My fellow business owners often seek advice on how to overcome anxiety and worry during challenging times. I would like to share strategies to beat those business worries.
In all stages of business, whether startups are finding their footing, scaling up, or established enterprises are navigating the market, challenges inevitably arise. Even large corporations contend with the economic strains of recession, the inflation-driven rise in costs, and the difficult decision of workforce reductions.
We are living in times that are not easy. We have a lot of technology and are still blessed, but it’s still challenging. Sales are hard to come by, and this year, it’s not easy to close new deals, hit targets, or beat last year’s stretch goals. As a business owner, what should you do?
The first strategy is to ask ourselves, “What is within my control?”. It’s natural to want to control every aspect of our lives. However, the reality is that we can only control so few things. We’re bound by the limits of our physical bodies and the confines of the 24 hours we’re given each day.
Many of our hours are allocated to sleeping, restroom breaks, meals, socializing, and, of course, work. Time is limited, and many factors are beyond our control. Much of what affects our businesses—market fluctuations, rising costs, and fierce competition—is beyond our direct influence.
It’s in these moments of uncertainty that worry and anxiety often take root. We fret over the outcomes of situations we cannot fully control, and the weight of these concerns can be overwhelming. The key, as I’ve learned through my journey and guiding others, lies in focusing on what is within our control.
According to the Lord, the end times will be marked by wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and natural disasters. We see these signs around us today, fulfilling prophetic warnings of what is to come. But even this is beyond our control.
Let’s get to the second strategy. I’ve been advising a client who’s quite anxious about his business, and he’s been bombarding me with questions. I consistently reassure him to stay calm and wait at least two weeks for changes to settle and for data to become scientifically reliable. This cautious approach reflects the unpredictable nature of digital marketing, where external events can impact data accuracy.
I advised him that rushing into multiple changes can muddy the waters of reliable data collection. It takes time—typically around two weeks—for changes to be scientifically validated and for the data to reflect true integrity. Limiting changes to one or two changes at a time ensures that the insights gained are robust and actionable.
But my client can’t seem to wait for two weeks. So, I shared with him a passage from the Bible, which is the foundation of my third strategy. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus reminds us not to worry about anything, whether food, clothes, or shelter. This verse underscores the importance of faith and trust in a higher purpose—a sentiment that resonates deeply in both personal and professional realms.
This belief reinforces my conviction that God will provide for us regardless of our efforts. All we have to do is obey His word, keep the Sabbath Day holy, and rest on the seventh day. He will bless you and provide for you. You don’t need to worry or be anxious.
I find profound guidance in Deuteronomy 8:18, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth,” highlighting the principle of divine provision and blessing for those who diligently follow God’s word. This belief isn’t about passivity but about aligning our efforts with spiritual principles.
Furthermore, in Genesis, Chapter 2, God gave humanity the responsibility to work and cultivate the Earth from the beginning. Work is not merely a duty but a sacred gift, integral to our productivity and purpose. This innate drive to work reflects our intended purpose, explaining why we feel unfulfilled when we’re idle.
By embracing God’s divine design—working diligently for six days and resting on the seventh—we find a rhythm that not only sustains our businesses but also alleviates unnecessary worry and anxiety. It’s about doing our best with what we’ve been given and trusting in our faith for the rest.
To summarize, do your best, and lift the rest to God in prayer. Put your faith and trust in Him, and you can be sure that God will provide for you. Using practical strategies to beat those business worries, I overcome fear and anxiety in my life, and I hope you will apply these in your life as well.
Consider watching my video, “How to Overcome Worries in Business” or listening to my podcast on Spotify for additional insights.
For professional guidance on overcoming the challenges of today’s business landscape, feel free to get in touch with me.
