Emerging From the 100 Days of Hell: What to Do Next

For lawn and landscape business owners, the period leading up to July 4th is often referred to as “the 100 days of hell,” marked by relentless work, tight deadlines, and high stress.

As we delve into the experiences of lawn and landscape business owners, we explore what happens once they finally emerge from the grueling 100 days of hell. By the time July 4th rolls around, these individuals are left feeling utterly exhausted, worn out, and perhaps a bit disillusioned. Dealing with difficult customers, hiring and firing employees, and facing constant pressure to meet commitments takes a toll on even the most dedicated business owner.

By the end of this period, business owners may feel:

• Exhausted: The physical and mental toll of non-stop work.
• Disillusioned: Frustration from unmet goals or difficult business interactions.
• Overwhelmed: Pressure from managing customer expectations and employee dynamics.

Navigating Post-Season Judgment

In the aftermath of such intense periods, business owners may fall into a judgmental mindset.

This mindset, as explained by Marilee Adams in her book “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” consists of asking negative questions like “What’s wrong with them?” and “Why bother?”. It’s completely understandable to feel this way given the fatigue and stress of the season. However, it’s essential to resist this mindset and redirect our focus towards a more positive and learner-oriented approach.

What often happens is we let one or two bad experiences color our perception of everyone, including customers, employees, and even ourselves. We find ourselves deep in the “judger pit”, armed with evidence to prove our negative beliefs. Unfortunately, progress is nearly impossible in this pit, leading to a repetitive cycle of frustration and stagnation.

The judgmental mindset is characterized by:

• Negative Questioning: Asking questions such as “What’s wrong with them?” or “Why bother?” which are counterproductive.
• Generalization: Allowing one or two negative experiences to influence perceptions of all customers or employees.

Introducing the Choice Map

That’s where the valuable tool “The Choice Map”, from Marilee’s book, comes in. It serves as a guide to staying on the learner path with a growth mindset. We must actively stop ourselves when we notice our thoughts drifting towards judgment and ask the right questions to steer ourselves back to a place of learning. This tool proves useful not only in work situations but also in our personal lives when we find ourselves getting caught up in negativity.

To combat negativity, The Choice Map acts as a guide to maintain a growth-oriented perspective:

• Learner Path: Focusing on constructive questions and solutions.
• Judger Path: Identifying when negative thinking occurs and actively choosing to redirect thoughts.

Implementing the Choice Map at Work

1. Recognize Judger Triggers: Identify situations that lead to negative thinking.
2. Ask Constructive Questions: Shift from judgmental queries to learner questions, such as:
   • “What can I learn from this experience?”
   • “How can I improve this situation?”
3. Practice Regular Reflection: Regularly assess your mindset and adjust accordingly.

It’s important to acknowledge that these challenges and negative moods are inevitable parts of being a business owner. The pressure is always on, and it’s only natural to experience moments of frustration. That’s why we embrace the power of the choice map at both Green Profit Academy and American Landscape and Lawn Science. This resource helps us recognize when we’re slipping into a judger mindset and gives us the tools to transition out of it. We ask ourselves, “Is staying in judgment serving us? Is it bringing us closer to our goals? Would we want to be around someone in that mindset?” By making a conscious choice to shift our perspective, we can create better lives and better companies!

FAQs

1. Why is the period leading up to July 4th so challenging for lawn and landscape businesses?

• The surge in demand during the spring and early summer creates a high-pressure environment, requiring extended hours to meet customer needs and manage a seasonal workforce.

2. What is the “judger mindset”?

• It refers to a negative mindset where individuals focus on blame and criticism rather than solutions and growth.

3. How can business owners benefit from using the choice map?

• By consistently choosing a learner mindset, business owners can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and foster a more positive work environment.

4. Can the principles from the choice map apply to personal life as well?

• Absolutely. The tools from the choice map are versatile and can improve interpersonal relationships and personal well-being by encouraging a solution-focused attitude.

5. How do I know if I am on the learner path?

• You are on the learner path if you are asking yourself questions that focus on learning, solutions, and growth rather than criticism or blame.

Key Takeaways