Is 'Wrecking Ball Syndrome' Holding You Back?
I’m sitting here doing some writing when I get this itch—the kind that makes me want to dive headfirst into one of my companies, shake things up, and then fix the chaos I just caused.
You ever feel that?
Everything’s running smoothly—deals closing, leads flowing, wires hitting the account—and yet, there’s this nagging urge to “do something.” Maybe it’s boredom, maybe it’s that blue-collar work ethic whispering, “You’re not doing enough!”
But here’s the hard truth: that urge? It’s a trap.
Let me show you why it happens, how to fight it, and where to channel that restless energy instead.
Why We Feel the Urge to Stir Things Up
As entrepreneurs, we’re wired to fix problems. We thrive on the hustle, the grind, the thrill of putting out fires and making things happen.
But when the systems you’ve built are working, and the business is running smoothly, it can feel… weird.
That’s when the itch kicks in. You think, “If I’m not fixing things, what am I even doing here?” And so, you dive in—not because you’re needed, but because you want to feel useful.
Here’s the problem: unnecessary meddling can derail your team, disrupt your systems, and create problems where none existed.
The Trap of Self-Sabotage
Jumping in when you’re not needed isn’t helping—it’s self-sabotage.
It Distracts Your Team: When you insert yourself into smooth operations, you send the message that you don’t trust your team to handle it.
It Derails Progress: Meddling creates extra steps, confusion, and bottlenecks.
It Feeds the Ego: Fixing problems you created might feel good in the moment, but it’s not actual progress—it’s a time-wasting loop.
How to Fight the Urge
Recognizing the urge is step one. Step two? Redirecting that energy into something productive. Here’s how:
1. Focus on Gratitude
Instead of stirring the pot, take a moment to appreciate what’s working. Smooth sailing is a testament to the systems, team, and processes you’ve built.
Action Step:
Reach out to a team member, client, or customer and express your gratitude. A quick call, text, or email goes a long way.
2. Invest in Relationships
When everything’s running smoothly, that’s the perfect time to strengthen connections.
Action Step:
Schedule time to connect with key team members, clients, or partners. Ask how you can support them better or just thank them for their role in your success.
3. Plan the Next Big Move
Instead of tinkering with what’s already working, shift your focus to growth and strategy.
Action Step:
Use the calm to brainstorm your next big project, product, or system upgrade.
4. Know Your Role
As a business owner, your job isn’t to micromanage—it’s to lead. That means stepping in only when you’re truly needed and trusting your team to handle the rest.
Action Step:
Identify areas where you’re still too involved and start delegating.
Why Smooth Sailing is a Win
Here’s the mindset shift: smooth sailing doesn’t mean you’re not needed—it means you’re succeeding.
When the deals are closing, leads are flowing, and the systems are working, it’s not a sign to jump in. It’s a sign that your business is running the way it should.
Your Action Plan to Avoid the Trap
Ready to fight the urge to stir things up? Here’s what to do today:
Express Gratitude: Send a thank-you message to someone who’s helped your business run smoothly.
Strengthen a Relationship: Reach out to a client, customer, or team member and connect.
Brainstorm Your Next Move: Use this calm to plan your next big win.
Delegate, Don’t Meddle: Trust your team and step in only when necessary.
Final Thought: Stay in Your Lane
Here’s the deal: as business owners, we have this itch to stay busy, to feel useful, to fix things. But success doesn’t come from chaos—it comes from strategy, trust, and knowing when to step back.
So, the next time you feel the urge to stir things up, ask yourself: Am I needed here, or am I just restless? Then redirect that energy into something that truly moves the needle.