I get to speak to a lot of business owners.

And it really brings home just how tough this game can be.

This week alone, three separate conversations reminded me how easily the wind can be knocked out of your sails.

In one case, a good team member moved on.

For the right reasons, and done properly.

But they’ve left a gap that’ll take time and effort to fill.

Another story came from someone who’s built a cracking business, only to have a trusted employee betray that trust.

The business itself is fine.

But confidence takes longer to rebuild than numbers do.

And someone else in our circle’s been dealing with an employee who’s been less than honest.

The kind of behaviour that leaves a bad taste and makes you question everything.

Different stories, same theme.

Setbacks hurt.

They sap your energy.

They make you doubt yourself and blur the big picture.

My take?

Allow yourself a short pity party.

Feel it, process it, then get your focus back.

Because frustration left to simmer turns into anger - and anger’s a terrible business partner.

When things wobble, it’s the people around you that matter most.

The ones who get it.

Who remind you what you’ve already achieved and help you see what’s still possible.

It’s why I’m part of high-level mastermind groups.

And it’s exactly why I started Impact Retail Training and the Impact Retail Success Club.

To make sure other butchers, farm shop owners and other food retailers don't have to face this stuff alone.

It’s why I’m such a believer in surrounding yourself with people who “get it”- whether that’s your own team, good friends in the trade, or groups like the Impact Retail Success Club, where ideas and support flow freely.

Give yourself the support you need.

Have a great week.

Mark