Bare Bones Business: Don't make rash decisions with business at stake

On a day of doubt, give it one more day.

It’s OK to give up on your business. If you are not succeeding, you may not have yet found your true calling. You may not have given it enough time, or taken the right steps. How do you know?

Pray for a sign. Why not? You might get one. Or you might realize the signs have been there all along. You’ve just not seen them.

Is it too much to ask for a bolt of lightning?

Today, on a day of doubt, play “hooky.” Punch out for a few hours. Do something completely different.

Read – fiction only today.

Walk – until you get physically tired.

Don’t speak – for the rest of the afternoon.

Visit a cool music store – and listen to unfamiliar artists.

Draw something.

Dance.

Drive.

Play with Lego toys.

Play chess by yourself.

Watch people.

And let it go at that for today. Act on it tomorrow.

The next day

You aren’t quitting today. Give it one more day. The day you walk away from your business will be on a day of certainty – not on a day of doubt.

On the day after a day of doubt, head to the office and close your door. Today, you are going to think. Reflect on all that you have created. So often we neglect to acknowledge and enjoy our victories because so many battles lie ahead. Today, take a moment to congratulate yourself on your accomplishments. Consider these questions:

Since the beginning of the year, what has changed – in yourself and in your business?

What have you accomplished?

Do you have a purpose, a mission, in your business? Is your business consistent with that mission?

Is your business supporting your values?

Are you making money?

Are you reaching your goals?

Are you having fun?

Are you making a positive difference in people’s lives?

Are your relationships strong and healthy?

Are you fit and strong – physically and spiritually?

If you could shut down your business with a snap of your fingers, would you?

Profitability can make the difference between a business that serves your life and a business that doesn’t. Money is terrific, but it is not the only measure of success. Does your business serve your life?

The test

Place a blank sheet of paper on your desk. On the left side, draw a minus sign on the top; on the right side, put a plus sign. Now, list the negatives and positives of your business. This is the classic Ben Franklin method of decision-making. See if the pluses outweigh the minuses.

Should the business stay in your life? Or should it go?

What if you choose another path?

Congratulations! Life is full of options. Take some time to craft a plan. Not too much time. And don’t worry about putting a bulletproof plan together. Set your sight on the horizon and get going.

Did you choose to pursue the path you are on? Good for you! Now, pull out your calendar. Set a date when you may reconsider your decision. In the meantime, do not question it. Just give it all you’ve got. Because when that date arrives, you may choose to end this pursuit and select another path. You will be able to walk away with your head held high if you are comfortable that you did everything you could to make it work.

Don’t change direction on a day of doubt. Wait a day. Then decide.

Ellen Rohr is an author and business consultant who offers systems for getting focused and organized, making money and having fun in business. Her latest book is “The Bare Bones Biz Plan.” She can be reached at ellen@barebonesbiz.com.