Finding Growth in the Chaos: Reflecting on Challenges and Opportunities

How often, and how, do you take a step back to truly reflect on how your business is doing?

Julie Christie, business owner, with short brown hair and large glasses smiles warmly indoors, wearing a cherry-patterned shirt, with a soft light illuminating her from a nearby window.

The last two months have felt like being swept up in a whirlwind of tasks - plenty of jogging along (in my head) but also moments of total "what the heck?!". Cue a mental image of ‘computer says no.’ Those times when the challenge at hand just seems insurmountable have required some creative coping mechanisms—adding it to the planner to let it marinate for a bit (while my brain tries to process) or, on occasion, embracing the gift of help from unexpected sources, like the salesperson who saved me from a looming Facebook shutdown!

In hindsight, some of those challenges (and subsequent opportunities) have really got me reflecting on my business journey. How often do we take a step back to review where we’re headed? Reflection - honestly carving out the time to pause - has been crucial for my growth, allowing me to see beyond immediate tasks into the bigger picture.

Time has been fleeting, especially with the endless work of drumming up business, navigating marketing and refining processes—but taking a moment to pause has proven invaluable. Here are some insights that have helped me identify opportunities hidden within challenges:

1. Review the Past

Every month or quarter brings lessons in hindsight. Patterns emerge from your data: What’s gone well? What’s flopped? These insights can guide your next steps and remind you that it’s absolutely okay to tweak your approach as you move forward.

2. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s vital to celebrate successes—they keep motivation alive—but also recognise areas needing improvement. Reflection lets you face challenges head-on while boosting morale with what’s working well.

3. Seek Feedback

Some challenges are blind spots we don’t even realise exist until someone else points them out. Feedback from employees, customers, or peers can offer clarity and open doors to new opportunities. I’ve personally found immense value in joining a group of new startups - sharing ideas and challenges, and setting goals has been helpful.

4. Set Goals and Plan Ahead

Reflection is the starting point for strategy. Use what you’ve learned to set realistic, impactful goals. Focus on growing your strengths while addressing weaknesses—it’s all about balancing ambition with actionable plans.

5. Regular Check-Ins

Make reflection a habit. I’ve been scheduling weekly check-ins for small updates and monthly reviews for bigger-picture thinking. These moments ensure I stay aligned with my goals, while also learning and adjusting along the way.

Taking time to evaluate your business performance isn’t just about solving problems - it’s about finding opportunities to grow and thrive. Challenges will always arise, but with reflection, you can turn them into stepping stones for success.