Your Business and Cockroaches: Stress Management for Coaches, Consultants and Service-Based Business
- Jun 8, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 24, 2025
In the fast-paced world of online business, where the landscape is ever-changing and competition is fierce, it's all too common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about navigating the myriad challenges that come our way. Business owners constantly search for strategies and insights to help us thrive in this dynamic environment.
Several years ago, I stumbled upon the story behind the "Cockroach Theory for Self-Development," which is based on the speech delivered by Sundar Pichai. Its wisdom resonates with me today.
While initially, it may seem like an unlikely source of inspiration for our online ventures, the principles embedded within this theory hold valuable lessons that can be applied to our own experiences as business owners.
The story goes like this:
There were groups of people in a restaurant enjoying a delicious meal. Out of nowhere, a cheeky cockroach decides to make a grand entrance and lands on a lady sitting nearby. You can guess what happened next—she freaked out! With a mix of terror and panic, she jumped, screamed, and tried desperately to rid herself of the unwanted guest. And, as luck would have it, her panic became contagious, spreading like wildfire to everyone in her group.
The cockroach decided to terrorize another group, and the same thing happened – screams and panic.
Amidst the commotion, our hero emerges—the waiter! He rushed to the rescue of the distressed group. The mischievous cockroach took a detour and decided to land on the waiter's shoulder. But unlike the rest, the waiter remained cool, calm, and collected.
Instead of joining the chaos, he calmly observed the cockroach's antics on his shirt, strategizing his next move. He then calmly picked up the cockroach and threw it out of the restaurant.
Just like the waiter, you have the power to take control and steer your business toward success, no matter the challenges you encounter along the way.
Here are three things you can learn from this story:
Pause before reacting
It is quite easy to instinctively react out of fear or panic. But, my friend, you are different. You're a savvy coach or consultant who understands the value of thoughtful responses. Instead of letting external circumstances dictate your actions, take a pause. Assess the situation with a clear head and make strategic decisions that align with your well-thought-out plan. You've got this!
Cultivate a Positive Attitude:
Your attitude towards the ups and downs of your coaching or consulting business is a game-changer. Embrace the setbacks and obstacles as valuable learning experiences. Maintain a growth mindset that seeks out opportunities within the chaos. Remember, challenges are stepping stones to your success, and your positive attitude will guide you through.
Prioritize Personal Growth:
The Cockroach Theory reminds us that it's not the disturbances themselves that cause turmoil—it's our inability to handle them. Things will always be beyond our control – our child getting sick, AI taking over our services, or a problematic client. How we handle ourselves and our emotions when these things happen will spell a huge difference in whether we succeed.
In the unpredictable world of online business, we must focus on what we can control: our reactions, emotions, and actions in the face of challenges. By nurturing our internal strength and cultivating the ability to remain calm amidst disruptions and chaos, we equip ourselves with a powerful skill set for navigating the online business world.
Remember, it's not about the external circumstances that arise; it's about how we choose to respond. By honing our ability to stay composed and level-headed, we navigate through obstacles with confidence and grace, positioning ourselves for success.
FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
Step 1: Start with the Free Business Checklist
Get your step-by-step guide to building a strong foundation for your coaching or consulting business.
Step 2: Watch the Free Training
Learn the five blind spots that can sabotage your success -- How to fix them, legally protect your business and gain peace of mind.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Vena Verga-Danemar, an Onlinepreneur Legal Strategist. As both a lawyer and an online business owner, I’ve helped dozens of coaches, consultants, and course creators legally start and grow their businesses using strategies that don’t require working 24/7.
Comments