There are times where the events of the day cause the emotions to override the “Business is always just Business” rule.

Ever had one of those mornings where everything seems to conspire against you? The coffee pot explodes, your dog eats your favourite shoes, and you stumble into work feeling like a deflated balloon? Yeah, that’s my kind of day. And the Business is always just business rule does not apply today!

But here’s the thing: admitting to feeling less than invincible isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a badge of humanity. We, as entrepreneurs and business owners, often get painted as superhuman beings, juggling deadlines and deals with a perpetual grin plastered on our faces. But the truth is, we’re all just people under the social media filter, and people, well, have feelings.

Feeling the sting of “constructive criticism,” the gut punch of a lost client, or the constant tightrope walk of work-life balance is all part of the experience. And guess what? It’s perfectly okay. It’s a reminder that we care and pour our hearts and souls into every interaction, project, and email. That passion is what fuels our drive, but it also leaves us a little vulnerable sometimes.

But here’s the other crucial point: vulnerability isn’t just about our internal battles. Sometimes, the world throws us curveballs. A competitor lands a dream deal, a client’s priorities shift, or that offhand comment in a meeting lands like a stray arrow. It’s a harsh reality, but sometimes, it’s not about us at all.

So, instead of pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows, let’s embrace the power of vulnerability in business. Here are a few ways we can do that:

• Be kind. Always. You never know what someone else is battling behind their screens or smiles. A casual joke might land harder than you think; that critical email might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Choose empathy over sarcasm, understanding over assumptions.
• Reach out. Please. If you’re struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to a colleague, vent to a friend, seek professional help. There’s no shame in admitting you’re not a superhero. It’s the bravest thing you can do. (You can even book a discovery call with me and we will chat)
• Celebrate the wobbly steps. We all have days, weeks, or even months. Instead of beating ourselves up, let’s acknowledge the struggle and celebrate the small victories. Every wobbly step is a step forward; sometimes, that’s all that matters.

Remember, none of us has it all together all the time. So, let’s ditch the facade and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of being human. Let’s check in with each other, not just on social media, but with genuine concern. Because sometimes, all it takes is a listening ear and a kind word to turn a crumpled sock back into a superhero ready to take on the world, one wobbly step at a time.