Are You Your Own Worst Enemy

There’s a lot of hinderances to growing a business, and those who succeed learn how to navigate through them one way or another. But many entrepreneurs are simply getting in their own way. While you think you’re not guilty of this, you may want to take a deeper look and see if you really are your own worst enemy.  

#1 Procrastination 

This is such a common problem for people, and business owners aren’t some magical creatures who never struggle with it. If you find that you always seem to have something ‘more important’ to do, that you know really isn’t all that important, you may be guilty of this. Instead of putting those important tasks off, yet again, put your head down and get to work. Motivation isn’t going to suddenly strike you later in the day, tomorrow, or next week. You have to make the effort to start right this minute. 

#2 Refusing to admit your mistakes 

Egos can be a real beast, and while it may be difficult to be introspective and admit our own shortcomings, it’s also crucial in order to adapt and grow your business. You’re not always right, and you don’t always know the best way to do something. That doesn’t make you ‘less than’ in any way. It makes you human. We all make mistakes, and even if it’s not necessarily a mistake, we all have things to learn. Accept this and own up to it! 

#3 Trying to do everything yourself 

It can be hard to hand over control of any part of this precious business you’ve spent so much time building, but refusing to do so can get in your way of growth and success. There comes a point in every business where you can outsource at least some things. Whether that’s hiring a receptionist or assistant to take care of a few aspects here and there, or hiring out individual tasks like laundry, social media management, or anything else, remember to look at how much more valuable your time is when you can focus on the things that bring in more income or otherwise grow your practice. 

#4 Never completing one project before moving to another 

It’s easy to get distracted and excited about this or that newest, best thing that comes across that’s magically going to lead to your success. However, if you find that you’re constantly moving from one project to another before the first is finished, you’re getting in your own way. Whether these are business classes you keep signing up for, the newest networking apps, or anything else that is meant to help you…make sure you’re finishing one and implementing it the best you can before moving on or you’re only wasting your time. 

I know it can be hard to accept, but sometimes we can be our biggest hinderance in the path to success. Take some time to reflect and see if any of these apply to you. If so, what can you do to change this and get out of your own way?