The #1 Distraction From Growing Your Business Is Not What You Think

Entrepreneurs are faced with distractions multiple times a day, every day. If you can name it, we’ve faced it. There’s stress on the home front, employee conflicts, cash flow problems, fear of the future, analysis paralysis, partner clashes, pandemic and supply chain issues, investor pressure, and client challenges. As the owner, the buck stops with you, so these issues fall to you to solve. But among these possible distractions, there’s one that is perhaps most crippling of all — and it’s probably not what you think. Keep reading to find out what it is and how it can limit your success.

The Green Envy Monster Hasn’t Disappeared

The biggest distraction I’m talking about is none other than envy. I know it might seem strange to call it a bigger deal than the other issues I mentioned, but trust me: It makes an impact. Problems around internal relationships, finances, and business growth are par for the course as an entrepreneur, and your interest in them indicates you care fiercely about your business.

But jealousy? If you think you left that big ugly green monster behind in the sixth grade when you finally, painstakingly got over your best friend being the teacher’s pet, star athlete, and most popular kid in school all at once, think again. The fact is, envy is a part of life. But as a business owner, it can be your kryptonite.

And with social media serving as a bullhorn for peers and competitors to shout their successes to all who will listen, it’s only natural to feel those pangs. The CEO of your biggest industry rival landed on a 40 under 40 list, but you didn’t? That can feel like a sucker punch. Your formerly lazy friend who spent his college years playing video games and ultimately dropped out just got an investment from a major VC for his new pet project, but you’re struggling to meet payroll? If we’re being honest, the successes of our foes and friends can feel so unfair sometimes. Worst of all, they can make us doubt ourselves.

The Real Enemy

Doubt, above all, is the real tragedy of a life consumed by envy. It’s one thing if you scroll through your Twitter feed and privately roll your eyes at the humblebrags of colleagues while feeling your stomach turn because you wish you were in their shoes. But if you move on with your life shortly after, it’s OK. You’re human, and jealousy is part of the human experience.

However, if envy is like the groove in a record (remember those?) and you’re the tonearm that’s stuck in it, the distraction can ruin you. I’m not being hyperbolic, and here’s why: The more you focus on what others have, the less you acknowledge what you already have. It’s a cycle of feeling bad for yourself and getting angry, sad, or hopeless, emotions that take root and fester and grow inside you. This process breeds doubt and makes you question why you’re not the recipient of that investment, award, acknowledgment, or other fill-in-the-blank, awe-inspiring achievement. And do you know what doubt does? It kills your drive and consumes your spirit.

Focus on Yourself?

So, what’s the antidote? How do you sit by and watch your best friend or mortal enemy (or maybe even both) win at life while you’re experiencing trials? I’ve been there, and I’ve figured out how to rid your life of the envy trap once and for all.

Get Curious

The first moment you feel that pang of jealousy, stop. Ask yourself why you’re coveting what this other person has. Is it because you feel like you worked harder than they did, and you deserve it more? Is it because good things always seem to happen to that person and never to you, and you’re tired of it? Is it because that person achieved your goal, and you didn’t? Figuring out why you’re so jealous is the first step to homing in on what you feel you’re missing in your own life.

Be Grateful

Yes, you knew it was coming. Take one minute to write down a handful of things in your life for which you’re thankful. Just do it.

Wish Them Well

I know. This can be painful and sounds absurdly warm and fuzzy. I don’t mean you have to send your business adversary flowers or become their biggest cheerleader. I mean challenge yourself to applaud them — briefly — in your own head. This does two things: It takes you out of your jealousy for a minute, and it frees you. Remember that adage about resentment being like drinking poison and hoping it hurts the other person? By hanging onto envy and the resentment, disappointment, or downright fury it brings, you’re only hurting yourself. Let it go.

Review Your Goals

Finally, focus on yourself. Stop looking left and right, and look ahead. What is it you want to achieve? What’s holding you back? What can you do differently? Don’t waste time dwelling on other people; spend that time instead of improving yourself, your business, and your results.

Jealousy, after all, will only serve to hurt you and your dreams. But you can choose to use it as a springboard to self-discovery and positive change in your own life. I know which I choose; what about you?

Jay Feitlinger is the Founder + CEO of StringCan Interactive, a B2B growth marketing agency focusing on Healthcare + Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Business + Professional Services, businesses launched in 2010 in Scottsdale, Arizona.