Do you feel like you are just following the crowd?
Many years ago, I struggled with one of my businesses taking off. I quickly realized that I am responsible for every ounce of its growth and stability. I suspect the same of your business, too.
I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes we get into the blame game and it becomes so easy to point the finger to outside sources, when in fact we need to point it at ourselves. No matter what industry you’re in, there are always going to be obstacles in your way that you are going to have to overcome, and the only way to do that is to stop following the crowd and start looking at what the small percentage of successful contractors are doing.
There is complete truth that business is 80% psychology and 20% skill. Eighty percent of your feedback, whether from others or personal, will come from what you believe, the values you hold, and what is most important to you.
Do you face problems like:
Not enough time in the day?
Profit Yo-yo’s each year that seems out of your control at times?
You can’t seem to find skilled labor when you need it the most?
What about just trying to get material for a job that you bid two months ago……I know some contractors had to get out of their contracts because material has gone up 20-30-50%.
My biggest recommendation has always been, don’t go at it alone. The most successful owners are aware that they need a team to run things, that they can’t be the operator and the owner for the rest of their lives. It will burn you out, even the most motivated people.
Don’t be an island when you need guidance the most.
Success leaves clues so why not follow someone who has traveled the dusty road before you and can help you avoid the major potholes? All successful people will tell you at some point or another that they had a mentor to lead them.
I am not saying just one person has all the answers, but if you surround yourself with enough people who are achieving success and overcoming the obstacles you have, then you find the solutions to your situations.
You see…I needed a mentor to get the success that I wanted, too. It was necessary if I wanted to grow, and so I went out and got one. I had to go out of my comfort zone, especially as a guy in the construction industry who hadn’t ever heard about coaches or mentors in this field.
I am telling you….the fastest way to find success is to work with someone who is ALREADY creating the outcomes that you want, and who can give you the beliefs, strategy, skills, and tools to do the same.
Otherwise, the guessing game continues.
So let me close with this…
See what’s working.
See what isn’t.
See the challenges confronting you as they really are and not as you imagine. In other words, don’t blow them up.
Then go get that mentor! Do whatever it takes to work with them and commit. Then…. remember to always be decisive, resourceful, and coachable. The dividends will pay off for a lifetime.
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