Your ability to compartmentalize might be the most underrated entrepreneurial skill nobody talks about. When personal crisis strikes, the stark difference between being an employee and a business owner becomes painfully clear—nobody pays you for downtime or emotional processing when you run the show.

After my son's recent heart procedure (his fourth since being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition), I found myself reflecting on a powerful conversation with my father that changed everything for me. He offered this gem: "You can't carry everyone's emotional baggage and simultaneously build the kind of business that can financially support them when they need it." That hit me like a freight train of truth.

As purpose-driven entrepreneurs who genuinely care about others, we often think bearing their burdens demonstrates our love. But the cruel irony is that by taking on everyone's problems, we diminish our capacity to create the financial resources that could actually help them. Money doesn't solve everything, but it certainly softens the blow of medical bills, career transitions, and life's unexpected challenges. I've had to learn the discipline of "clocking in and out"—creating mental boundaries between business focus and personal presence. My go-to affirmation became: "If I can't fix the problem right now, I'm not going to carry the burden right now."

Are you struggling with the weight of personal crisis while trying to maintain your business? Give yourself permission to stop carrying what you can't currently fix. Focus instead on building something that positions you to help in more meaningful ways. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—I'd love to connect with others navigating this challenging balance.

If you would like to learn more about working with Josh, and the Performance Coaching Certification, visit JoshCoats.com!