As a solo or small business owner, we know you when you’re the only one driving the ship, it’s easy to get caught in the undertow of excuses. We all have those big goals: scaling your business, launching that new service, reaching your ideal client. But often, what stands between us and those goals isn’t a lack of talent or ambition—it’s the creeping in of excuses.
We all want success, whether it’s in business, personal growth, or health. But when it comes down to it, there are only two paths: progress or excuses. You can’t have both.
Excuses feel comfortable. They keep us safe from failure, rejection, and discomfort. “I don’t have time,” “I’m not ready yet,” or “It’s too hard” are common ways we justify staying where we are. But every excuse is a decision—a choice to delay progress.
On the other hand, progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about taking the next small step, even when you don’t feel ready. It’s messy, uncertain, and sometimes uncomfortable. But it’s the only way forward.
If you find yourself stuck, ask:
- Am I making progress, or making excuses?
- What’s one small action I can take right now?
The Comfort Trap: Why Excuses Thrive in Solo Business
Let’s be honest, running a solo business can be daunting. The pressure is immense, and the fear of failure looms large. It’s in these moments that excuses become our comforting allies.
- “I don’t have time.” (This could really mean “I’m overwhelmed, and I don’t know where to start.”)
- “I’m not ready yet.” (This could really mean “I’m afraid of putting myself out there and being judged.”)
- “I need to learn more first.” (This could really mean “I’m using perfectionism as a shield against taking action.”)
- “What if I fail?” (This could really mean “I’m scared of the vulnerability that comes with risk.”)
- “It’s not the right time.” (This could really mean “I am waiting for a perfect moment, that will never come.”)
These excuses aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re the daily roadblocks that prevent us from moving forward. As a solo business owner, you don’t have a large team to hide behind. Every decision, every action, falls on you. This can amplify the fear and make excuses seem even more appealing.
Choosing Progress: Small Steps, Big Impact
Progress isn’t about overnight transformations. It’s about consistent, intentional action, even when you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty.
Here’s what progress looks like in the context of a solo business:
- Content Creation: Instead of waiting for a perfectly polished blog post, write a short social media update or record a quick video.
- Networking: Instead of avoiding virtual networking events, reach out to one potential collaborator or client per week.
- Product/Service Development: Instead of delaying the launch of your new offering, get feedback from a few trusted clients.
- Financial Management: Instead of ignoring your finances, spend 15 minutes reviewing your expenses or setting up a budget.
- Learning: Instead of trying to learn every single thing before taking action, learn the minimum necessary, and then learn as you go.
Practical Strategies to Kick Excuses to the Curb
- Identify Your Fear Triggers
- What specific situations or tasks trigger your excuses?
- Journal about your fears and anxieties to gain clarity.
- Recognise that fear is normal, and everyone experiences it.
- Break Down Large Tasks
- Divide overwhelming projects into smaller, manageable steps.
- Focus on completing one small task at a time.
- Use project management tools to track your progress.
- Implement Time Blocking
- Schedule dedicated time for focused work on your most important tasks.
- Protect your time from distractions and interruptions.
- Treat these appointments with yourself as if they were appointments with a client.
- Find a Business Partner or Community
- Connect with other solo business owners who understand your challenges running a business can be lonely.
- Share your goals and progress with your partner.
- Joining online communities can add great value.
- Reframe Your Mindset
- Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.
- Focus on your strengths and past successes.
- Remember that failure is a learning opportunity.
- Celebrate Small Wins:
- Acknowledge and reward yourself for every step forward.
- This reinforces positive behavior and builds momentum.
- Keeping a success journal is a great idea.
As a solo business owner, you have the power to create your own success. But that power comes with responsibility. Will you choose the path of progress, or will you allow excuses to hold you back?
Your future self is waiting for you to take action. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and never stop moving forward.
If you need a friendly kick up the bum to move forward do get in contact – it won’t hurt I promise and you will feel so empowered to move forward.
