Surprising Habits That Turn Struggling Businesses Around

If you’re running a small business and feel like you’re constantly putting out fires, you’re not alone. At some point, nearly every business owner hits a wall — sales slow down, expenses creep up, the team loses focus, or you just feel plain burnt out. It’s tempting to think the solution lies in some magic marketing trick or shiny new tech, but in reality, the real turnaround often starts with a handful of simple (and surprising) habits.

Here’s the good news: small shifts in your daily habits can lead to big transformations in your business. And the even better news? They’re not hard — but they do require consistency.

Here are the surprisingly powerful habits that can help turn your struggling business into a thriving one.

1. They Stop Trying to Do Everything Themselves

This is one of the most common traps small business owners fall into. You start off wearing all the hats — marketing, sales, operations, bookkeeping, admin — and at first, it makes sense. But what gets you off the ground won’t get you to the next level.
Successful business owners realise this fast. They learn to delegate, outsource, and automate. Not just to lighten the load, but to allow them to focus on what actually grows the business.
Ask yourself: What are 3 tasks I do every week that someone else could handle?

2. They Build a Morning Routine (That Doesn’t Involve Emails)

Emails, notifications, and to-do lists can hijack your day before you’ve even had coffee. Business owners who turn things around carve out time before the chaos begins to think, plan, and get clear on priorities.
We’re not saying you need to meditate for an hour at sunrise — but a consistent 15–30 minutes each morning to review your goals, look at the numbers, or simply journal your thoughts can give you the edge most business owners skip.
Try this: Start your day with one question — “What is the ONE thing I can do today that will move my business forward?”

3. They Meet With Themselves Weekly

Weird, right? But it works.
Struggling businesses often operate in reactive mode. Fires. Urgencies. “Quick questions.” But business owners who pull ahead make time each week to step back and look at the big picture. They review metrics, wins, challenges, and set goals — even if it’s just them.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about pausing to think strategically instead of running on autopilot.
Book a weekly CEO meeting with yourself. No interruptions. Just you, your goals, and your plan.

4. They Track What Matters — And Ignore the Noise

A struggling business is often drowning in distractions. Likes, comments, email opens, busy work… none of it pays the bills.
Successful owners get crystal clear on the numbers that actually matter: revenue, profit margin, customer acquisition cost, retention rate, cash flow. And they track those religiously.
What are your “5 critical numbers”? If you don’t know them, start tracking them this week.

5. They Get Help (Before They’re Desperate)

Here’s the truth most people don’t like to admit: the smartest business owners ask for help.
Not because they’re weak — but because they know the value of outside perspective. Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or peer group, they surround themselves with people who will challenge them, support them, and hold them accountable.
You weren’t meant to figure this all out alone. And you don’t have to.

It’s Not Magic — It’s Momentum

Turning a struggling business around doesn’t require a flashy campaign or a viral video. Often, it’s the simple, boring, consistent habits — done day in and day out — that create the shift.
If your business is feeling stuck, it might be time to stop doing more and start doing what actually moves the needle.

Ready to turn things around?

Contact Business Coaches Sydney for tailored business coaching designed specifically for small business owners like you. Whether you need clarity, structure, systems, or just someone in your corner — we’re here to help.

Reach out today and let’s build the habits that lead to real business growth.

Call 1300 833 574 or Email info@businesscoachessydney.com.au

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Author – Garret Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/garretnorris/