When unannounced and unwanted situations arise, we typically have two choices of action to take. Dealing with them or running from them. It’s sometimes easier said than done. Facing challenges head-on can be exhausting. When other things in life are stressful, the challenges can just seem like they’re piling on. Do we deal with them, do we even have to, or do we simply accept something for what it is and let the dust settle?

How we handle challenges says a lot about who we are as people and how we run our businesses. If you’re the type of person to ignore a problem until it goes away you may not be the person who has a plan for everything. Maybe you’re the opposite and you feel the need to address every issue but face problems with control when things don’t go your way. There’s a midpoint somewhere in there but how do we find it? How do we confidently say, “I got this.” and also know when we need to let something go?

“The Pocket Guru” by Dr. Siri Sat Nam addresses this in their guidance and mantra book, dedicating 2-3 pages on a topic. I highly recommend it as an easy and uplifting read. The book points out ‘reacting, vs conscious acting’ to situations when we face challenges.

When you react, it’s almost instinctual. You hear keywords and your brain may immediately light up with a whole slew of emotions just based on simple words. You may feel angry or frustrated in conversation because of what someone said. But you know that during a conversation with a client, you have to show them that you’re reliable and a quick remark can deconstruct all the work you may have put in to get to that conversation.

So we create a filter. Almost everyone has one and it’s pretty easy to identify those who don’t. Before letting a reaction be the next thing you express, it’s important to recognize when those reactions happen. Assess whether or not it’s best to share that though and proceed from there.

Let this filter be a guide for your conversations in business or with potential clients. Before you get into work mode, remember this filter and its’ purpose to help you act rather than react.

None of this is to say you shouldn’t speak your mind. I always encourage you to use your voice. But you know there’s a time and place for everything, and that’s okay, too.

If you don’t feel confident in your ability to face challenges, not just the ones with difficult clients, don’t be afraid to reach out to a support system. And if you don’t have one, build one. If you’re not sure who that is, start with who supports you emotionally, who supports your ideas, and who supports your drive to your business.

From here, with this support system and this filter for acting vs reacting, we can see growth. Growth in our routines, our relationships, our confidence, and overall in business.

Challenges don’t have to be life stopping or overwhelming. They can be a beautiful opportunity for growth.

Thanks so much for reading! If a supporting system is still something you’re looking for, hop on over to Facebook and join the group I created specifically for small business owners supporting other small business owners. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

xoxo,
Aliyah