“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
This has been a difficult month for our family; our 42-year-old son had a major heart attack. He is healing but has discovered he has heart disease, which he will have to deal with for the rest of his life.
What does this have to do with business and “what ifs”? Well, this life event put me in a place of dwelling on the “what ifs.” I spiraled into all the thoughts of: what if we didn’t get him to the hospital in time? What if he died? On and on it went. I stayed there for more time than I would like to admit. When I finally took the time to work through it with God, I was released to the place I needed to be and was thankful. We did get him to the hospital on time. The changes he is making in his life and health are all positive. I lost so much time in the hole of anxiety and with questions that had no answers. God’s Word is clear about not worrying about the future, but there I was in the spiral of worry.
So, what does this have to do with business? There is a place for “what-if analysis.” It is greatly beneficial in making sure our businesses have a succession plan and an exit plan. It just makes good sense to go through that process. But when it is not done strategically and for a purpose, it allows our brains to live in a state of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Are you anxious and worried because you are living in a place of COVID destruction? The COVID “what ifs” — when your mind is continually running through thoughts like: what if COVID continues for more than a couple of months? What if I get COVID? What if my industry gets shut down? This is not a place that will help you survive through this time.
It is a proven fact that what we worry about seldom comes to fruition; it is a waste of energy and time. Not only that, but it will play havoc with your health and relationships! So how do we take those “what ifs” and make them work for us, not against us?
Well, first, take your “what ifs,” write them all down, and create a contingency plan. This is a good practice for any business to have done right from the very beginning of inception. It is just like your business plan; it is a living document and should be reviewed yearly. Next, take all those “what ifs” and work them from a positive perspective: our business is still open; it is slow, but this is a great time to make some really great changes so we can move with the new trends. What if my industry is shut down? I have time to get creative and come back stronger than I ever was! If I get COVID, I am blessed to have people in my life who care for me. It may seem really hard to be thankful, but I know for a fact that God has a plan for good for all those who follow Him.
