Has Your Comfort Zone been Holding You Back?

"I'll do it when the economy gets better." "I'll hire when I have more money." "I'll invest in marketing when things slow down." I hear small business owners saying different variations of these all the time (and with over 35 years in small business, you can imagine how many times I’ve heard it.)

You know what all these statements have in common? They're all excuses for not taking action.

I've learned this simple yet Stern Truth over the years, later becomes never. That "I will when" mindset is doing so much damage to your growth. So let me ask you, if not now, when?

The Waiting Game You Just Can't Win

You're waiting for perfect conditions. When the economy turns around, or once the kids grow up. Those business growth tips you see online? They’re all in a folder on your computer, waiting to be combed through. Your growth mindset will come, eventually… right?

You've convinced yourself there's a better time coming. That perfect time doesn't exist. While you're waiting, you're losing opportunities. You're stuck in comfortable patterns that don't challenge you to grow.

What Happens When You Wait

I've seen this time and time again with clients, with other small business owners, with other entrepreneurs. Business owners back off their marketing when the economy dips. They stop lead generation and cut business development. When things turn around, they're left behind by competitors who kept pushing.

They’re the ones making moves and getting ahead. They're capturing market share. They're building relationships with your potential clients. They're establishing themselves as leaders.

When you finally act, you'll be playing catch-up. The momentum you have in your business that you worked so hard for will completely vanish, and those opportunities won’t come around again.

Your Comfort Zone Should Make You Uncomfortable

Look back at 2025. How much time did you spend in your comfort zone? How many decisions did you make just to keep things steady?

Or maybe you saw those competitors getting ahead. That’s pretty uncomfortable. But you have to get uncomfortable to be comfortable. Translation: taking risks.

Try new marketing strategies when you're unsure. Hire before you think you can afford it. Raise your prices when your inner voice says you're not ready.

Step outside what feels safe and take calculated risks because that’s where the growth comes. I talk more about it in Episode 48 of The Stern Truth podcast (which you should check out too!).

Act Today, Grow Tomorrow

As we head into the new year, be honest with yourself. What worked in this past year? What didn't? More importantly, why did or didn’t those things work?

Success leaves clues. So does failure.

Look at your activities and ask yourself - were you stepping outside your comfort zone or playing it safe? Were you taking action or waiting for better conditions?

My advice to you is to start planning your first 90 days of the new year right now. Yes, I know when I published this blog, but don't wait for January 1st. Build a roadmap with actionable steps. Get clear on what you want to create and why it matters.

I can help you out , you can check out the type of coaching services and see what fits. You can even email me directly at marshall@marshallstern.net with any questions.