Published:

01/15/2015 11:06pm

Follow the Breadcrumbs to Success in Your Business

It's not always obvious what to do next.
Finding your way in your business can feel confusing, especially if you're struggling with processes like marketing and client contact.
When I started to feel this way, I used to do one of two things. I either worked harder, hoping that clarity would dawn, or I looked for some dramatic major shift that would help me see the way to go.
Working hard isn't always a bad thing. You need to in order to bring something to life, or take advantage of an opportunity.
Working hard without a focus, however, is a bad thing. It leads to burnout and overwhelm. Not good.
As far as dramatic shifts go, I enjoy drama as much as you do. On the big (or little) screen. In my business? Not so much. Expecting or looking for a dramatic change as a way to move through confusion almost always leads to disappointment.
The good news? There's a better way to find your way when your business feels confusing.
Now when I start to feel this way, I go into explorer mode. I follow the breadcrumbs.
As a foodie, that feels kind of meager. Breadcrumbs? I want the whole meal!
Truth be told, you'll get it. You've just got to find the way there first.
To follow the breadcrumbs to your own clarity, you just need to do two things. Be curious. And move in the direction of what draws you.
The essence of following the breadcrumbs is to deal only with what is right in front of you. From the options available to you right now, which one, or ones, feel good to you? What sparks your interest? What draws you?
It may not always be obvious that what draws you is related to the issue at hand. And it's good to be clear about the difference between a distraction and a breadcrumb.
To tell the difference, do an energy check. When you consider what draws you, does the confusion about your business decrease? Do you feel a little more energy? Does it perk you up? This energy shift doesn't have to be dramatic (there's that drama thing again!). It just has to be enough to head you in the direction of more clarity, more energy. A distraction won't have this effect. Distraction will just muffle the confusion; it won't be clarifying.
To show you how following a small thing can lead to big things, my coaching business started with a breadcrumb. Years ago, when I visited corporate clients, people would pull me aside in the hallway and, looking around to make sure no one heard them, say, "Hey, can I talk to you about starting a business? I want to know how you did it."
I love being an entrepreneur, and I was happy to help. Those conversations were energizing. They felt good to me. I was serving people in a way I hadn't experienced before.
That breadcrumb, and many more, eventually led to my switch in focus from corporate consulting to coaching. It took a while, but I kept following the breadcrumbs to get here. It turned out to be more than a whole meal - it's a big yummy banquet!
You don't have to look for a big outcome. You just have to feel better, more connected, more energized, to help you get back on track in a time of confusion. A little better, a little more connected, a little more energized is enough.
You'll find that as you follow, your energy will pick up. Your motivation will increase. You'll feel better and better, the more you stay with it.
You won't have to force or push yourself. You'll just follow what feels good. How amazing is that? For those of you who believe that hard work is the path to success, it's OK to follow what feels good. Ultimately, it will bring you the success you're looking for, and dang, will it ever be more fun along the way!
Following the breadcrumbs will walk you out of your confusion. And who knows? A whole banquet might be waiting!

Ursula Jorch, MSc, MEd, mentors entrepreneurs starting their businesses and seasoned entrepreneurs in transition to create the business of their dreams. Her coaching programs provide knowledge, support, clarity, inspiration, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs to empower you to reach your goals. Start with a free guide and other valuable info at www.WorkAlchemy.com