Ever notice how some business owners treat their companies like they’re passengers on a runaway train?
(Hint: If you’re nodding your head right now, keep reading…)
Growing up in the business coaching world, I’ve witnessed countless entrepreneurs struggle with one fundamental truth…
You are the creator of your business reality.
Not your market.
Not your competition.
Not even that guru whose latest book you just bought (yes, that may even include me if that makes sense for you).
Here’s the thing…
Every single day, I watch business owners wrestle with this simple yet profound concept from my book, “The MINDstretch.” And let me tell you, it’s both fascinating and slightly heartbreaking to watch.
Why heartbreaking? Because they’re missing the most powerful tool they already possess—their ability to create their business reality.
💡 You are the creator of your business reality—not your market, not your competition. Own your journey!
The Business Creator's Journey: More Than Just a Mindset
Want to hear something funny? (Well, funny in that “oh man, I’ve been there” kind of way…)
Just last week, I worked with a client who ranted on and on about why everything in their business was happening TO them—oh, woe is me (can you hear the violins playing?).
[I endured this rant for a short while to allow them to release this stinking thinking, but then, as any good coach would do, I had to stop them and call them out on their “shit.”]
It was the economy’s fault; the market, their employees, their competitors—you name it—it was controlling their destiny.
Sound familiar?
You know what fascinates me? How many business owners I meet who run their companies as if someone else is in charge. They react to circumstances rather than create them. Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there—we all have.
But here’s the game-changing truth I’ve learned through years of coaching: Your business is nothing more than a reflection of your choices.
Let that sink in for a moment.
💡 Your business isn't happening TO you, it's happening THROUGH you. Own your power to create!
Three Fundamental Powers You Already Have (Yes, YOU!)
Let’s break this down into what I call the “Creator’s Triangle.” And no, this isn’t some mystical business concept that requires burning sage in your office (though, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it!).
1. The Power to Accept
Remember that client who kept fighting reality instead of working with it? Don’t be that person. Acceptance isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of strategic thinking.
When you accept your current reality, you can:
- Make clear-headed decisions (without the emotional baggage)
- Focus energy where it matters (instead of fighting windmills)
- Build from a place of truth (not wishful thinking)
Here’s a truth bomb…
Sometimes, accepting reality feels like admitting defeat. It’s not. It’s one of your superpowers in disguise.
2. The Power to Mitigate
Here’s something I tell my coaching clients all the time (usually right after they’ve finished telling me why something can’t be fixed): You can’t eliminate every challenge, but you can manage them.
Think of it like weather-proofing your house. You’re not stopping the storm; you’re preparing for it. And yes, sometimes that means getting a little wet in the process.
Consider this…
What if every business challenge was actually an invitation to innovate? (Mind-blowing, right?)
3. The Power to Eliminate
This is where real transformation happens. Just last week, I was working with a business owner who finally eliminated a toxic client relationship that was draining their energy. The relief was immediate, and new opportunities quickly filled the space.
[As a side note, Aristotle may have been right here. Nature typically seems to abhor a vacuum. Anyway, back to the story.]
You know what my Client said? “I wish I’d done this a year ago.”
Don’t we all have a few of those “I wish I’d done this sooner” moments?
💡 Sometimes the best business decision is knowing what to eliminate. Make space for what serves your growth!
The Character Factor: Standing in Your Power
Let me share something personal…
Early in my coaching career, I made a decision that scared me: I chose to work exclusively with growth-minded entrepreneurs. It meant turning away potential clients who weren’t aligned with this vision.
Was it scary? Absolutely.
Did I question myself? You bet.
Did it work? Beyond my wildest expectations.
Why? Because when you own your choices and stand firmly behind them, the market responds. It’s not just about making decisions; it’s about owning them completely.
Getting Crystal Clear on What You Want
You know what’s funny about clarity? Everyone wants it, but few are willing to do the work required to achieve it.
(And no, staring at your vision board while drinking your morning coffee doesn’t count – oh, how I miss drinking coffee! 😞 That’s a story for another day.)
Here’s my three-step clarity process that I’ve developed through years of coaching entrepreneurs. Trust me, this isn’t your typical “just visualize it” advice. This is real-world, tested-in-the-trenches stuff.
1. Deep Reflection Time
First off, let’s be honest—when was the last time you actually sat down and thought about your business without simultaneously checking your phone, responding to emails, or putting out fires?
Yeah, I thought so.
Here’s what a real business reflection process looks like:
- Schedule weekly clarity sessions (and protect them like they’re gold, because they are)
- Document your vision without limits (yes, even that crazy idea you think is impossible)
- Review progress regularly (and I mean actually review it, not just glance at it)
One of my clients literally locks himself in his car for an hour every Friday morning. Is it weird? Maybe. Does it work? Absolutely.
2. Decision Framework
Want to know the biggest mistake I see entrepreneurs make? They treat every decision like it’s a brand new problem that’s never been solved before.
Here’s a better way:
- Evaluate choices against your core values (you do have those written down, right?)
- Consider long-term impact over short-term comfort (sorry, no shortcuts here)
- Trust your entrepreneurial instincts (they’re probably better than you think)
💡 Your business decisions shape your reality. Make them intentionally, or someone else will make them for you.
3. Action Planning
Listen, I love a good plan as much as the next business coach, but here’s the truth: A plan without action is just a well-organized wish list.
You need:
- Specific implementation steps (and I mean specific – “grow my business” is not a step)
- Clear timelines (with actual dates, not “someday”)
- Accountability measures (because we all need someone to call us out on our stuff)
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Here’s a question that might make you uncomfortable: What if everything in your business right now—the good, the bad, and the ugly—was exactly what you created?
Ouch, right?
But stay with me here, because this is where the magic happens. Let me share a quick story…
I recently worked with a business owner who had been stuck in the same revenue bracket for years. He kept telling himself it was “just the market” or “the economy” or my personal favorite, “that’s just how this industry works.”
Sound familiar? (I thought it might.)
The transformation started when he finally embraced his role as creator. Within weeks:
- His decision-making got faster (goodbye analysis paralysis!)
- His team became more engaged (turns out they were waiting for his lead)
- His revenue… well, let’s just say his “industry standard” excuse doesn’t work anymore
I’ve seen this transformation hundreds of times. The moment an entrepreneur truly owns their power to create, everything shifts. Their energy changes. Their decisions become clearer. Their results improve dramatically.
💡 Your business story isn't written in stone. You can pick up the pen anytime and start writing a new chapter.
Your Next Step as a Creator
Here’s what I want you to do right now: Take out a piece of paper (yes, right now—I’ll wait) and write down three decisions you’ve been avoiding in your business.
Go ahead. I’m serious. I’ll still be here when you get back.
Done? Good. Now ask yourself:
- What would the creator of your business reality do? (Not your competitor, not your mentor – YOU)
- What’s holding you back from making these decisions? (Be brutally honest)
- What’s the cost of not deciding? (Calculate this in both dollars and peace of mind)
Real Talk: The Cost of Not Deciding
Let me share something that happened recently in one of my coaching sessions. A business owner I’ve worked with for years finally made a decision she’d been avoiding for months—restructuring her team.
Know what she told me?
“Dean, I just calculated how much this indecision cost me. Between the lost productivity, missed opportunities, and my own mental energy… we’re talking six figures. Six figures!”
One step backward led to ten steps forward. But those months of indecision? They were expensive in ways she hadn’t even realized.
💡 The most expensive decision is the one you're afraid to make. What's your indecision really costing you?
Ready to Step Into Your Creator Role?
Look, I get it. This creator stuff can feel heavy. It means taking full responsibility for everything in your business – the wins and the “learning opportunities” (that’s coach-speak for failures, by the way).
But here’s the thing: You’re already creating your business reality. The only question is whether you do it by design or by default.
Your Next Steps: From Insight to Action
If you’re feeling that spark of recognition—that understanding that it’s time to fully embrace your role as creator—let’s talk.
I invite you to join me for a Discovery Session where we’ll:
- Assess your current decision-making patterns (no judgment, just clarity)
- Identify where you’re giving away your power (often in surprising places)
- Create a clear path forward (with actual, implementable steps)
Common Questions About Business Creation
Q: How do you balance quick decision-making with careful consideration?
A: Think of it like driving a car. Sometimes, you need to brake, sometimes accelerate. The key is knowing when to do which. In my experience coaching countless entrepreneurs, the best decisions come from a blend of gut instinct and strategic thinking.
Q: What if I make the wrong decision?
A: Here's what I tell every business owner I work with: There are no wrong decisions—only decisions and lessons. Every choice you make either works out or teaches you something valuable. Often, it does both.
Q: How do you maintain confidence in your decision-making ability?
A: Start small, document your wins, and build from there. One of my clients keeps a "Victory Log" where she records every successful decision she makes. Guess what happened? Her confidence grows with every entry.
💡 Every business decision either works out or teaches you something valuable. Often, it does both. #BusinessGrowth
Remember: You are the creator of your business reality. The choices are yours. Make them count.
Ready to stop being a passenger and start being the creator of your business success? Click here to schedule your complimentary Discovery Session.
Because let’s face it – if you’re not creating your business reality, someone else will. And I’m pretty sure you won’t like their version as much as your own.
