We know that sometimes, it can feel like every step forward comes with two steps back and this can feel discouraging. But pushing through is key to bringing your vision to life. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but what can you do? Well, here’s how to keep going when the challenges seem never-ending.

Focus on Your “Why”

Every business starts with a purpose, and keeping that reason front and centre can help push through the roadblocks. What’s driving the business? Is it a passion for a craft, a desire to solve a problem, or the goal of offering something new to the world? Well, just focusing on that core motivation can make setbacks feel more manageable, reminding you that the end goal is worth the effort.

So, when challenges appear, take a step back and reconnect with that “why.” ~Whether that is a legal hurdle, such as getting a permit approved, or a financial challenge, like securing a merchant account for online alcohol sales, overall, just knowing the bigger picture can make these obstacles seem smaller.

Break It Down Into Manageable Steps

Honestly, big tasks can feel overwhelming, especially when facing constant delays. But the key to staying motivated is to break larger goals into smaller, bite-sized steps. Sure, this sounds extremely generic and probably even overdone, but that’s the thing: This really is the best way to make these mishaps more manageable. It’s about baby steps.

For example, focus on securing funding. Once that’s done, focus on getting licenses and so on. You can make these steps even smaller. The point is to make sure you focus on one task at a time. 

Expect the Unexpected 

As far from ideal as it really is, challenges are inevitable when starting a business and expecting them can change the way they’re handled. So, delays, additional costs, or unforeseen issues are par for the course, but they don’t mean the business is doomed. 

Anticipating challenges and leaving room for flexibility makes it easier to roll with the punches instead of getting stuck. It’ll help a bit, and honestly, this mindset is really for the best (and, in a way, it helps with staying optimistic).

Celebrate the Small Wins when starting a business

It’s easy to focus on what hasn’t been achieved yet, but celebrating the milestones along the way is just as important. Each step, no matter how small, is progress toward the ultimate goal. 

Maybe it’s something like securing a vendor or finalising a logo; whatever it is, every win deserves recognition. Celebrating those small victories helps boost morale and keeps the momentum going, even when the bigger challenges remain.

The Optimist View…

We know first-hand that starting a business is not an easy task, but we also know how rewarding it can be. However, you don’t need to do it alone. 

At Optimist, we support entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders to make sure they don’t have to live through these challenges by themselves. Through our Optimistic Coaching, we support our clients every step of the way. 

Would you like to find out more about our Optimist coaching and whether it can help you in your journey? Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and find out whether we are right for you. 

The post How to keep pushing through when starting a business – By Optimist Performance appeared first on Optimist Performance.

This last year, the distinction between our personal and professional lives has become blurry. We have seen inside each other’s homes, families and pets and shared fragile moments (one in six; 17 per cent; have cried with a coworker).  

The pandemic has also raised awareness about important issues, such as mental health and the importance of a work-life balance. But, unfortunately, the fact that those issues are still prevalent suggests that many companies are still prioritising numbers over people and have some work to do. 

Understandably, every manager, CEO, board member, and entrepreneur is looking for excellent results, but we should never achieve those at the expense of people’s wellbeing. 

To be an authentic leader and build successful teams and, therefore, companies, we have to stop these short-sighted but, unfortunately, standard practices. And start to create a people-oriented workplace. 

SHIFTING TOWARDS PEOPLE-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP

Understanding that people are our most important asset is the first step towards a people-oriented leadership style.

“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” – Stephen R. Covey.

The leader’s job is to take care of his/her people; in turn, they will take care of your customers. By concentrating on our people’s well being, we invest in creating safe environments where people can thrive. 

Three main areas to discuss:

Emotional Management

As a rule of thumb, people leave their emotions at home and put on their ‘work masks’. But it’s time that leaders unlock the door and let people’s emotions come into the workplace. 

We cannot be content with the “I’m fine” response. Emotions are human, and sometimes people feel tired, overwhelmed, stressed, insecure, etc…

Unfortunately, many people fear the repercussions of showing their vulnerability. Admitting insecurity about your job can lead to feeling exposed and running the risk of potential redundancy. Asking to work remotely because you need to take care of your family can make you look uncommitted. 

Some people are afraid that “Everything they say and do can be used against them.” 

The good thing is that we can change all of it by allowing people to bring their authentic selves to work. When we don’t need to put on an act every time we walk through the office door, we reduce our emotional labour. 

Work-life balance

For many years now, we have created the “culture of overwork” by glorifying and rewarding over time. So much so that we have come to believe that in order to succeed, we need to live for our jobs. 

But let’s be honest, as Paul Tsongas said, “No one on his deathbed ever said – I wish I had spent more time at the office.”

The first step is understanding the reasons behind the overtime: is it because there is work overload? Can we do something to be more efficient? Is it people doing something they shouldn’t? Sometimes people can take advantage of overtime too. Once you know the root cause, it’s easier to avoid it in the future. 

As company leaders, we need to set an example and ensure we act consistently with what we say. What we do is as important as what we say, and by rewarding people who do overtime, we send a clear message, independently of what we say. 

Mental health

There has been a rise in awareness about mental health, and if we are honest about it, it was about time! Mental health is not only about asking people how they feel; it’s about saving lives and genuinely caring for their wellbeing and welfare. 

I read a story a couple of weeks ago about a father who lost his son due to mental health problems. His son was suffering from mental health issues and ultimately decided to end his life. He showed no ‘signs’ of making such a fatal decision, but the outcome is so tragic for all involved that it leaves you wondering how we can help prevent these tragedies moving forward.

We can’t know if anyone will do something or feel that way, but it makes you conscious of how important mental health is. Having systems in place for our employees can save someone else’s life. 

Even by understanding how to identify those issues, increasing communication or creating safe environments at work can make a huge difference.

THE OPTIMIST VIEW

As Optimists, we love to see how companies and business leaders shift towards a more people-oriented approach. 

At the end of the day, we spend almost half our lives working, and sometimes we spend more time with our colleagues than with our families. So this time, we mustn’t dampen the emotion out of us or our working environment, but instead, champion it and make sure we encourage people to be more human in their life. 

When we are safe, motivated, engaged, and happy with our jobs and the people we work with, we tend to be more productive and feel in a safe space where creativity and innovation can flourish. 

The post Time To Humanise The Workplace And Be More People-Oriented appeared first on Optimist Performance.

There is no better time than NOW for a personal mindset shift. We know that in challenging times of isolation, injury or loss it’s easy to feel down. It happens to everyone! You may be a leader or executive, or someone who wants a better life. And starting the day with a great leadership podcast is one way to start a transformation in your mind. It is a massive boost to your psyche. And with the right encouragement, the way you think and take action will change. So build yourself up with some encouraging content every day!

Humble podcast beginnings

Being stuck at home during the spring of 2020 has presented challenges to everyone. And always an Optimist, Ollie Phillips saw the opportunity to help more people with positive growth messages that are an encouragement. So starting in May, Ollie Phillips and Nick Harrington joined together to deliver great new interviews with business leadership strategies. The purpose is of The Growth Show falls right in line with the purpose of Optimist Performance. The show delivers great, inspiring content. It helps you feel connected and take positive actions to face fears and challenges.

Interviews include business leaders, Mike Friday, Matthew Campbell-Hill, Ollie Phillips, and Tom Pickering, to name just a few. They each share openly their business leadership success tips and tricks, along with key decisions they’ve made along the way. Successful leaders understand that what you put into your mind is what you are going to get out of it. This new business leadership podcast is specifically for helping people take a more positive look at growth and opportunity. It can help you as a business leader to move toward positive growth and take action, starting with the right mindset.

You can learn more about the engaging speaker services that Ollie Phillips delivers by heading to our main page. Or schedule a free consultation to learn how your team can be impacted with inspiring optimism, good working habits, and tools for team success. Book you free session with Ollie here.

The podcast is on YouTube, so after you watch the encouraging interview below, Click here to watch more great business leadership interviews on YouTube.

Don’t miss out! Get more growth and leadership content when you subscribe to our YouTube channel.

The post Business Leadership Podcast, The Growth Show appeared first on Optimist Performance.