Why Is Running A Business So Stressful?

There are many benefits for being an entrepreneur, but running your own business can be stressful. And often how you address that stress is directly connected to how stressful it is. As Benjamin Franklin so wisely said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” No matter how busy you are, you need to take time to address the major reasons causing you stress in running your business. Take the time now to save you stress later.

So what are some of the key reasons that running your business is so stressful?

First of all you are often a juggler – juggling all the moving parts – people finances, marketing, and so much more. We regularly advise calendaring a specific time for thinking, and in this case use that time to identify what is causing you the most stress about your juggling act. Then think what could be done to relieve this stress. Try writing everything down and then tackle one obstacle at a time. This might give you more structure and clarity and help you to feel more focused. And use your calendar for more than just thinking time – set specific times for team meetings, contacting clients (for project updates), financial reviews, marketing, etc. This process helps you plan ahead and it just might eliminate some of the stress of juggling.

Another reason for stress is lack of control. Stress may be provoked by your attitude toward things you can’t control. The value of a positive outlook helps not only you but the atmosphere surrounding your team. In addition be sure you and your team are able to let go of unrealistic expectations and have processes and procedures in place to adopt when challenges appear. When a piece of furniture arrives damaged, rather than allowing the stress to take over, plan ahead for what might happen and have a process or procedure in place so that your team knows exactly how to handle this problem – before it ever happens!

Being reactive not proactive is always a recipe for stress. You and your team will be less likely to “react” to events that happen if you have planned ahead and have processes and procedures in place.

Finally, lack of time may actually be at the top of the list of what causes you stress. Keep track of your time for a week and identify where your time is being spent. Ask yourself how much of your time spent at work is actually productive. One key strategy is to limit checking emails, texts and phone calls to twice a day – once around midday, and once toward the end of the day. That one strategy will save you a great deal of time and stress.

“Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” This wise advice from Zig Ziglar is a final reminder to keep a positive attitude, address the reasons for your stress, and plan ahead, so that you will be able to spend more time focused on the benefits of being an entrepreneur..

Needing more suggestions for reducing stress? Drue Lawlor, FASID offers more insight on dealing with stress in this article, Searching for the “Magic Pill” to Make Your Business Easier.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”  Benjamin Franklin

Photo Credit: Dana McGrath