Mar 23
/
Anna Bromley
Why Is Tracking Sales So Hard for Business Owners? Overcoming Emotional Blocks and Data Overload
Why Sales Data Feels Personal
Why do I find it so hard to track my business sales? Honestly, it feels similar to stepping on the scales—I just don’t want to see the number. Because seeing those figures hurts, deeply.
Digging into my sales figures or Profit and Loss (P&L) statements is as daunting as stepping on the scales right after Christmas. These numbers judge me, and my fragile ego just wants to hide from them. My business numbers feel intensely personal, like a mirror screaming back at me, "YOU'VE FAILED."
I’m willing to grind and do the work, but facing my own success or failure through numbers is excruciatingly painful. Surely, I can't be the only one who feels this way?
The True Meaning Behind the Numbers
Numbers aren't merely digits—they’re manifestations of my mindset, beliefs, perseverance, and self-worth. The fact that I've operated my business for eight years without ever properly reviewing my P&L speaks volumes about my avoidance. As long as I can manage to pay my bills and sustain my lifestyle, I convince myself I don't need to look closely. But is this approach really helping?
The Unending Pursuit of Perfection
The harsh truth is that, in my eyes, my numbers will never feel good enough. It mirrors my feelings when measuring my waistline, weighing myself, or checking my bank balance. Clearly, this is a deeper issue.
This article is an acknowledgment of my struggle and an openness to moving forward—even if I'm unsure exactly how. Recognising the emotional pain caused by tracking my business numbers is a crucial first step.
Data Overload and the Feeling of Overwhelm
Beyond emotional resistance, there's also a practical challenge. Data is everywhere. I have a website for selling my courses, platforms where I sell those same courses, accountants managing my consulting business, interactions with HMRC, bank accounts, rented assets, and investments like stocks and shares ISAs.
Trying to track and consolidate all these quantitative and qualitative data points is like navigating a complex maze. My nervous system often responds by wanting to shut everything down. After managing large, overwhelming projects all day, by evenings or weekends, any motivation to confront my numbers evaporates.
Reframing How I View My Business Numbers
So, what can I realistically do about this?
Instead of spiralling into doom-scrolling or panic, perhaps I could try reframing the numbers as neutral, informative inputs—akin to checking the weather rather than the scales.
Maybe establishing a ritual around tracking these numbers could help. Sitting down calmly with a cup of tea, treating the exercise as if checking in with a good friend, might ease the discomfort. Although, realistically, I might need actual support to hold myself accountable, though I worry this could become burdensome to someone else.
Practical Steps to Simplify Tracking
I've tried creating a straightforward Google Sheets template to capture key performance indicators. However, gathering essential numbers still involves too many steps. Simplifying this further, documenting clearly where to find these figures, or even automating weekly email updates might help. Whatever solution I choose, it needs to be easily accessible, or I simply won't follow through.
Staying Motivated Through the Difficulty
My business is something I genuinely care deeply about—and that's beneficial. My deep attachment can hopefully motivate me to continue, even when the temptation to stop, quit, or give up becomes strong.
Most worthwhile things in life are challenging, but they're worth doing.
Let's keep pushing forward!
Onwards!
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