Growing a business is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be one of the most emotionally challenging.
From the excitement of new opportunities to the frustration of setbacks, your feelings can easily feel like you are riding a roller coaster. While our emotions are natural, they can naturally cloud judgment, influence decision-making, or even slow your growth if left unchecked.
The key is not to ignore your feelings, but to learn how to manage them in a way that supports both your well-being and your business success.
This reminds me of what I learned when I attended my first Toastmasters meeting back in the 90’s. It’s okay to have butterflies when public speaking. However, you have to learn how to keep them in formation.
And, as I’ve said many times. If the butterflies have gone away, maybe it’s time for you to move on to something else. The same goes for feelings. If the feelings or emotions disappear, maybe it’s time to step away and find out why.
1. Recognize the Triggers
The first step in keeping emotions balanced is awareness. Notice what situations bring up frustration, fear, or even over-excitement. Maybe it’s a tough client, a slow sales week, or an unexpected expense.
If we can identify the triggers, you might be better prepared to respond calmly instead of reacting impulsively. Action – not reaction.
2. Separate Feelings from Facts
This is probably the most difficult thing to do. When we feel emotional we usually always want to find our partners in crime. We turn to friends and even more so, social media. I encourage you to find faith filled, positive people and messages in an effort to bring you up, not bring you down.
It’s easy to let emotions steer your decisions. Panicking after a slow month or getting overly confident after a big win. Yet, before making any business choice, be honest with yourself and ask… Am I basing this on facts or feelings?
Taking a pause, breathing to look at data, feedback, or long-term goals helps ensure you’re moving strategically, not emotionally.
3. Build Emotional Boundaries
It’s your Business. It’s easy to take everything personally whether it be client complaints, social media comments, or even competition.
Learning to separate your self-worth from your business performance is essential. Boundaries protect your energy and keep you from carrying unnecessary emotional weight and bringing you down.
The Serenity prayer is a good way to check on yourself. “Grant me the serenity to “accept” the things I can not change, the courage to “change” the things I can….yet….the “wisdom” to know the difference.”
4. Lean on Systems, Not Just Emotions
Having structure in place can take the guesswork out of decision-making. It doesn’t matter if you are tracking finances, scheduling marketing, or setting service policies…systems create consistency and reduce the emotional highs and lows of “winging it.”
The more reliable your systems, the more you stick with those systems, the less room there is for feelings to derail progress. The more chance there is for success.
5. Practice Emotional Reset Habits
Everyone needs tools to reset when emotions run high. What might that look like? Take a walk, journaling, practicing mindfulness, or simply stepping away from your desk.
These small habits act like pressure valves, helping you release stress before it builds up and impacts your work. Something I need to be better at myself.
6. Surround Yourself with the Right People
I believe with all my heart, you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.
The people you confide in matter. A supportive network of peers, mentors, or even a coach can provide perspective when your feelings cloud your vision. We all need a reminder of the bigger picture and we all need help to make decisions from a grounded place, not an emotional one.
7. Remember the “Why” Behind Your Business
When things get overwhelming, reconnecting with your original purpose can be a powerful grounding tool.
Why did you start this business in the first place? Read my previous blog…Ask why…..not how…
Keeping your mission front and center helps anchor emotions and gives you clarity to keep moving forward.
We have to remember, running a business will always come with emotional ups and downs—it’s all part of the journey. The goal isn’t to silence your feelings but to manage them in a way that supports your growth. By recognizing triggers, separating feelings from facts, and developing healthy coping strategies, you give yourself the space to lead with clarity and confidence.
I believe emotions are a very powerful part of who you are. Your Business will thrive the most when you….only you are in control of how you respond to them.
With that being said, I beg you…stay humbled, be nice and practice what I’ve been taught my whole life…“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it”.
CJ Murray, President
