The High Cost of Worrying vs Working
Ask any entrepreneur how many hours they spend working each week.
Many (not all) will tell you a number upwards of 50, 60, even 70.
We’re a hard-working crew.
My numbers are similar, even today. And when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I can also feel a little sorry for myself about the amount of time I spent working.
But here’s the truth—something a colleague shared with me a long time ago.
Not all of those hours are actually spent on my business. They’re spent worrying about my business.
The gem this colleague gave me? “Worrying about something is not the same thing as working.”
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Worry slows us down. Anxiety can paralyze us.
(You only have to look at the current economic climate—so many companies and individual consumers are in “freeze” mode or have hit pause.)
When I’m stressed, I find myself staring into space. Or, more likely these days, staring at my screen.
But worrying doesn’t actually get anything done.
And that’s an important distinction.
When I claim I’m working, I’m often just worrying. But I rarely make better decisions by stewing in my stress.
Not only is it not actually productive, it’s not healthy, either.
I could spend that time being more effective in my business—or focusing on something else important to me.
Worry takes away from your life, and it offers no meaningful benefit.
Are you confusing work with worry?
What’s it costing you?
A very practical way to help you worry less is to give you confidence that your team is focused on the right priorities in your business. If that’s a major source of stress for you, reach out to our consulting team to see how we can help.
