Written by: Mike Edwards, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When the pandemic started, my thriving business came to a standstill overnight.
The cause of this downturn in business seemed evident to me. All of my prospective clients froze discretionary spending, given the uncertainty of the pandemic.
While understandable, after a while, I was starting to wonder about the future of my business. It seemed as if my business would fail because of the pandemic.
I told myself this story for several months. Then, one day my mentor pointed out how I was justifying why my business was failing.
I was saying things like, "of course, business is slow given the pandemic is preventing me from networking in person." Or, "It's hard to find new customers when I can't meet them in person."
Ironically, even my explanation of my prospective clients freezing discretionary spending amounts to me justifying the downturn in my business.
My story is hardly unique.
I've heard and read plenty of stories about struggling businesses throughout the pandemic. The stories often left me feeling as if the owner felt helpless to change a potentially dire outcome for their business.
Often, the stories pointed to the pandemic, lockdowns, or a lack of government support as being the reason their business was in trouble.
Is it acceptable to justify a failing business based on the impact of the pandemic?
Now, you might be starting to think, "But, Mike, there's nothing I can do to change the circumstances, given the fact we're amid a pandemic."
Before I address that thought, though, let's start by defining the mindset at work in these stories.
You are justifying anytime you have a problem and point to a circumstance as the cause of your problem. When justifying, you believe that you cannot resolve the problem unless the circumstance changes.
Through this mindset, you are easing the anxiety created by the problem.
While this might leave you feeling better temporarily, you will not resolve a problem as long as you justify its existence.
To solve such problems, you must first get off this unproductive mindset.
What happens when you stop justifying
Here's the good news: When you find yourself justifying, it means you're in good company. We all do it. Those who learn to get off of this mindset will discover they can solve problems that once seemed overwhelming.
There are plenty of examples of business owners justifying, then pivoting towards success. One such story is the story of Irene Li's Chinese restaurant.
The pandemic has, of course, negatively impacted the restaurant industry. Li's restaurant was no different. At one point, Li had to lay off half of her staff in an attempt to save the company.
Amid their struggles, someone suggested Li sell dumplings at a farmer's market. Li brushed the idea off at first, saying farmer's markets are for startups.
That's when one of Li's business partners pointed out they were a startup, given how much had changed. It seems this straightforward acknowledgement caused a pivot that helped Li to stop justifying.
The restaurant started thriving by selling dumplings at Farmers Markets. This part of their business grew to the point they purchased a $55,000 dumpling-making machine to keep up with demand.
In other words, Li decided to stop justifying and once again own her power and ability to run a successful business.
How to stop justifying
While justifying is a normal response to problems, it doesn't mean you need to accept them. With a few simple steps, you can start to spot unproductive mindsets and get off of them.
Build awareness of your mindset to start changing them.
Pay attention to how you feel when thinking and talking about the problems in your life. Pay attention to your mindset when you feel anxious, uncertain, or trapped.
Be gentle on yourself when you spot an unproductive mindset, such as justify.
Rather than putting your energy into beating yourself up, you'll get further ahead by putting your energy into finding solutions and moving forward.
Take 100% responsibility for the future of your business.
I know that it might feel impossible when it comes to the pandemic. However, when you decide to take 100% responsibility, you will start to find solutions in unlikely places (like a farmer's market.)
Examine what's important to you.
For me, I decided I was unwilling to give up on my business. I love the work I do and the impact of my work on people's lives. The bonus is that the money and schedule allow for the lifestyle my wife and I love.
Experiment your way to the future.
Regardless of the problem, when I decide I will take 100% responsibility, I experiment to find my new future. After all, I'm moving into uncharted territory and need to validate what will work and let go of the things that don't.
The power of your mindset
So, when is it OK to use the pandemic as an excuse? It’s always OK given it proves you’re human and there’s nothing wrong with you.
However, if you want your business, team, and yourself to continue to thrive – I’ll bet you’ll get better results by not justifying and taking 100% responsibility for your success, fulfillment, and life?
Mike Edwards, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mike activates leaders and teams to create their best life and work experience. As a professional coach and mentor, Mike uses his skills and experience to help people see what they can’t see for themselves. Through this, people take responsibility for improving the world they work and live in. Mike is the author of Activate your Leadership, a blog-ger, and Co-host of The Open Door Podcast.
