Your routine is your frenemy. Let’s repeat this paradoxical reality again. Your daily routine is your frenemy. It’s an often unspoken, difficult truth. Something most of us either ignore or just never think about. Regardless, it is inescapable, because there are two sides to everything. And your daily routine is certainly no exception. What is supposed to be highly advantageous, can also unleash equal disadvantages. So, it’s time to look at this with a curious, open mind. Biggest Daily Routine Benefits Routines obviously have their benefits. Otherwise, we would not institute and follow them at all. For example, keeping you on time and task certainly is a huge advantage. By following a routine, you are much less likely to get distracted and you’ll complete priorities in order of importance. Additionally, a routine helps with the ebb and flow of life. Which is to say, uncomfortable or emergency situations. It’s a fundamental truth that sometimes the greatest barrier to your success is yourself. Not that you don’t try, aren’t talented, or don’t have the resources to succeed–you do. It’s just that a self-limiting mindset can creep into your worldview without you realizing it, keeping the achievement of your goals forever on an unreachable horizon. —Inc.com It’s common advice that when you’re in unfamiliar territory and feel overwhelmed, settle back into your routine. This helps you to relax and look at the bigger picture. Ultimately, it gives you the calming effect of being in control. Moreover, a routine lets you to chart your progress throughout the day. You feel a sense of accomplishment with each line item you cross off your list. 3 Ways Your Routine Sabotages Your Business Although routines are beneficial on one hand, on the other, they can be downright detrimental. We usually don’t see these disadvantages because routines offer a sense of continuity and comfort — to mindsets that can be counterproductive. Here are three unconscious mental blocks that your routines create and hold back your business: You feel satisfied. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction. It puts your mind at ease and lets you put your brain on idle. And, that’s the very problem with the mind being satisfied — the satiation is an impediment to wanting and doing more. When you are satisfied, you stop and disengage. Done too often, this is a recipe for stagnation. You’re not as creative. Have you ever noticed those “eureka” moments are now few and far between, or worse yet, absent entirely? When you started your business, you did so with enthusiasm, drive, and purpose. But, you’ve come to a point where you’re not nearly creative as you were in the past. That’s because you’re just following a routine, which means your no longer freeing yourself to think outside of the box. You can’t envision a different future Sure, the future is always uncertain. However, there’s a difference between not knowing and not dreaming. If you hit enough of your goals, you’ll probably stop thinking about reaching new achievements and that is tantamount to not reimagining your possible future. After all, as time goes by, changes occur and the future might actually look completely different than it did before. What other ways do routines undermine your success? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences. Your unique perspective just might help one or several people out! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Covid isn’t over. In fact, the virus is probably here to stay for a long, long time, perhaps forever as endemic. But, the worst is likely well behind us. However, some small business owners are using the pandemic as an excuse and customers aren’t buying it. This is because consumers are well aware of what’s really going on and do not take kindly to such unbelievable explanations. So, it’s time for small business owners to stop using Covid as an excuse. Now, let’s take a look at why it’s so damaging. Excuses are Bad for Business Small business owners have a lot on their plate. They are responsible for wearing many hats and often have to do everything themselves. This can lead to some owners making excuses to their customers when things don’t go as planned. While it may be tempting to do this, it’s important to remember that there are many consequences for doing so. This is because there are compelling reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers. Business experts wince at pandemic excuses because, well, they’re excuses, which are not the bailiwick of successful entrepreneurs—who are, by definition, problem solvers. Although tossing off a Covid excuse may seem benign, it creates a messaging problem because it’s likely deceitful: Customers are now savvy to the fact that supply chain, safety, and staffing challenges are well-established market conditions—not sudden pandemic blows. —Bloomberg Business Remember, customers will accept difficulties for what they are. They understand some situations are simply beyond a small business’ control. But, when others in the industry are moving forward, meeting their customers’ needs, it becomes dangerous for entrepreneurs to make excuses. Why Small Business Owners Shouldn’t make Excuses to their Customers Covid has become the proverbial “dog ate the homework” excuse. Sure, it is possible, but it’s also growingly becoming improbable. In other words, sure, the pandemic and shutdown may have lingering effects. But, to apply it capriciously is just a bad business practice. Some of the reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers include: It harms credibility. When a small business owner makes an excuse to a customer, they are essentially saying that they are not capable of handling the situation. This can cause the customer to lose faith in the small business and may never use their services again. Businesses can suffer a bad name. If a small business is known for making excuses to their customers, it will not be long before word gets out. Customers will start to avoid doing business with them because they know that they will not be able to count on them to deliver what they promise. It makes owners appear ineffective. When a small business owner makes excuses to their customers, it makes them look like they are not in control of their business. This can lead to the customer questioning the owner’s ability to run their business and may cause them to take their business elsewhere. Customers may never return. If a small business owner regularly makes excuses to their customers, it is only a matter of time before they start losing them. Once a customer has had enough of being lied to, they will take their business to competitors who deliver and may never come back. As you can see, there are many reasons why small business owners should never make excuses to their customers. While it may be tempting to do so in the moment, it is important to remember that the consequences can be very severe. If you are a small business owner, do your best to always be honest with your customers and never make excuses for your mistakes. Your business will be better off in the long run. Do you have any tips for small business owners on how to avoid making excuses to their customers? Please, take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.