I have a fascination with bridges. I recently took a trip to Michigan, and I could not wait to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge experience is one that I will never forget. As I drove across, I admired the engineering ingenuity, while trying to capture the stunning views, and reaching for my sweater at the same time because I felt an immediate drop in temperature. It had dropped 10 degrees as we drove across Lake Michigan. I immediately felt a sense of appreciation for the men that risked their lives to construct the bridge, as they were out and exposed to the elements.
From a quick Google Search, you’ll find that the Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It was opened in 1957 and stretches 5 miles. It took three and a half years to build.
It’s a masterpiece.
But we’re not burning that bridge. Ever.
Today, however, we are going to burn those bridges that serve us no purpose.
As solo professionals, our main goal is to focus on growth and connectivity of our business. You know, like a what a bridge does. A big part of it is to facilitate movement. Movement in the right direction. If this is not happening, then all you’re doing is building walls and creating barriers around yourself and your business.
If you feel like you’re pouring effort into a particular area or aspect of your business, and seeing no results, then you are just wasting time. You should not always feel like you’re treading water and unable to swim.
One of the main reasons for this is that we are often uncomfortable with the idea of making those bold decisions. We rather do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result every single time. You know what that’s called right?
I must say though, that there are moments when we need to put our big girl and big boy pants on to make those tough decisions to move our business forward. It all starts with burning those bridges that are outdated, old and crumbling. The ones leading you straight to fall in and drown.
Let’s take a look at what some of these bridges can look like:
1. Unproductive Relationships
This is a favorite of mine because a lot of us tend to waste our resources and energy on unreliable partnerships and negative clients. If you’re the only one who consistently shows up to put in time and get the work done, then it’s time to find more trustworthy and supportive partners. Likewise, working with difficult clients is like a bridge that leads you to a swamp of negativity that just drains you emotionally. It’s not worth it. Burn that bridge.
2. Outdated Processes
Technology is here and it’s here to stay. That’s just a fact of the matter. So, it’s senseless to hold unto processes that do not help your business to stay efficient and competitive. Outdated ways and methods will keep your business stagnant. Burn that bridge.
3. Comfort Zone
Imagine yourself confidently walking across a bridge under a clear lit and sunny sky, but suddenly a fog starts to set in. What do you do? Do you continue the journey, or do you walk back? How comfortable are you stepping into the unknown? The truth is, that’s where the real growth happens. In the unknown. Many of us are way too comfortable and we need to burn that bridge.
Here’s the bottom line:
Burning bridges in business isn’t about recklessness; it’s about making bold decisions to cut ties with the things and people that are not serving you and your purpose as a business owner. That way, you can make room for growth and new opportunities. As we move forward, let’s identify the bridges we need to burn and confidently make those decisions to get rid of them.
Chuckle of the day! 😂
What did one bridge say to the other bridge? Don’t Cross me!
Shamayne Brown is a virtual assistant and the founder of Camp Virtual Assistance.
She works with solo professionals and small business owners who are ready to invest in their business and need the support that she offers.
She specializes in creating email newsletters as well as other admin and creative design tasks.
Click here to connect on LinkedIn.
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