Focus on What You Can Control
Businesses have faced a pandemic, protests, an uncertain economic forecast, new government regulations, waning consumer confidence, and shortages in skilled workers. The landscape industry has been versatile and for the most part our businesses have been able to adapt to these stresses. The best advice I can give is concentrate on focusing on what you can control.
The landscape industry has grown in professionalism over the last few years and this year it has made a gigantic leap. It has become very clear that there are two things we can control – our clients and our employees. We can control how we engage and attend to our clients. When the dust has settled from this monster of a year the hope is that they will be there to support our businesses. And our employees need to feel they have job security, and an opportunity for training and improving their professional skills.
The negativity that can come from all these obstacles can chip away at you. Do not dwell on anything that you cannot directly control. This will help you sleep better at night and be a better person to lead your team. Make sure to take some time to rest, to reload the batteries, and give yourself some time to think.
Investing in your landscape business will help you control your future, and it is a bet I think we are all willing to make. The economic outlook next year will improve from what we had this year. Taking all the lessons learned this year should be used to set goals for 2021. Visualize what you want your future to be and take small steps that will lead to big accomplishments.
Now go out there, work hard, work smart, work safe and stay healthy.
– Luis Casas, SFV Chapter President