapid technological change, political instability and a massive debt burden on governments, corporations and individuals.”

How will you prepare yourself and your business to withstand the inevitable and achieve your strategic business goals? Unlike the economic upheaval we experienced in 2008, let’s consider ourselves informed and act now to implement strategies to strengthen our business.

Change is an expected part of business. By expecting, embracing, and preparing for it, you lessen stress, minimize resistance, and make solid progress.  In the meantime, use these fundamentals as anchors to aide you in staying on course.

  1. Beliefs. Know that which is true about your staff, your self, success, your earning aptitude, and your growth capacity to hold on to your uniqueness during stormy times. And, most importantly, own what you know. Question yourself less.
  2. Vision.  A vision that is crystal clear — easily stated in one sentence — is inspiring to attain. Minus the ‘one sentence rule,’ head back to the drawing board for further clarification. Feel free to snag this little gem if you don’t want to go it alone: The Small Business Vision: Why it Matters More Than (Fill in the Blank.)
  3. Mission. Your mission is the reason you’re in business. It answers the question “what do we do.”  This is especially valuable for those of us who work in isolation in our bunny slippers. Mission reminds us of what’s important as we stare into our cup of joe.
  4. Values. The cornerstone upon which your business is made up of your key values. They play a powerful and influential role. And, when used to your advantage, values make your business more enjoyable and successful. 
  5. Gifts and talents.  The genius of you and your staff is making the most of every opportunity and challenge through your best assets. The use of these one-of-a-kind combination of strengths and genius makes your business incomparable.
  6. Principles – When times are tough, an entrepreneurs true colors are revealed. Doctrines, ethics, and ideologies serve as your rudder. They allow you to remain steadfast in running your business in the face of acclimation to a new reality.
  7. Standards – It’s difficult to imagine a world without standards. Personal performance benchmarks and standards to which you hold yourself and your staff speaks volumes about the reliability of your product and  service.
  8. Sense of humor – Studies show laughter and humor bring an array of benefits to the most difficult of circumstances. In addition to reducing stress, humor increases energy — an important asset while managing change.  “Every time you find some humor in a difficult situation, you win.” ~Unknown. 

The bottom line? In the face of mounting change, don’t panic. Remember — you have invaluable resources at the ready that are certain to carry you through the most difficult of times.

Want to Boost Your Small Business Performance? Take These Coaching Tips For a Spin

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia
fit entrepreneur

Optimizing performance for our business is a primary objective for any small business entrepreneur. All you have to do is google “better business performance” to uncover 61,400,000 pages of tips, tools, and techniques. From better accountant to employee engagement to business models, the options are endless . . . and a bit overwhelming, I might add.

Yet, it appears that there are few resources devoted to what the overwhelmed, exhausted, yet passionate small business entrepreneur needs to know to truly spark greater business performance.

The Great Game of Business

Honestly, sometimes I think small business ownership should be an Olympic sport. It requires a herculean amount of mental, physical, and emotional energy.

Ask any high-performance athlete and they will tell you that performance is 90% mental. The same can be said for extraordinary execution in any discipline. Yet, the majority of resources are often focused on the technical aspects, such as staffing, marketing, and finance.

Granted, those are vital elements of any business operation. Yet, little information — and even fewer resources are left to care for the most important asset of the business — the owner!

The Fit Entrepreneur: Five Transformational Tactics for Improved Performance

Fitness is a term commonly associated with workouts, gear, sports, health, nutrition, and advice. All of these components are vitally important to create the stamina required for the endurance sport of small business ownership.

In addition to attaining the physical fitness vital for small business performance, adding these crucial directives prevents you from hitting the wall of neglect and ineffectuality.

  1. Care for self, first. One would think we would have learned this valuable lesson by now! Following the lead of the airline industry — put your own mask on first.
  1. Don’t think too far ahead. Small business entrepreneurs are a creative, optimistic bunch. It’s the one glaring skill that sets us apart from our corporate counterparts. Yet, thinking too far in advance — with little correlation to planning strategically — generates countless ideas which often adds to our sense of overwhelm.
  1. Plan only the next step. It would be nice to complete a project in one sitting, like the parents of a toddler eating a complete meal at one sitting. This is virtually impossible given all that is required.

Business projects are composed of moving pieces and growing insights. When you’re needing to put your project on pause, plan for the next step — and only one step — before leaving the project.

Punctuating it with a sticky note makes it much easier to pick up where you left off.

  1. Find your best performance cycle. Moving from one project to another, one fire to another, throughout the day is a real grind on the body and the mind.

There’s tons of research to support working in 60–90-minute segments followed by 5–15-minute rest and rejuvenation intervals . . . if that works for you. Much depends upon the intensity with which you focus.

If you have a tendency to focus intensely (like I do), you may find working in 30 or 45-minute work cycles with a 30 minute “recess” to be your ideal cycle for achieving peak performance.

Discover what is best for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

  1. Sandwich physical activity between intense exertion intervals. Contrary to what we think, we have a finite amount of mental energy available. Concentrated work cycles put a strain the brain resulting in “decision fatigue.”

One of the unhealthiest things we can do is immediately move on from one brain draining project to the next. Adding a bit of a physical intermission disrupts the wearing progression.

Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a 20-minute yoga class, or folding that load of laundry that’s been in the dryer for three days, physical activity replenishes our brain energy and prepares us for our next mental undertaking.

As a business owner myself, finding my ideal performance cycle is a work in progress. And, as a small business coach, I can honestly say we need to do better. Rather than search Google for the latest ground-breaking business growth initiative, why not snag one of these tips and apply it immediately. The results will be — well, in a word — transformational.

Buyer Beware: How to Avoid the Bad Actors of Business Coaching

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

There’s been an explosion of growth in coaching industry. This fiery evolution has brought an interesting leaning along with it. It’s nudged a shift from acquiring professional training on the art and science of coaching to a vast number of professionals hanging out their “the coach is in” placard. After all, as is often heard, everyone’s a coach. (Psssst. No, they’re not.)

I have to admit – in the 20 + years as a business coach, I’ve seldom seen bad press on the coaching industry. There must be a number of stories lurking someplace. Coaching shills exist.

You’re Busted!

In one report, it appears the FTC busted a ring of con artists acting like business coaches. You can read the nitty gritty here.

In another article, there are coaches coaching coaches on how to make money coaching others how to make six figures. Yikes!

As someone who has dedicated a career to upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity – not just for the coaching industry but for business, in general – it saddens me to read the stories of those unfamiliar with the coaching industry.

It’s as frustrating for me as it is for you. It’s painful to see you invest your hard-earned dollars into business coaching delivered by someone who is merely guessing at what works.

Without any previous experience with a business coach, how can you separate the wheat from the chaff? Being aware of the initial hints of concern will safeguard significant resources

Caveat Emptor

It’s impossible to list all the scams and shams that you might come across that rise to the level of buyer beware. Instead, let me outline a few things to look for to ascertain the fitness of a business coach.

Do they have a website?
The notion of no web presence sounds laughable in this day and age. Yet, it happens. A business missing vital marketing pieces requires scrutiny.

Is contact information listed?
The concern for safety of those who work from a home office is valid. Nonetheless, resources that demonstrate legitimacy are easily accessible – like a P.O. Box.

How long have they been in business?
This is not to say that a business coach with one year under their belt isn’t skilled, but you want to look at their entire picture of experience to get a sense of what you’re getting into.

What is their area of specialty?

What type and size of business is a good fit for them?

What is their coaching philosophy?
For instance, do they follow a particular methodology that may, in fact, conflict with your style and strengths?

How are their listening skills?
This is huge! You want a coach who listens to what you say as well as hears what is not being communicated. The difference between a coach listening and hearing influences the level of transformation you’ll realize in your business. You can read more about what makes an effective coach here.

What technology is available that allows for just-in-time access?
Previously “walled off” by boundaries of engaging your coach during a brief meeting weekly, business needs have changed. Coaching must modernize and adapt to the changing needs of clients with availability and access.

Do they allow a complimentary consultation, coaching session, or get-to-know-you meeting?
It’s a rare sighting when a business coach stops short of the offer of a courtesy call. Don’t let them do all the talking, however. Come to the meeting prepared with a few questions to ask your potential coach.

Coaching is a bit of a mystery – even to this day. It’s a challenge to figure out how to measure results and ROI when soft returns such a reduced stress and less overwhelm are the catalysts to greater clarity and clearly defined outcomes. Working with a business coach without any formal training turns the experience into a nightmare.

The Best Kind of Business Strategy: Progress

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

We’re a quarter of the way into the new year and a word is emerging among my seemingly unconnected clients. It’s progress. Whether it’s slow, deliberate, micro — it doesn’t matter. Progress in all shapes, sizes, and speeds is being celebrated as the powerful business strategy it is.

Gone is the mad dash to perfectionism. No more is the frantic pace of getting everything done now. The stress-inducing race to the finish line called perfection is being discarded — left behind — for a more realistic and thoughtful perspective on business growth.

Progress is being celebrated in spirited conversations. It’s not a resignation, as in “well, at least I’m making progress.” It’s a jubilance that comes with recognizing that one deliberate step at a time is worthy of joy. And, along with these joy-filled moments of acknowledgment comes a deep satisfaction and confidence that we’re on our way.

The Curse Of Perfectionism

The mad dash of earlier years as we rushed into the acceleration of business growth is, as we’ve discovered and come to admit, unrewarding. It is stress-filled and fatiguing. And, what’s more, the zoom that filled each day actually takes us further away from that we desired.

Surprisingly, perfectionism doesn’t contribute to the degree of growth we thought would be achieved. We willingly, knowingly, and consciously chose the path, with its windy, steep, uphill climbs. And, we tackled it at a fevered pitch. Battered and bruised, we marched into each day to do battle once more with our business environment only to discover little progress being made in exchange for the mammoth amount of effort and energy we expelled during our quest for perfection.

Baby Steps & Business Growth

So, it appears, this year is a more thoughtful and deliberate year as we approach our business growth with greater awareness and celebration.

Along with the celebration of progress, we’re learning that the joyful expression of a proverbial pat on the back can carry us quite a distance. It’s uplifting and encouraging. It builds our confidence and competence. It opens our eyes to possibilities and opportunities previously unseen. And, it carries us victoriously from hour to hour and day to day.

Progress, and the subsequent celebration of it, is a good path to travel.

Whether it’s overcoming the reluctance and fear to make the sales call or pulling the trigger and publishing the blog you thought was not quite “perfect,” each step — each action — each micro-movement is worthy of celebration.

Gone are the days in which we need to wait to celebrate and declare success until Facebook/Amazon/Google behemoth-size success is achieved. If we are honest, that is unlikely going to happen. Not only is it unlikely to happen, it is not our goal or dream to begin with. Thinking about it makes it laughable.

So, progress. Every day in every way you get better and better. Every day in every way you get closer to your desired vision. Every day in every way you move along the continuim of your success.

And, with a focus on progress rather than perfection, the road you travel — although it still contains its twists and turns and uphill climb — becomes a much sweeter journey. It’s one filled with greater joy and laughter. Where frequent breaks allow you to enjoy the smell of the fresh air, the pungent aroma of the pine trees, and experience the people you meet along the way.

Progress — it’s a joyful journey with the same destination as that of perfection.

Progress, measured and counted out like a metronome, takes us one step at a time, one action at a time, one motion at a time to our destiny.

There’s nothing more to say about it — other than to encourage YOU to consider which path you’re embracing. Is it that of perfection with its rushing, hurried, breathless pace? Or is it progress with its joy-filled, measured steps and outcomes?

Choose Progress over Perfection

I don’t know about you but I, for one, will be joining my colleagues in choosing progress. I, too, will celebrate each step along the way rather than wait until the end to be too tired, too exhausted, too fatigued to care to celebrate what the quest for perfection produced.

I will honor the progress made during each day knowing that step by step, inch by inch, day by day, progress (not perfection) is truly the key to my heart’s desire.

There’s nothing more to say about it, but to get to it. The day is awaiting for progress to be made.

The Unsuspecting Business Strategy That Beats Entrepreneurial Overwhelm

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

Like any self-respecting entrepreneur, I lay awake in the early morning hours creating and regurgitating my to-do list only to overwhelm myself into a fit of anxiety over a day that has yet to start!

This morning was different, however, as I remembered a bit of so-called “meaningless” information I recently read in Sarah Knight’s book, get your sh*t together.

Sarah, who has a no-nonsense, irreverent approach to her writing, often challenges conventional wisdom or, as I like to call it, custodial wisdom or the business growth killing strategy. Custodial/conventional wisdom is wisdom that protects the status quo.

Can you think of anything more contrary — or energy killing — to the spirit of an entrepreneur? Me, either!

But, I digress . . .

The Anti To-Do List

In her most recent book, get your sh*t together…how to stop worrying about what you should do so you can finish what you need to do and start doing what you want to do, Sarah floats the contrary idea of creating a Don’t Do/Stop Doing list.

This can be very challenging — although necessary — for the typical entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurs, by their very nature, have ideas that give birth to more ideas. Much like rabbits reproducing, a true entrepreneur’s mind continually spews out innovative ideas which, by the way, require some form of execution if they’re ever to see the light of day.

This explains why our bulging to-do list triggers the anxiety reflex in the most zen of us all. (Just ask Erik!)

Exhale the Angst

As I lay awake in the breaking dawn of the early morning, envisioning my mental trello board, I began moving cards from my mental to-do/doing list to the newly created don’t do/stop doing list. One by one, cards containing a plethora of activities that would challenge the most efficient and effective strategic execution system, quietly slid into place. And, as each card took its rightful place beneath the don’t do/stop doing header, my anxiety seeped away. With each slide of a don’t do/stop doing card, I exhaled the tension.

Ahhhh, finally! I actually could open my eyes knowing that I wasn’t going to be swallowed by overwhelm before the alarm went off.

You’ve Got This!

There’s something to be said about starting one’s day with business under control. Besides a stiff dose of caffeine in your coffee mug, there’s a lightness in your step and a song in your heart when a sense of “I’ve got this” permeates your being.

Speaking from my own experience of growing a 21st-century business, along with that of my coaching clients, I can emphatically affirm that the complexity of today’s business, combined with the creativity of entrepreneurial gray matter, is a lethal combination for the adrenal glands.

We are much too overwhelmed. So much so, that thinking strategically about any business initiative is almost nonexistent.

We don’t always make the best or brightest decisions when our brains are flooded with chemicals that cloud our vision and clog our neurons. Can I be so bold and brazen to call it out as it is?

It’s one of the biggest unspoken epidemic facing small business entrepreneurs.

And, like any good epidemic, we likely won’t “face the music” until it reaches a fevered pitch or, as is the case in my previous business, when a diagnosis of breast cancer sidelined me for a period of time.

One would think that such a diagnosis would be life-changing, but hard-fought habits and beliefs are tough to overcome. But, as long as I’m still in the ring — fighting for position — there’s hope and optimism that lessons can — and will — be learned.

So, back to my anxiety-reducing don’t do/stop doing list….

Let’s Do This Together

How about you? Do you have stuff, things to do, projects to complete, or ideas to spawn that are putting you into a fit of overwhelm?

Do you want to pull the covers over your head and call in sick for the day — or at least until the chest-crunching feeling of overwhelm and anxiety begin to lift?

Or, do you just need to create a don’t do/stop doing list for yourself as a reminder of what is worthy of your time and attention?

Trust me, its one of the best daily planning activities that you can undertake. And, it sure beats mindlessly poking around on Facebook to tap down the level of crushing angst that your bulging to-do list is creating within you.

Ready? Let’s begin…

Don’t do/stop doing:

  • beating myself up for what’s not getting done that is of little importance
  • worrying about what is not within my sphere of control or influence
  • comparing my business/myself to other entrepreneurs

There . . . I bet you feel better already.

5 Ways For Entrepreneurs To Ditch Pointless Overwhelm

Posted by
Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia

Tell me it’s not just me. It’s not just me who experiences crushing levels of overwhelm on a daily basis. When the mind is racing with strategies to implement, tactics to deploy, and problems to solve, it leaves little time (and mental space) for relaxation, creativity, and innovation.

Yet, most entrepreneurs choose — unknowingly and unconsciously — the state of overwhelm day in and day out despite our silent cries for help and desire to escape the crushing, debilitating force of overwhelm.

When Overwhelm Moves In…Sanity Moves Out

It’s a rather insidious process. Much like dust seeping through closed windows. You don’t realize it happening until one day — BAM! You can write your to-do list in the lingering grit.

These known contributors to our current state of overwhelm, many of which we know only too well, include:

Emotional overwhelm, created by such things as worries over cash flow, too much to do and not enough time in which to do them, business demands, and sleep deprivation dull our creativity.

Physical overwhelm comes with too much “stuff” cluttering our desks. In the name of making our lives easier, we accumulate things that now cloud our ability to focus.

Digital overwhelm is fueled by an overflowing email inbox and the overstimulation of social media. Monthly software subscriptions for anything from editing pdfs to downloading photos to cloud storage designed to make our business more efficient add a level of complication (and expense) we haven’t bargained for.

Commitment overwhelm, driven by a “seen and be seen” philosophy, fills our calendars with after-hour business and social events (when we really should be chillaxing with our feet up on the ottoman).

Even exercise takes on a fever pitch!

And, with all of these contributing factors, our sanity and a few brain cells leave our presence daily —along with our ability to focus, create, and innovate — critical factors in remaining relevant in today’s business environment.

The Alternative Choice to Overwhelm: Underwhelm

Can you imagine — if only for a moment — what it would feel like if your day was “unbusy?” And, if you were “underwhelmed?”

It’s likely that the thought of it sends a shiver down your spine simply because we’ve become addicted to busy and overwhelm. So much so, that anything less leaves us feeling woefully inadequate and underperforming.

The truth is, because of our persistent and consistent overwhelm, we woefully perform far below our capabilities.

The Gleeful Path to Underwhelm

So as not to overwhelm you with activities designed to move us to underwhelm, here are a few things for you to consider. Collectively, they will reduce the amount of complexity and overwhelm in your day and open up some white space for you to think more creatively and clearly.

  • Restrict time spent on social media.
    Most of us have a love/hate relationship with social media. We’re compelled to have a presence for business purposes yet time spent on social media platforms can suck the life out of the most ardent soul. Minus a social media strategy, it is merely a major disruptor and distraction. Replace it with quality strategic thinking time … or a social media strategy.
  • Unsubscribe from blogs, newsletters, or email that does not pass the 3-tier wisdom filter: Is it true? Is it positive? Does it help in any way?
    We’ve become a community of accumulators — gathering information, insight, and news from around the globe — to the point of digital hoarding. With hopes that someday we’ll plow through the megabytes of material, it sits stagnant on our hard drive gathering dust and clouding our vision. Get rid of it!
  • Consider tools currently in place before piling on additional tools.
    It’s easy to get excited about new apps, programs, and software designed to make our work flow effortlessly. However, adding additional programs to your current systems creates layers of redundancy and complexity. Evaluate the apps and programs currently in use to determine capabilities before supplementing your software. You’ll be glad you did.
  • Rigorously scrutinize tactics to ensure strategic alignment before launch.
    As a true entrepreneur, we seldom meet an idea we aren’t over-the-top excited to launch. In the absence of a strategy and a well-thought out plan, however, many ideas are like throwing spaghetti against the wall. They’re time-consuming, money-exhausting, awfully messy, and add to the worthless plate-spinning of the overwhelmed entrepreneur.
  • Let up on over-planning your day.
    The gap that exists between expectation and reality is where stress (and overwhelm) resides. Learn to coordinate your expectations (and that of others) with the realism of your day. Learn immediately to cut your daily doings by half. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what you’ll accomplish — with much less overwhelm.

The Bottom Line

Overwhelm is unconscious and unnecessarily insidious. By taking conscious action, you can underwhelm yourself to greater innovation and focus.

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Brooke Billingsley

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Perception Strategies

Synnovatia is a strategic coaching firm that is detailed and knowledgeable about business. i have a small business that grew from $150K to $750K because of the goal setting and resources that Synnovatia provided. It saves me years of learning on my own.

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