Have you heard the saying “You can’t control the situation but you can control your reaction to it”? It rings very true at the moment (and, let’s be honest, over the past few years of Covid and lockdowns). Learning how to be resilient is especially important for business owners struggling with tough times at the moment. Resilience is the superpower that allows you to bounce back from setbacks and reframe how you respond to challenging times. It won’t lower interest rates, help you recruit A+ staff, or help you eliminate bad reviews but it will help you feel like you’re more equipped to take all those things on.
So, let’s explore how you can unlock your resilience as a business owner to empower you to better rise above the hurdles with confidence.
1. Embrace the roller coaster ride
Let’s face it, running a business can feel like a wild ride you’re not sure you really signed up for and one you certainly wouldn’t line up for! Ups and downs, unexpected twists and turns — make peace with the fact that it’s all part of the game. Embrace the chaos and unpredictability, because within it lies the opportunity for growth and innovation. As a resilient business owner, understand that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success and remember that if everyone could do it, they would…
2. Take care of your cape
Superheroes need their rest, and so do you. Resilience isn’t just about pushing forward relentlessly, it’s also about taking care of yourself. Stress and burnout can drain your powers real quick. Make time for self-care activities that recharge your batteries. Whether it’s going for a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness, spending time with those who fill your cup, or indulging in a hobby you love, prioritise your well-being. You’ll be able to respond to challenging situations a lot better if you’re feeling fulfilled elsewhere.
3. Learn from the “oops” moments
We all make mistakes — it’s part of being human. As a resilient business owner, you understand that these “oops” moments are valuable learning opportunities. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as lessons to help your personal growth. No one successful got to where they are without making a few mistakes along the way. Remember, some of the greatest inventions were born out of happy accidents. Dust yourself off, learn from your missteps, and move forward. Embrace those oops moments and maybe even write them down somewhere to use as amusing fodder in a future speech about what you overcame to get to where you have!
4. Assemble your support squad
Behind every great superhero is a trusty sidekick — or, in your case, a reliable support squad. Surround yourself with a team of trusted advisors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges you face. They’ll provide guidance, support, and a friendly ear when you need it most. It was cool seeing people come together at the Nurture retreat, bonding over their journeys as business owners which — although individual — often don’t differ that much from others… Find other business owners who get it and you’ll form an unstoppable league of resilience, ready to talk through and hopefully conquer obstacles that come your way.
5. Embrace adaptability
In the ever-changing business landscape, adaptability is your secret weapon. Resilient business owners know how to pivot like a pro when faced with unexpected challenges or market shifts. Stay open-minded, embrace new ideas, and be willing to take calculated risks. Remember, ‘no change, no change’ and that change is the only constant. Being flexible allows you to seize new opportunities and navigate uncharted territories like a true champion. Try to go with change, rather than being paralysed and frightened by it.
6. Celebrate your wins
As business owners, we often get caught up in chasing the next big goal without taking the time to celebrate our achievements. Remember to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate your victories, both big and small. Treat yourself to a moment of recognition and reward. It’s not only a morale booster but also a reminder of your resilience and progress. You likely do it for your staff (and if you don’t, get started on that) so you shouldn’t treat yourself any different – give yourself a pat on the back when you deserve it!
7. Find lightness in the journey
When the going gets tough, don’t forget to inject some lightness and humour into your entrepreneurial journey. Laughter is a powerful ally in the face of adversity. As hard as it might be, find joy in the little things, laugh at your mistakes, and maintain a positive outlook. It’s amazing how a smile and a bit of laughter can lighten the heaviest of loads and help you bounce back stronger than ever. Ring a friend who never fails to make you laugh, watch your favourite comedian or hang around your version of light and laughter. It can help pull things into perspective.
Hopefully this bag of tools will help you develop more resilience to help you when times get tough. If you find you’re still struggling to cope, everything feels heavy and unwinnable, and things that used to bring you joy don’t, please reach out for professional help. Others can help you, promise.
Wise information Zac. I found tips to help me in my personal journey as well as business. Thank you for the reminders. I recently realized that I was experiencing the lingering covid effect of isolation and therefore not networking in person. Screen connections do the job, however “in person” has a different flavour. like participating in the nurture retreat virtually, vs in person.