I had started coaching a seemingly successful business owner who had been in business for over 16 years.

As I began working with him I noticed that over a period of time he continued to make excuses for not doing assignments and for cancelling his coaching sessions. You guessed it – he was far too busy!! Go figure!

He complained that he was stressed, tired and the business was going backwards.

I explained that he was still operating his business as a start up model. That is, he was doing too much. He was still working on the tools, managing and being the business entrepreneur. His business had reached the point where the only way to go was backwards. There was no room for new thinking or growth because he wasn’t allowing himself the time that was required to work on the business which was the whole point of him engaging me as a coach.

I encouraged him to consider what role(s) he wanted to hold in the business. It was clear he enjoyed being a business entrepreneur and that he would rather not have to also manage the business and help out on the tools as required. I suggested he formulate a plan to make this desire a reality. He agreed that was a great idea……..however you guessed it- he never did the work to make it happen.

Having gained this clarity he continued his habit of doing what he had always done – work work work in the business!

What happened next? He ended up in hospital a sick man. This for him became a defining moment. He at last got it – if he didn’t start looking after himself everything else was irrelevant. He made the decision to sell his business – just like that.

Its sad but true that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

Some people are just determined to get there the hard way!