As we move from the laid-back pace of summer into the busy fall season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we approach personal and business challenges. Like cooking corn on the cob, what works best for you may not be the traditional method – and that’s okay. The same holds true in business.

Discovering My Preferred Way

Corn on the cob is a summer classic, and during the Labour Day weekend, I enjoyed it twice.

The first time was a celebratory dinner with loved ones where we barbecued the cobs in their husks. The second was at a community corn roast where 100 cobs were boiled. While both methods produced tasty results, I realized I prefer barbecued corn. It’s easier to peel, some kernels are beautifully blackened, and the flavour is more delicious.

This experience got me thinking about business processes and systems. Just like cooking corn, you might think the “traditional” approach works – until you discover a way that fits you better. And that’s key to both avoiding overwhelm and bringing out the best in you and your business.

Food Recipe: Corn on the Cob – Finding Flavour Beyond the Basics

While butter, salt, and pepper are traditional favorites for corn, not everyone can or wants to use them. A squeeze of lime juice and chili powder (or jaljeera – a blend of a South Asian spice) can add vibrant flavour, without sacrificing taste or health.

In business, the same principle applies. There’s a basic framework, but the system or process you choose needs to fit your style and strengths to truly thrive.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob:

• Boiled Corn: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add husked corn and cook for 4-5 minutes. Drain and serve.
• Barbecued Corn in Husks: Soak corn cobs in water for 30-90 minutes to prevent the husks from burning. Preheat the BBQ to 475°F. Grill for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes. Husk and serve.

Business Recipe: Discover the Right Fit and Avoid Overwhelm

I remember a time when I tried to force a recommended system that just didn’t work for me. Overwhelm crept in, and I began to question myself. But the issue wasn’t me – it was the misalignment between the system and how I work best.

In business, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution but you do have to follow a framework. Plain and simple.

Just like cooking corn… it needs to be cooked. How you approach the ‘cooking’ (the tools and systems you use) needs to fit your style and serve the purpose in order to have less stress.

How to Find What Works for You:

1. Pause for a Moment:
   • Gain clarity by taking a step back. There is power in the pause—it helps you refocus and reassess.
2. Assess What Feels Right:
   • Take stock of when you’re in flow versus when you’re stuck. Small tweaks and incremental adjustments often realign you with what works naturally and reduce overwhelm.
3. Trust Your Gut with Mindfulness:
   • Learning curves can feel uncomfortable, but discomfort doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. Know the difference between growing pains and true misalignment.
4. Experiment with Curiosity and Compassion:
   • Overwhelm comes when you expect instant results. Approach changes with curiosity and compassion—give yourself the space to explore without pressure.
   • Give yourself permission to ‘play’ with testing and learning without expecting perfection.

   **That is the secret sauce to effective problem-solving.

5. Seek an Outside Perspective From a Trusted Souce:
   • Sometimes, we’re too close to see the real issue. A mentor or advisor can help uncover hidden misalignments, saving you time, money, and energy.
6. Adjust as Required:
   • Small, deliberate adjustments are better than big swings. Measure the success of changes before moving on to the next step.

When you follow this 6-step framework to Pause, Assess, Trust, Experiment, Seek, and Adjust… you’ll notice more flow in your business. You’ll avoid disrupting your focus, productivity, and momentum by allowing the best in you to shine. You’ll enjoy the experience more feeling aligned and purposeful.

Remember, just like cooking, the right “spices” can transform your business experience. Next week, I’ll be sharing how you can address hidden challenges and get closer to your goals.

Stay tuned, and share how you spice up your business!

P.S. If you don’t want to wait until next week and are ready to uncover hidden challenges to align your business for success I invite you to claim your complimentary strategy session with me to explore how we can turn your overwhelm into your opportunities.

Claim your complimentary call here.

Only 5 spots are available each month.

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