While the stock market and the economy seem to be gradually recovering, the U.S. is still under a cloud of uncertainty with rising national debt, runaway government spending, confusing health care reform, frozen credit markets, and persistent unemployment rates, to name a few.  As such, it still feels like we are in Crazy Times...hopefully for not too much longer.  

Our certified Growth Coaches throughout North America are reporting that most small businesses are still experiencing sluggish sales and that most owners are still feeling a bit anxious, uneasy, out of control, and struggling with so much uncertainly.  Are you?  In fact, it's that overall feeling of fear and uncertainty in the small business sector that has driven a record number of clients to The Growth Coach over the past few years to seek additional help, hope and more effective mindsets and strategies.  They are simply searching for greater confidence and clarity to combat the uncertainty. 

No doubt, we are still in some Crazy Times.  While many owners and entrepreneurs are seeking business coaching to help them navigate through rough waters, others are unsure of what actions to take, if any.  They feel vulnerable but are trying to tough it out themselves...trying to be a lone ranger.  While commendable, there is no need to suffer alone.  Nothing shows real confidence and strength like an owner being able to ask for some help, support and a different perspective.  Nothing feels better than having real clarity, an updated game plan, and greater confidence and RESULTS.

So what's a business owner to do during Crazy Times?  As your virtual business coach, I think it's best to elevate above all the gloom and doom talk.  Take a deep breath, keep a long-term perspective, review and update your business plan (or get one!), and try to control what you can and make positive adjustments. 

Stop driving yourself crazy.  Stop being reactive to the daily news... instead, plan your work and work your plan.  Stop stressing yourself out over things you cannot control and focus on those things that you can control.  Stop focusing on what you don't want and focus on what you do want.  Finally, stop focusing so much time and energy on the problems and more time and energy on solutions that make sense for your business.

While watching a recent and fascinating cable show on the psychology and physiology of addiction, of all things, I discovered another strategy to help us cope with these crazy times.  This educational program reminded me of a powerful quote and prayer that seems to be very relevant during these crazy times for small business owners as well.  It goes something like, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."  There is lots of useful wisdom in that quote for business owners.  As a business coach, my hope is that more small business owners adopt it and implement it, especially during these turbulent and anxious times.

Let's examine the first section of that quote ..."God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change."  In other words, stop trying to control and change the universe.  You are not all-powerful and all-knowing.  Sorry, that role is already taken!  For you to enjoy greater peace of mind, you need to learn to let go.  To surrender to things bigger than you and out of your control.  Stop wasting your limited time and energy on matters you cannot and will not be able to control or change.  Otherwise, you will drive yourself and everyone else around you nuts, especially your family and employees.  So step one is to learn to accept the things you cannot change right now...the economy, your competitors, the stock market, credit markets, crazy politicians, unemployment rates, etc.

Section two of that serenity quote is asking to receive the "courage to change the things I can."  This is very necessary to help you avoid denial and burying your head in the sand.  Having a strategy of hope or simply waiting for things to improve on their own is not very smart.  We all need courage and fortitude in crazy times to change what we can and what we should.  We need to boldly go forth.  We need the courage to steer our ship and adjust our course to get better results in business and life.   

What can a business owner control and change?  Lots of things.  Regarding self management, you can steer your own mindset, attitudes, thinking, focus, priorities, and daily actions.  Regarding business management, you can steer your team to improve your company's selling, marketing, services/products, customer service, innovation, business model, cash flow management, and expense reduction, to name a few.  Remain the captain of your ship... know your destination with clarity (vision), navigate your course with an updated map (business plan), and make adjustments along the way.  Again, there are lots of things you can change right now...have the courage.

Section three of the quote is asking for wisdom ... to know the difference between what you can and cannot change.  Ask yourself, "Is this matter within my control?"  If it is, then ask yourself, "Is it worth my time and energy to try and change it for the better?"  If not, let it go!  Have the wisdom to pick something else you can change and improve about your business and life.  Stop wasting time and energy on matters beyond you.

While these are crazy and anxious times, as your business coach, I also encourage you to count your many blessings as an owner...the opportunity to have freedom, flexibility, fun, fulfillment, and financial success.  You also get to be in charge and can control many more decisions than if you were an employee.  As an owner, you can steer your ship and make course corrections as you see fit.  That is very empowering.

But don't fall prey to the belief that you can control and change EVERYTHING.  Remember to say this quote/prayer often, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Don't allow yourself to go crazy during crazy times. 

Daniel M. Murphy
President, Founder & Business Coach
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System
Certified Business Coaches throughout North America