We are officially mid-way through first quarter, 2018. How are you doing on the goals you set at the first of the year?

I can say with a reasonable amount of certainty that the average small business owner won't complete their goals list, not even by fourth quarter. Why? Because they're not addressing this goal-crushing problem: an environment that doesn't support their growth.

You can't possibly expect more of yourself if you don't change the environment that consistently prevents you from acting on your growth plans. Things like interruptions, client demands, employee issues, and spending time in the small details may come to mind. Sure, these problems will only continue to block your growth if you don't address them, but the real problem isn't around you, it's inside of you.

While the above examples may exist in your external environment, and they are a problem, it's also very important to consider your internal environment. What about self-doubt, fear of failure, and belief systems like there's never enough money. The truth is, money and time blocks are usually more significant in the mind than in reality. There is almost always a work-around for lack of funds and a tight schedule, but entrepreneurs fail to see it. As you address these bigger issues, solutions to the common problems will surface.

Ask this question first. 

As my clients form new goals I ask them this question: "Can you list ten things that may get in the way of achieving this goal?" Usually there aren't ten things, but it forces them to dig deep. Typically, it's not until number seven or eight that they reach the golden nugget: the real problem is within them, not outside of them.

Can you list ten things? Name a goal and ask yourself why you haven't moved the needle on it. Be honest with yourself. Look at the problems on the outside, as well as the inside. If you examine your deeper thoughts, you'll most likely become aware of the limiting beliefs that contribute to all of the other issues. Beliefs like, no one else can do these things for me, or, I have to be available to my customers and employees round the clock. Neither of which are true.

We unconsciously create excuses such as these because something deeper and more significant is in the way and we don't know it--or don't want to admit it. The bigger issue is usually rooted in fear. From fearing failure to lack of self-worth and not believing in one's self.  What are the odds of getting what you want if you continue to buy into your excuses, or worse--if deep down inside, you don't believe in yourself?  

This is not an easy exercise to do on your own, so you may wish to work with a coach or design a support system of peers with whom you have a foundation of trust.  As you unearth your blocks, don't get down on yourself. It's an exciting time because now you can address them, at last. Eliminating what I call the root cause of your problem will change everything.

But how?

Sometimes, the mere recognition of the problem will push an entrepreneur into action. However, most often it takes a fair amount of work to change and there's no shame in that. Consider how long the beliefs or fears you've listed have been in existence. Five years? A lifetime? How can you expect to change things overnight?

The first thing to abolish is any belief that you can do it alone. Asking for help does not make you weak, it makes you human--and very smart. The most brilliant entrepreneurs surround themselves with advisors, mentors, and coaches.

Name one big step toward changing your belief system that you can take today. A commitment to journaling every day, hiring a coach, or simply taking small steps in spite of your inner beliefs and fears. Base your most immediate goals on changing how you think, rather than business-focused results. Once you do this, there will be no stopping you from building your ideal business.