Analysis to a Point of Paralysis

Emotional Detour #3 is one that I’m sure we can all relate to. We call it being 100% comfortable.

Have you ever noticed that making decisions, especially big ones, usually require the right “feeling”? If that is you, welcome to the human race. In spite of all of the logic and objectivity we claim to have, at the end of the day, we want to feel sure about our decisions. There’s nothing wrong with that of course, unless we let that need require us to be 100% comfortable.

You may remember that our #1 Detour was fear. We’re always afraid of what we don’t know or what “may” happen.

The need to be 100% comfortable is a manifestation of just that. We tend to worry about that unknown that we just can’t seem to uncover.So here we are. We need to make a decision about purchasing a business. We move through the information gathering process, looking for those perfect pieces of data that will “insure” our success. As time goes by, we eventually realize that perfection is probably not possible.

If you’re looking for that “perfect” business, you’ll likely be disappointed, especially if it’s a concept where you have little or no experience. Every business model you explore will probably have some activity that will require a learning curve in order for you to be successful, and there will always be things you’ll learn after you’re in the thick of it. That’s just the way it goes.

Here’s some good news. If you’re looking at franchises, you’re actually validating a system. That system is already tested and proven. There are likely several people out there operating that system getting the results that you’d want for yourself. Even if the franchise company is relatively new, what you need to determine is your ability and your willingness to follow that system to make your business successful. After spending some time speaking to some owners, you should gain some confidence, but even then you’ll realize they found success by making the system work.

I hate to disappoint you, but whether you’re looking at a franchise or an independent business, that feeling of "100% comfort" really doesn’t exist. Ninety percent is as much as you can hope for. The other 10% simply doesn’t exist outside of you. That’s okay. If you hit 90%, you did a great job finding out what you need to know. That last 10% of trepidation will turn into enthusiasm as soon as you’ve gotten past the decision point and started your new business.

You can do it!