Episode 1202 – The REAL Reason You're Not Getting Things Done in Your Cleaning Business
Procrastination: The Real Issue Behind Not Getting Things Done
Mike Campion and Jenell Newell tackle a critical issue that cleaning business owners often face: procrastination. Many owners know exactly what they should do and how to do it, but somehow, they can’t seem to get it done. It’s like knowing that eating healthy is important but still grabbing that sugary snack. The problem isn’t the lack of information; it’s about overcoming the mental barriers that stop people from taking action.
The Lie of "I Don't Have Time"
A common excuse that keeps business owners stuck is the belief that they don’t have enough time. Mike points out that even if you know what you should be doing, the chaos of running a business can lead to overwhelm. But in reality, the problem isn’t a lack of time—it’s about being stuck in a comfort zone. Making big decisions, like hiring or raising prices, might feel uncomfortable, but that discomfort is often mistaken for a lack of time. The truth is, the key to change lies in overcoming this discomfort and taking that first step forward.
The Danger of Worrying About Future Problems
Jenell discusses a major trap that people fall into: focusing on problems that haven’t happened yet. She calls it the “potential possible maybe future”—the act of solving problems that are not real today but could happen down the road. Many cleaning business owners spend time worrying about things like what to do if 100 people show up for an interview or if a client reacts badly to new pricing. The reality is, most of these issues never come to pass. By focusing on what might go wrong in the future, owners are paralyzed and avoid doing what needs to be done right now.
Taking Action to Break the Cycle
The key to breaking the procrastination cycle is simple: just take action. Jenell encourages owners to ask themselves if the problem they’re focusing on is something they need to solve today. If not, shelf it and focus on the task at hand—whether it’s conducting a group interview or raising your prices. The first step may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for progress. When you do the work, you gather real data and experience, which helps you grow and refine your plan. The goal is to focus on today, not tomorrow.
Let Go of Perfection and Embrace the Process
Mike and Jenell remind us that perfection is not the goal—progress is. There’s no perfect plan, and even with a coach or mentor, fear and uncertainty still exist. The difference is that those with a plan are more likely to take action, even if it’s not perfect. Whether you’re worried about the next big step in your business or fear something going wrong, just take action. You’ll learn along the way, and that’s how growth happens. So stop worrying about what could happen and focus on what you can do right now to move your business forward.