Doing business in the red: why optimism sometimes works against you
About the power and pitfalls of always keeping going
As an entrepreneur, you are naturally inclined to look ahead.
To continue seeing opportunities.
To think: "this will be fine" – even if the numbers on your screen say something completely different.
And it is often that optimism that has brought you this far.
Most businesses don't start out of caution, but out of courage. Out of a dream.
And with every setback – corona, price increases, disappointing sales – it is often that same optimism that makes you roll up your sleeves again.
Because giving up is not an option.
You've been through hard times before.
And you always managed to come back up again.
But sometimes… sometimes that same optimism just digs you into deeper trouble.
Not because you're being stupid. On the contrary: you're working incredibly hard.
But because you believe for too long that the next project, the next invoice, the next month will be the turning point.
You keep investing in your business while the debts pile up.
You keep staff out of loyalty, even though you know you can no longer pay them.
You keep seeking growth, while your foundation is shaking.
It becomes survival instead of entrepreneurship.
And the danger thereof?
You reach a point where you are so deep that you lose sight of your own situation.
You still look ahead, but you no longer look around properly.
And what you need then isn't an even bigger dose of optimism.
But A pause. A fresh perspective. Someone who looks at you honestly.
Because optimism is beautiful – as long as it is supported by realism.
As long as you dare to acknowledge when something no longer works.
As long as you dare to say: “I can't do it alone anymore.”
Because only then can you really do things differently.
At Zuidweg & Partners we speak to entrepreneurs with exactly this profile every day.
Smart, driven, loyal – but also tired, tense, and increasingly in the red.
What do they all have in common?
They would have preferred to have knocked earlier.
Because debt relief isn't weakness. It's courage. It's leadership.
Do you recognize yourself in this? Don't hesitate. Click the button 'Apply for debt assistance' and gain insight into your situation, peace of mind, and control over your future. Free through your municipality. Because you deserve to look ahead again – with confidence and reality.
