Business Owners Have Something In Them That Can Make Or Break Their Business, And It's Not A Brain

I'm one, as some of you may have guessed, who enjoys riddles, but this riddle is easy: Which came first, the heart or the brain?

The answer is, of course, the heart. Our hearts are continuously pumping blood and sending messages to our brain, and yet as business owners, we try to understand things like stress, high blood pressure, anxiety, failure, etc. through the brain - not the heart.

As "thinkers" we spend a lot of time in our head, when we should be spending time in our heart. There's an expression I have always liked: "Line up your head with your heart and your feet will follow." It doesn't say line up your heart with your head. There's a difference, and a reason for the difference.

As business owners, we either started our business because our heart was in it, or our brain was. What prompted you? Passion (heart) or Profit (brain)? (Relax, there is no right or wrong answer.)

Part of the challenge we have as business owners is balancing the two. One can, for instance "put one's heart into something" and not get anywhere. Think of that person you know who has such great intentions - you know, the ones who love the idea of their business and express passionately what they want their business to accomplish. And don't get me wrong. They mean well, but they are all (nice) talk, but no walk.

Then there are the analytical types who need an accredited reference for anything they are asked to believe in, who question everything, criticize everything else, micro-manage everyone, and complain a lot. Sound like anyone you know? In a chronic state, they are also the ones who are going nowhere fast, caught up in a loop of unreasonable "reason", in which they NEED a reason for everything, including a reason FOR the reason for NEEDING a reason. Exhausting! A lot of times they are also the hamster on the wheel.

You catch my drift.

So, where do you fall? All heart? All brain? Somewhere in between? The fact is success as a business owner isn't based on all one or all the other. But our success and our control of stress does depend on focusing and listening to our hearts.

So! Let's look at some skills and techniques that will allow us to have the best of both worlds in which we line up our thoughts with our motivation, giving our feet that much-needed path to follow.

First, what's brain and what's heart activity in business?

Brain:

* Your business and marketing plan

* Your mission

* Your strategies

* Your finances

* Your goal: Profit

Heart

* Your vision

* Your team

* Your motivation

* Your communication

* Your goal: Happiness

Note that "goal" falls under both, because whether you're in your head or led by your heart, you still have a goal. The difference is that your "brain" goal is undoubtedly to make money. Your "heart" goal is most likely to be happy. Now, happiness means different things to different business owners, but whatever your definition, happy means having a smile on your face and - yes - in your heart. It's very hard to smile when you're exhausted, stressed, and fearful of losing everything.

Okay, so what are some techniques that put us back in touch with our heart?

1) Number one is breathing. Funny, we do it every day, every second without much thought. But this time we will practice breathing - not from our diaphragm, like we were taught in speech classes and yoga. No, for this kind of stress reduction, breathe from your heart. In other words, breathe from your chest in deep, slow breaths that allow you to focus.

2) Your brain will want to fight this, by the way, so have your heart send a message to your brain to turn away stressful thoughts and replace them, instead, with pleasant ones. Ah, ah - no skepticism here. That's your brain kicking in. Just go with the heart on this step and see what happens.

3) When you allow your thoughts to visit calmer, happier "places", something amazing happens. Your heart rate slows to a less chronic beat, YOU relax, and your whole mood and demeanor changes. The bonus? You are able to think more clearly!

4) Next, keep breathing deep, slow breaths. Choose that happier, more content place over the one with all the stress and anxiety.

5) Talk less (even in your head while doing this exercise!)

6) Listen more.

7) Oh, yeah - and cut down on the caffeine!

Now, some skeptics, and I know you're out there, will be scoffing, "Who has time for this? I'm too busy. I have this, that, and the other on top of that, this and that other other to handle to take time for this touchy-feely crap," and yes. We are all busy!

But those of us who truly take the few moments throughout our day to do the exercise above not only become happier, but will become more successful!

I don't know about you, but I would rather be a genuinely happy business owner than one who wears a scowl, blames the world, and is miserable. Misery loves company, it's true; but, I don't love misery's company, and I'm pretty sure you don't either.

If you're still in doubt, ask yourself, "Would I rather be calm, reasonable, and able to make sound decisions, or chronic, complaining, and never getting anything done?"

Ironically, some will choose the latter. But for those who don't, good! You're finally ready to listen to your heart.

Take these few easy steps to success:

* When you wake up each morning sit on the side of your bed, breathe slowly and deeply through your chest. Become aware of your breathing, but use the "mental" moment to focus on something that truly brings a smile to your face. Was it a pet that gave you unconditional love? Was it a family or friend who was always there for you? Was it something you accomplished that you are particularly proud of? Was it a place you went on vacation that filled you with wonder and joy?

* Whatever the "it" is, breathe and focus on it. Try this short exercise for 3-5 minutes.

* Repeat the exercise before you get into your car (Oh, and by the way, screaming at that guy who cut you off is exhausting no one but you).

* Take a break (or two or three!) at work and repeat the exercise.

* Do the short exercise again right before you leave the office so your challenges from work don't follow you home.

* Lastly, do the exercise right before going to sleep. You'll wake up feeling like you actually slept rather than wishing you could sleep some more!

In total, you'll have done 15- 25 minutes worth of exercise that can save time, save your business, save your relationships, save your life...all from focusing on your breathing and your heart. Next time you're stressing out, remember the ol' ticker.

Each beat is like the second hand going around a clock. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Less Talk.

Focus.

It's time.

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