In the dynamic landscape of business, there is one undeniable truth: the path from where the business stands today to where it aspires to be is not a straight line.  It is a pathway fraught with bends bumps failures and setbacks that will cause the business to move away from their intended pathway.  The pivotal question for the business owner is what they choose to do when confronted by such adversities – will they confront them head-on, charting a new pathway to success or succumb to defeat, allowing the business to wither away?

The crucial question about business resilience was vividly illustrated during my conversation in the past week with two business owners.  Our last conversation in 2023 was brimming with optimism about the future as they eagerly laid out their plans to take the business to the next level.  However, those plans were thrown into disarray when they received a legal notice advising them to immediately cease & desist from using their business name due to a trademark infringement.

Over the past four months, the business owners have been consumed with negotiating with the trademark holder to secure a reasonable time for transition to a new business name, deliberating on and choosing that name, and undertaking the arduous task of rebranding the business.  These months were financially and emotionally taxing for the owners, which has left them drained of enthusiasm and energy at the start of the new year.

Given this, I encouraged them to spend time away from the business before implementing their plans for 2024 to allow themselves the opportunity to rest and relax to replenish their energies.

The following excerpt from Masonic ritual offers a profound insight into emerging resilient from the challenges in business + life:

“…even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet and lift our eyes to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.”

 This excerpt reminds us that any adversity, no matter how formidable, will be overcome with unwavering resolve, faith, and fortitude.