It is easy to become hyper focused on your goals as a business owner, but how often do you stop and think about the steps it takes to reach those goals?

Detaching from the outcome doesn’t mean giving up on your short term or long term aspirations, but instead it means celebrating the steps it takes to achieve them. Let go of that unnecessary stress and pressure to just accomplish and move on, and work towards achieving our goals in a calm and focused state of mind.

Here are 4 reasons that explain why you should make this a priority:

1. Reduced stress.

When we become too fixated on specific outcomes, we often create stress and anxiety for ourselves. We worry about things that are out of our control, and this can take a toll on our mental and physical health. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of attachment to specific outcomes, we can reduce these negative feelings and experience greater peace of mind.

When we become fully engaged in just the end goal, it can lead to undue pressure, elevated levels of stress and feelings of disappointment if things don’t turn out as expected. Detaching from the outcome helps us step back and view our situation objectively; allowing us to focus on just taking action and letting go of how things will turn out. Celebrating your steps in the right direction can help you approach your new business endeavors with less anxiety, fear and worry and a stronger sense of accomplishment when even the smallest task gets checked off the list.

You are not a performer or a people pleaser, you’re a business owner. Your goals should not define you or your business, or drive you into a stressful spiral. When things aren’t working out just the way you want them to, use it as momentum to push you forward rather than get hung up on what didn’t work. Your business goals should guide you in the right direction and help you stay on track.

2. Enhanced open mindedness.

When we detach from the outcome, we open ourselves up to new ideas and possibilities. We become more curious and willing to explore different paths, which can lead to greater creativity and innovation in our work and personal lives. When we realize that everything does not have to have a certain “desired” outcome, it opens up more options for creativity and innovation in problem solving, which ultimately leads to better results all around. 

Being open-minded to new opportunities is big. When you’re open-minded, new opportunities are viewed as a way to move forward rather than distractions that interfere with your rigid goals. Add some flexibility into your thinking. When we are laser-focused on a particular outcome, we may fail to consider alternative paths or creative solutions that could lead to even greater success. By releasing our fixation on one “right” outcome, we allow ourselves the opportunity to explore different avenues, which can lead to more comprehensive problem-solving and greater overall growth.

When we free ourselves from the constraints of specific goals or expectations, we can open ourselves up to new and exciting possibilities, forge new paths forward, and create something better than we imagined.

3. Improved decision-making.

When we focus on the present moment and detach from specific outcomes, we can make decisions based on what feels right in the moment, rather than being guided by fear or attachment to a certain outcome. This can lead to more authentic and empowered decision-making, and a greater sense of confidence and trust in ourselves.

Becoming comfortable with the unexpected doesn’t just happen overnight, but once you accept that not everything happens perfectly, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks. Staying motivated is key to running a successful business. When you’re fixated on attaining a particular outcome, any obstacles that arise can become magnified and leave us feeling demotivated. However, by letting go of our attachment to the outcome, we can instead focus on developing our resilience and problem-solving skills, which ultimately better serve us in the long run.

4. Greater appreciation for what we have.

When we are always striving for specific outcomes, we can lose sight of the present moment and the blessings that we already have in our lives. It’s easy to dwell on goals not yet achieved, but you have a business that is already up and running. Focus on optimizing what you have instead of chasing more, more, more. Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for what is already present in your life, while also being open to the possibility of new and exciting opportunities that may arise in the future.

Focusing on the present moment enables us to appreciate the beauty of each step in our journey, rather than merely waiting to arrive at the final destination. So, what can you appreciate? Well if it feels like everything and everyone is against you, remember that you have;

  • Your loyal customers. Having repeat customers who love your product or service is invaluable. Reach out to thank them for their continued business and support.
  • Your dedicated team. If you have employees, appreciate their hard work and commitment to your company’s mission.
  • Your journey. Look at old numbers, stats or archives and see how much your business has grown and evolved. Celebrate wins, both big and small. Being able to sustain a business long-term is an achievement in itself.

Appreciating what you have helps avoid being overly caught up in growth for growth’s sake. It fosters more sustainable progress and helps you stay motivated and excited for the road ahead. Overall, it’s important to practice gratitude for the successes you’ve already achieved as an entrepreneur.

We know that it can be easy to become overly focused on a particular outcome, but if we close our minds off to new ideas you’re setting yourself up for disappointment if things do not go as planned. Instead, it is healthier to do your best and then release control of the outcome. Accept that you cannot control everything that happens, and some things are out of your hands. Focus on the process rather than the end goal. Find enjoyment and meaning in the small steps along the way rather than only caring about the final result. Do things for your own sake rather than solely for external rewards or validation. You have a successful business, and that right there is something to be proud of.

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur feeling a little overwhelmed by your big goals?

Check out our business bundle to help you focus on the successes that you are seeing, and continue building your business.