Our top 4 tips for dealing with the everyday challenges of business

Business is tough. We get it. But add your personal life, family commitments, and then Covid into the mix, and it’s a whole other story. 

And while it’s easy to become stuck in a rut, or feel a little out of sorts when the overwhelm kicks in, we’ve got some strategies that can help you feel in control and on track in your business pursuits. 

1. Prioritise your physical and mental health and wellbeing 

Self care is often the first thing to become overlooked when life gets busy. However, we all know just how important daily movement, positive self talk, and great food is for our health! Schedule some small chunks of self care into your day – whether that be eating lunch in the sunshine WITHOUT your phone in your hand, taking the dogs (and kids) for a quick walk around the block, reading a good book, or quietly enjoying a cup of herbal tea. Whatever it may be that helps you feel calm amidst the chaos, make time in your day for it – your body and mind will thank you.  

Although it’s easy to stay buried in your work when things get stressful and busy, even blocking out 5-10 minute chunks of time to take care of you throughout your day will help you to feel more positive and focussed for the tasks ahead. 

2. Learn to say “No”

“No” – the word we all avoid saying for fear of disappointing someone else. What we often don’t realise is that by saying “no” to a job, client, or task that does not fulfil our business desires, we are saying “yes” to the next great thing that’s sure to light us up! Turning something down can create space for the next opportunity to come along, so when you’re feeling torn between accepting a job and wondering if you should put yourself through the stress of it all, take a moment to pause before you say “yes”. 

Ask yourself – “Does this client, job, or task align with where I wish to take my business?”, and “Does this job feel like it’s going to bring me resistance and stress rather than ease and excitement?” 

3. Become the master of single tasking 

While it’s easy to assume that multitasking can help you get more done in less time, this is not actually the case. Multitasking means we have to be focussed on a number of things at any given time, and as a result, we never truly give each task our full attention. When you’re overwhelmed and faced with a long to-do list, the best thing you can do is block out time to complete each task, in order of both what’s a priority, and what’s a left or right brained job. It can take time to switch between creative and analytical tasks, so by placing them next to each other, you’ll save time and feel more “in the zone”. 

Time blocking can also help to ensure you stay focussed on just one task at a time, and it involves you pre planning and allocating time in your schedule to work on each job. It’s important to be realistic about the time requirements for each task, but this written plan can act as your guide to help you navigate your day ahead. 

4. Build a supporting network of people around you 

Business is just as much about completing your work and tasks, as it is about being surrounded by the right people. Having a strong support network can help you to stay positive, hungry, and excited for the challenges that lie ahead, and they are the people that will help you in times of need, and keep you focussed on the end goal. Your support network should be filled with a diverse mix of people, from your family and friends who cheer you on from the sidelines, to coaches and other business professionals who can offer advice and guide you through obstacles. Reach out to your support network when things become overwhelming, because that’s what they’re there for! 

These are just some of the things you can do to help you navigate the challenges of business. We recommend you try out a few of these methods, and see what works best for you. 

Do you need support to build or grow your business? Our business coach can help you to focus on what’s important and guide you to succeed. Book in for a business coaching session here. These sessions are confidential and there’s no cost or ongoing commitment required!