As a martial arts school owner, maintaining control is essential, but it can sometimes impede progress, especially when it comes to following up with potential students. Here’s how to navigate this challenge effectively.

Understanding the Control Factor: Many school owners struggle with making follow-up calls because they fear rejection. This fear stems from a desire to control outcomes—a tendency that might have served you well as a martial artist but can hinder your business growth. When the time comes to make those calls, you might find yourself doing anything but that—picking up supplies or getting distracted by other tasks. This avoidance is a manifestation of the "control factor," where the fear of hearing 'no' paralyzes your ability to act.

Identifying Conflicting Goals: The conflict arises between the goal to grow your martial arts school and the goal to maintain control over every interaction. These conflicting goals can neutralize each other, leading to stagnation. Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward change.

Managing the Control Factor: Successful martial arts school owners have learned to manage their need for control by prioritizing long-term gains over short-term discomfort. Making follow-up calls might be daunting, but it is essential for business growth. Instead of shying away from potential rejection, embrace it as a necessary step toward reaching your business goals.

Practical Steps to Take Control:

  1. Set Specific Times for Calls: Dedicate a specific time each day or week exclusively for follow-up calls. Treat this time as non-negotiable, much like a class schedule.

  2. Prepare Mentally: Understand that rejection is not personal. Prepare yourself mentally to face 'no' and use it as a stepping stone to eventually get a 'yes.'

  3. Focus on the Action, Not the Outcome: Shift your focus from trying to control the outcome to performing the action. The more calls you make, the more comfortable you will become with the process.

  4. Reward Your Efforts: Set up a reward system for yourself. For every set number of calls made, reward yourself with something small but motivating.

  5. Seek Support: If making calls is daunting, consider role-playing with another school owner or a friend to build confidence. Sometimes, discussing your hesitations with peers can provide new strategies and reassurance.

Embracing Growth Beyond the Comfort Zone: Just as martial arts teach growth through continuous learning and pushing boundaries, managing a school requires the same dedication to personal and professional growth. Recognize when you’re "protecting your puddle" and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

By confronting and managing the control factor effectively, you can transform your approach, making your martial arts school not just a place of learning for students but also a thriving business.