Opening your own martial arts school is an exciting venture, but it comes with its unique set of challenges, notably the issue of control. A critical aspect of school management involves following up with potential students who showed initial interest but didn't enroll. While it might seem straightforward, the act of picking up the phone can be daunting due to the fear of rejection.

Imagine it’s 3 PM—you know it’s time to make those follow-up calls, yet you find yourself heading out to pick up flyers or shop for business supplies instead. By week's end, not a single call has been made. You might think another time management course is the solution, but the real hurdle is deeper: it’s about control.

In your martial arts business, you are respected, even revered. People address you as Master. But making those calls opens you up to potential rejection, an outcome you cannot control, which can be paralyzing. This fear creates a conflict between the goal of growing your school and the desire to maintain control over every situation. These conflicting goals can lead to inaction.

This is a common struggle, not unique to you but part of the broader human experience. The key to overcoming this is recognizing the issue and addressing the underlying fear of loss of control, referred to as the "control factor."

Successful martial arts school owners have learned to manage this control factor. They embrace the concept of short-term discomfort for long-term gain. Making those calls might be uncomfortable, but it's essential for the growth and success of the school. Conversely, avoiding these calls can lead to the long-term detriment of your business.

The solution is action. While you might feel tempted to continue your education or busy yourself with other tasks, the successful approach involves making those calls, embracing potential rejection, and moving forward. This proactive approach is about prioritizing execution over avoidance and embracing new challenges without fear.

Remember, successful school owners delegate, relinquish control where necessary, and are not afraid to try new ideas. They understand that true growth comes from stepping out of the comfort zone and taking decisive action every day. Embrace this mindset, and you'll see your school flourish as you effectively manage the control factor.